Andrews pushes back on NFLPA report
EVERETT >> One day after the NFLPA released its inaugural Team Report Cards, which hammered the Patriots, among other teams, for their facilities and players’ working conditions, captain David Andrews pushed back on the criticism.
“Any survey can be skewed,” Andrews said, following his appearance at the Lafayette School as part of Read Across America Day. “There’s guys that may have only been in New England, guys that have maybe been with one other team, or ten other teams who took the survey. There’s guys that have families, guys that don’t have families, whatever it may be.
“For me, I’ve loved my time here. And I think everything in that building is designed to help us succeed, and to help us win.”
The report, which surveyed 1,300 players and graded every NFL franchise in eight areas (treatment of families, food service/nutrition, weight rooms, strength coaches, training rooms, training staffs, locker room and team travel) had the Patriots rated 24th overall. The weight room (D), team travel (D+), treatment of families (C-) and the training room (C-) received the worst grades. The training staff received the lone A.
Andrews, who’s spent his entire career in New England dating back to 2015, said he could understand differing views, but reiterated he’s had a positive working experience in Foxboro.
“I’m grateful to be in that building. It’s got everything I need to be successful,” he said. “The training staff, the equipment staff, every staff has always been great to me, and helped me out. I think there’s everything I need to succeed in there.”
According the report, only 64% of players believe owner Robert Kraft is willing to spend the money necessary for upgrades. Kraft ranked 26th among the 32 owners in that category. Last year, Kraft commissioned a $225 million renovation to Gillette Stadium that is expected to be finished before the start of the 2023 season.
Part of the renovation will include a new weight room and training room for players, which were flagged as old and outdated in the survey. Like the facilities, Andrews defended his owner’s willingness to spend.
“I think Mr. Kraft is super competitive. I think his focus is on winning, trying to win,” he said. “And, like the coaches, is doing everything in his power to help us win. The Kraft family has been good to me. I’ll always have respect and appreciation for everything they’ve done … I can understand (the complaints) but if you’ve only been to a few different teams, or one team, you might not know what it’s like (elsewhere).
“But sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
Pats re-hire ex-scout
The Patriots are expected to add former Panthers vice president of player personnel Pat Stewart to their front office, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
Stewart, who worked in the Pats’ scouting department from 2007-17, spent three seasons as a highranking executive in Carolina. Before joining the Panthers as their director of player personnel n 2020, he worked as a national scout for the Eagles for two years.
Stewart previously worked as a pro scout and college scout for the Patriots, who hired him despite reported interest from other teams.
It’s unclear what Stewart’s role and title will be in New England, where Bill Belichick has final say but leans heavily on director of player personnel Matt Groh and director of scouting Eliot Wolf.
Andrews excited by staff hires
Before he met Bill
O’Brien for the first time last month, Andrews made sure to get a scouting report on his new offensive coordinator.
After speaking with former Patriots, and friends who played under O’Brien in Houston, Andrews felt he learned all he needed to know. The verdict? Thumbs up.
“I’m excited to get to learn from him,” Andrews said Thursday. “There will soon be some new things, new things I want to understand about the game of
football because I love it.”
Andrews also indicated he had also spoken with his new offensive line coach, Adrian Klemm.
“Connor McDermott played for him at UCLA,” said Andrews. “Connor likes him, but again, I’m excited to see how he sees the game, what I can learn, and what he can bring to help me, and help our team.”
Extra points
Belichick is not expected to attend the combine, per
a team spokesperson. Joe Judge joined the Patriots’ small contingent in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Judge’s new role has yet to be determined after O’Brien replaced him as quarterbacks coach. … The Patriots reportedly met with Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, a projected top-15 pick. … On-field workouts continue Friday with safeties, cornerbacks and kickers, while the top quarterbacks and wide receivers meet with reporters.