The New England Patriots logged their mellowest practice session on Friday, with coach Bill Belichick enjoying the laid-back day to chat with his buddy, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
Of course, New England isn’t slacking. The team is just pacing itself for what will be a marathon of practices, including two-a-days, over the next month. So Friday’s session was slower than the other two practices. It’s possible — and likely — that Saturday’s session will be the slowest, with the team stepping into pads on Monday for their first contact practice. That’s the moment the players, coaches and media have been waiting for.