The offseason of the New England Patriots has been just as interesting as ever. And now, add an inter-team fight at OTAs this week. During what Bill Belichick described as a low-tempo practice, offensive lineman Cole Strange and linebacker Anfernee Jennings had what can only be defined as a hockey fight after Christian Barmore delivered a hook to a pile of players involved in a pushing and shouting match. Although Barmore’s punch did not connect, the fighting continued until it was broken up by veteran lineman and team captain, David Andrews.
Patriots Involved in Another Fight
This is not the first time either Andrew or Barmore have been involved in an altercation at Patriots practice, as the two were ejected from a practice during training camp last season. Barmore is coming into his third season with the Patriots and is referred to by many former Alabama teammates as a “high-energy guy” and “someone you don’t want to mess with.”
The Patriots were involved in two other fights in joint practices in mid-August last year with the Carolina Panthers. Last year, Christian McCaffery threw a ball at a Patriots defender after getting tackled, and then the scrum ensued. The day before, Kendrick Bourne threw punches at safety Kenny Robinson after a brutal hit on Kristian Wilkerson.
Patriots Panthers fight @MikeReiss New England Carolina fight @MikeGiardi #Patriots #Panthers #PatriotsFight pic.twitter.com/FN1KHBSBXS
— 🎲 (@DICE_GAMEE) August 17, 2022
Although the Patriots practice was voluntary Tuesday and none of the players involved were sent to the dressing room, Strange and Jennings did not see any action in the remainder of the practice as they knelt on the sidelines contemplating what happened.
First-Round Pick Christian Gonzalez Impresses on First Day on The Field
Another takeaway from practice is a fantastic one. First-round pick Christian Gonzalez impressed on his first day in a Patriots uniform. Gonzalez took reps at cornerback opposite Jonathan Jones and showed his worth. Although it is a non-padded practice, his teammates and head coach can see his potential.
Found some old friends at practice.@LG_Blount | @aarondobson17 pic.twitter.com/2xFX19wCF9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 6, 2023
Bill Belichick was candid but seemed happy when speaking about the cornerback. “A lot of what we are doing is teaching. So, the evaluations will come in training camp when they can go out there and compete against each other. He’s a smart kid. He’s got good skill. A pretty good level of experience from what he did in college at Colorado and Oregon. He’s learning out there every day like they all are.”
The hands 👀@chrisgonzo28 | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/ORjW0EAyQH
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 7, 2023
Patriots safety Jalen Mills is also a fan of his new teammate. “He’s a little more quieter guy, but I’ve seen him play. I’ve seen him live in a couple of games this past year when he was in college. So hopefully, he just gets comfortable in this scheme and trusts himself out there and goes and makes the plays he can. Coming to work every day, focusing in meetings. I think that’s the biggest thing you want to see with these rookies, man. Are they taking what Coach is saying in the meetings out to the field? And as of right now, he’s doing that.”
The Patriots will return to practice Thursday and Friday, June 8th and 9th, at Gillette Stadium.
Main Image: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
