The 2023 NFL season is just a few months away and while there are no NFL games today, the New England Patriots training camp provides fans with an excellent opportunity to see their favorite team up close.
After missing the playoffs for the second time in three years, there’s a level of frustration In New England right now. However, the Patriots made much-needed changes to the coaching staff this offseason and it sparked renewed confidence in the team’s approach for the upcoming season. Now, fans are getting excited about witnessing an elite defense and an improving offense on display this summer.
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Let’s dive into our New England Patriots training camp preview, including the schedule, top storylines and FAQ for the fans this summer.
New England Patriots training camp schedule 2023
New England Patriots training camp begins on Wednesday, July 23. The first three practices are open to the general public. New England will announce the remainder of its training camp schedule at a later date. Here are the announced dates on the Patriots training camp schedule.
- Wednesday, July 26 – Time TBD
- Thursday, July 27 – Time TBD
- Friday, July 28 – Time TBD
- Aug. 16 – Joint practice with Green Bay Packers
- Aug. 17 – Joint practice with Green Bay Packers
- Aug. 22 – Joint practice with Tennessee Titans
- Aug. 23 – Joint practice with Tennessee Titans
The remainder of the Patriots’ training camp dates will be provided in the final days of June.
New England Patriots training camp storylines
Young Patriots get opportunities to prove themselves
New England has become more dependent upon rookies and second-year players becoming key elements of their success in recent years. Last season, it was defensive lineman Christian Barmore, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and defensive backs Marcus Jones and Jack Jones.
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This year, eyes fall on a different group of players. Cole Strange, the Patriots’ 2022 first-round pick, needs to make a second-year leap and become a far more consistent interior blocker. Meanwhile, Tyquan Thornton is being thrust into a much larger role as a go-to threat in this passing attack. We’ve also got our eyes on running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, with one of them needing to step up as Stevenson’s backup. Fans will want to pay close attention to all of them during practices.
Keeping a watchful eye on Jack Jones’ situation
The Patriots knew when they drafted cornerback Jack Jones that he carried off-field concerns. However, it wasn’t an issue for the majority of his rookie season. He was one of the best first-year cornerbacks in the NFL and, despite a suspension at the end of his rookie season, was projected to play a key role in New England’s secondary this fall.
Now, there’s uncertainty. Jones was arrested on gun charges in Junes for allegedly bringing weapons into the airport and he was recently arraigned. He isn’t due back in court until Aug. 18 (ESPN), towards the end of Patriots training camp. Fans will likely see Jones on the practice field a lot this summer. The question is, what discipline could be looming and it’s a top storyline because New England loses significant depth if he misses significant time.
Related: NFL defense rankings 2023
Will the Patriots sign DeAndre Hopkins?
New England brought All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in for a two-day visit and the meeting went very well. He likes the Patriots’ organization and his past issues with Bill O’Brien are not going to prevent a signing. However, New England isn’t offering him the money he wants and that means Hopkins will potentially be a free agent when training camp begins.
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New England’s passing attack needs him. JuJu Smith-Schuster is injured, DeVante Parker didn’t come close to meeting the coaches’ expectations in 2022 and Thornton is largely unproven. Quarterbacks need at least one go-to receiver they can trust to have success, New England doesn’t have that right now. If Hopkins is unsigned in August and Bill Belichick doesn’t like what he sees from the receiving corps, the Patriots might have to improve their offer.
All eyes on Mac Jones
Mac Jones played in the Pro Bowl after his rookie season, playing like a quarterback who looked like he could be the starter for a decade-plus. Then, Belichick replaced Josh McDaniels with coaches who had no business running the offense or working one-on-one with Jones.
The situation is very different in 2023. O’Brien and Jones have a very good relationship. Of far greater importance, O’Brien is bringing concepts from the Alabama playbook that Jones liked and he’ll be conducting things professionally. All of that has already made Jones more comfortable and confident heading into training camp. Now, the 24-year-old quarterback needs to look a lot more like the passer we saw in 2021. If he returns to form, the buzz coming out of New England will be legitimate.
FAQ for New England Patriots training camp
Is Patriots training camp open to the public?
Yes, specific Patriots’ training camp practices are open to the public and they are free to attend. New England’s first three practices are open to fans, with more fan-friendly training camp dates still to come.
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What can you bring into Patriots training camp?
The Patriots prohibit fans from bringing animals (except service animals, alcoholic beverages, beach balls, coolers, bullhorns, fireworks, flags, GoPro cameras, laser pens, noise makers, selfie stickers, weapons, video cameras or other inappropriate items to training camp.
Related: NFL insider offers insight on relationship between DeAndre Hopkins, Bill O’Brien
What time is Patriots training camp?
New England hasn’t announced its times for training camp practices. However, the Patriots’ practices will typically be in the early afternoon or late in the morning.
Related: New England Patriots JuJu Smith-Schuster dealing with injury from 2022 season
How much does it cost to go to Patriots training camp?
Attending the Patriots training camp is free. You can find more info on the team’s official website. For additional information, including daily updates, New England encourages fans to call its training camp information hotline – (508)-549-0001 – throughout the summer.
Related: New England Patriots reporter explains cause of Mac Jones, Bill Belichick rift
How long does Patriots training camp last?
Patriots training camp will last from Wednesday, July 26 through the final weeks in August. Each practice typically lasts approximately 2.5 hours, subject to change based on weather conditions and the team’s plans.
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Where is Patriots training camp?
The Patriots hold training camp at their practice facility behind Gillette Stadium. New England is one of only a handful of NFL teams with their training camp facility right next to their stadium.