Team lauds coaches for virus safety protocols
Players laud coaching staff for safety measures
More than ever, the Patriots are sticking to their platitudes.
Controlling what they can control. Taking every day, practice and game one at a time.
Bill Belichick put a new spin on that last cliché Saturday, uttering “hour by hour” three times during his morning press conference.
Several hours later, after the Pats’ first practice in a week — one held without Cam Newton or Stephon Gilmore — players explained how through those ideas they survived a week that started with a 16-point loss in Kansas City and only grew worse.
Cornerback Jason McCourty shared he’s one of a few Patriots to move into a hotel and away from their families after Gilmore’s positive test. Other Patriots worked out in local parks to stay sharp, with the team’s facility closed Wednesday through Friday. Some stood up and paced about their houses just to stay loose, while admitting they’ve taken more notes during recent virtual meetings than perhaps ever before.
At Saturday’s practice, every player wore face shields or masks beneath their helmets to mitigate the risk of potentially spreading any lingering virus that’s sidelined three of their teammates. They distanced themselves whenever possible, according to McCourty. Coaches continued to wear masks, as they have since training camp.
Aside from Newton and Gilmore, defensive captain Devin McCourty was the only other player missing at practice. He was absent for non-injury reasons, per sources, and is expected to play Monday against Denver.
All in all, the Pats’ maintained an inward focus because they believe they’re entirely on their own.
It was Belichick’s decision to shut down the facility Wednesday, a move that provided great relief to his players. Belichick made the call hours after the NFL insisted the team fly to and from Kansas City within 72 hours of discovering Newton’s positive test. The McCourtys and other team leaders pressed the NFLPA then whether such travel was safe, understanding the virus’ median incubation period of four to five days had yet to pass since Newton’s positive test, meaning no one could be certain if the virus had spread.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gilmore tested positive the next day. At least, according to Jason McCourty, the feedback from his fellow cornerback has been encouraging.
“I know I talked to Steph the other day, and I think he’s feeling fine,” McCourty said.
Because of his absence Saturday, it’s highly unlikely Gilmore will play Monday, which would require approval by a team physician. Same for Newton.
Meanwhile, the McCourtys continue to call and question their union. Jason McCourty believes the NFL and NFLPA simply don’t care. So, the Pats prepare and practice by their own rules and lean on one another remotely.
“The mental side of it, it’s probably the most difficult thing,” said Patriots defensive tackle Lawrence Guy. “So you’re just trying to give everybody that space to go
out there and express themselves. And you’ve got to put some laughter in there, have some fun. Show a funny meme or chat about something funny and talk about it, just to liven up the situation that we’re in.”
Pending a fourth straight day of negative test results, the Pats will return for a walkthrough Sunday.
Their total practice work will resemble the on-field preparation done for a Thursday night game, though the number of team meetings and amount of film work far exceeds that of a short week. The Pats are banking that will carry them Monday.
In Denver, the Broncos have become more prepared than they’ve been for any other game this season. The Pats spurned that opportunity to properly prepare against COVID-19.
“What’s best for our football team is the health and safety of our team. That’s our No. 1 priority,” Belichick said. “That’s got to come first. I think everybody recognizes that, feels the same way and we’ll have to work maybe a little bit harder to make up for some of the on-the-field practice time that we’ve missed this week, but we can’t compromise the health, safety and wellbeing of our football team, including our staff.
“I don’t think that’s the answer, I don’t think that’s the way to go in the long term, and I think that’s going to be much more detrimental than a short-term adjustment that we have to make in order to maximize everyone’s health and safety.”
It was the rare week Belichick accepted a competitive disadvantage leading up to kickoff. Of course, this was no ordinary week. It tested the Patriots like none before, and they may just pass — thanks to their decisions, their efforts and no one else.
“It’s definitely a challenge, but I think it is up to us as players to play for one another and — I want to go win for Steph, I want to go win for Cam, Bill Murray, those guys who aren’t here right now,” Jason McCourty said. “So I am going to make sure I do everything I possibly can to go out and prepare myself, so I can be as ready as I possibly can come Monday.”