Christian Fauria believes the Patriots are well behind schedule.
NFL training camps unfold a bit differently these days than when Fauria was a tight end in the league. Per the rules of the NFL's current collective bargaining agreement, players are entitled to more rest periods than those who came before them.
As such, Jerod Mayo and company planned an off day for New England last Wednesday, a little over one week before the team's first preseason contest. Even though he's well aware of the new rules, Fauria was baffled by the scheduling.
"It is crazy, man," the two-time Super Bowl champion said Wednesday on WEEI. "I hate to be the old guy that says, 'Get off my lawn.' But I just don't know why they need a day off."
Fauria added: "They should be doing something today. They should be working today! The Patriots need the work! I am amazed that they are not on the field. It's amazing! I know that players want, like, their freedom. And they want their rest. And they want some sort of say in how they're used. But holy crap!
"They got five weeks before the first game. They're so far behind, they're so far behind. I'm amazed that they just got the day off. What are they gonna do today? What are they gonna watch? There's no film to watch."
Fauria probably is right in arguing the Patriots need as much time as they can to get ready for the regular season. Such is life when a franchise makes wholesale offseason changes and ushers in an entirely new regime.
But Mayo and his staff are working by the guidelines of the league, and the linebacker-tuned-coach has been around the game long enough to know what's in the best interest of his players. New England very well could struggle out of the gate come September, but that probably could be chalked up to an inferior roster rather than limited practice time.
New England will resume training camp Monday morning on the fields outside Gillette Stadium.
