FOXBORO – When Jonnu Smith made a twisting, turning, over-the-shoulder landing catch from Mac Jones throughout an early 7-on-7 interval, the followers taking in Day 3 of Patriot coaching camp erupted.
The cheers topped the decimal meter as a result of it was a sensational play. It may also have been an acknowledgment from the followers that these are the sort of performs followers are hoping and anticipating from Smith.
Given the Patriots signed him in free company to a whopping four-year, $50 million contract that included $31.25 million assured, that was the expectation from the previous Titan.
Entering free company, Smith was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded obtainable tight finish.
So it appeared just like the Patriots had scored by reeling him in, together with Hunter Henry.
Smith’s 28-catch season stated in any other case.
It’s a brand new 12 months, although, and if Smith constantly exhibits off that athleticism, and helps raise the offense, all is perhaps forgiven.
On Friday, he had his finest exhibiting of coaching camp, with three catches, together with that magnificence in the long run zone.
Following apply, Smith was requested if he felt any stress to provide given what occurred final season, to not point out the profitable contract he signed. His reply was telling.
“I love football,” he answered. “I acquired right here by simply loving soccer. Loving my teammates, loving the fellows round me. All that stuff simply comes with it. We didn’t develop up enjoying in our backyards, eager about contracts, you realize what I imply? We simply performed as a result of we love the sport.
“And I think the reason why so many of us in this game has had success, is just because we just worried about playing the game, just playing it for the love, and everything else will just take care of itself. That’s just me personally. I can’t worry about anything else.”
The final two days of coaching camp, there’s been a bit extra emphasis working out of two-tight finish units, with each Smith and Hunter Henry on the sector.
While Smith showcased his expertise Friday, he downplayed the notion that the brand new streamlined offense benefitted him.
“Whatever’s called, I just gotta do what I gotta do and execute to help my team in. I don’t care where they put me,” he stated. “That’s always been my MO (modus operandi). I’m a team guy, whatever the team needs to win, that’s what I’ll do.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com