The New England Patriots rookies have returned to Gillette Stadium to kick off this year’s training camp, with veterans expected to join them shortly. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel, the team’s first practice of the summer is slated for Wednesday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. ET.
As the training camp approaches, the focus turns to the Patriots’ special teams, a unit undergoing significant changes this offseason. The team has retained special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer and assistant Tom Quinn, leading to a major remodeling of their specialists.
A key transition occurred at kicker following the departure of veteran Joey Slye, who had a subpar season, making just 26 of 33 field goals last year. The Patriots retained John Parker Romo on the roster after he joined the practice squad mid-season and made a strategic move by selecting Miami’s Andres Borregales as the first kicker taken in the draft during the sixth round.
Additionally, the Patriots surprised many by selecting long snapper Julian Ashby in the seventh round, which resulted in the release of Joe Cardona, the last player from the team’s 2018 Super Bowl roster.
With Borregales and Ashby joining the squad, punter Bryce Baringer remains as the veteran of the special teams unit after a promising sophomore season. He will aim to enhance his performance alongside the new specialists.
A crucial aspect to monitor is Borregales’ consistency. The coaching staff has emphasized this trait when discussing him, as he showcased his capabilities by going 18-of-19 on field goal attempts with the Hurricanes last season. His strong performance in spring practices, where he connected on 19 of 20 attempts, positions him as the leading candidate for the starting kicker job. He will need to maintain this level of consistency throughout training camp and the upcoming season.
Moreover, the partnership dynamic—especially with Ashby as long snapper—will play a pivotal role. Ashby’s athleticism is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of the special teams, particularly in covering kicks.
This proactive approach to revamping the special teams suggests an optimistic outlook as the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season. The blend of new talent and the development of teamwork could yield positive results as they strive for success on the field.