The New England Patriots are shaking things up during this year’s training camp, embracing a wave of innovation aimed at both sides of the ball. Leading this transformation is new head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who are instilling fresh strategies and testing unexplored player potentials.
Keion White's Versatility
One of the most notable experiments during camp is defensive lineman Keion White taking snaps at fullback. Monday's practice marked the first time White has ever played at the position, a significant shift given his previous experience as a tight end in college. Speaking about this new role, White shared, "Trying new things out, just seeing where I can go, anything I can do."
Though still early, White remains optimistic while awaiting the chance to review his performance. "Today was Day 1. I haven't even watched the film yet, so we'll see," he said, underscoring the trial-and-error nature of training camp.
Focus on Defense
Defensively, the Patriots are leaning on the foundation built last season, focusing on becoming the top unit in the league. "Our goal as a unit is to be the No. 1 defense. That's always the goal, to be No. 1," White affirmed. His approach to achieving this involves being a "dominant player, striking with my hands... getting vertical separation and getting off the ball and making my tackles."
As the team prepares to face the Carolina Panthers this Thursday night in their preseason opener, White expressed excitement about competing against an opponent. "Going against somebody else finally," he remarked, reflecting a palpable readiness to transition from practice to game scenarios.
Quarterback Transition
On the offensive end, the Patriots are adjusting to a new quarterback, with the competition heating up between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. This period of transition is critical as the team aims to build cohesion and rhythm in their offensive playbook.
Preparation and Mindset
Amid these changes, maintaining focus and tuning out distractions are key. White emphasized, "You gotta kind of ignore the noise and control what you can control, which is every day out here at practice."
The forthcoming preseason opener against the Panthers is more than just a game; it's the first real test of the new strategies and player alignments. As Keion White and his teammates step into this new chapter, all eyes will be on how these innovations and experiments will pan out on the field.