Patch Patriots Roundup: Training Camp Highlights, Kraft To The Hall?

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Training camp is underway in Foxborough, and fans at Gillette Stadium have gotten their first look at the 2022 version of the New England Patriots.

With that have come plenty of observations about Mac Jones in year two, a contract extension for one of the big guys up front and, finally, a word from head coach Bill Belichick on who exactly it is that's going to call plays.

All that and more in this week's Patch Patriot Roundup.

Davon Godchaux Extension Comes With High Praise From Belichick

Davon Godchaux earned a two-year, $20.8 million contract extension from the Patriots on Wednesday.

NFL reporters and analysts are split on the deal for the defensive lineman, who ranked somewhere near the middle of the pack for the position last year according to Pro Football Focus rankings. Belichick, on the other hand, viewed Godchaux as a must-sign player.

"He's one of the best defensive linemen in the league," he said during a presser on Thursday.

"We're Not Really Big On Titles"

Define the relationship, Bill Belichick! The Patriots head coach did address the offensive coordinator situation this week, but only in the fact that he answered a question about it, not in that he said who would be tasked with play-calling duties.

"We're not really big on titles and all that," Belichick said when asked about the unique approach. "It's important that we all work together and create a good final product."

Though Belichick didn't officially name a coordinator between Joe Judge and Matt Patricia, Tyler Sullivan of CBS reports that it was Patricia calling plays during the offenses competitive sets during day-one of camp.

David Andrews Makes Return

Long-time starting center David Andrews made his first appearance on the practice field on Friday morning, according to Pats Pulpit.

Andrews started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following shoulder surgery in the offseason.

Also available after starting camp on the non-football illness list was 25-year-old punter Jake Bailey.

Mac Jones In Command

The Athletic's Steve Buckley broke down a Wednesday press conference from second-year quarterback Mac Jones and came away with this: the young buck is in charge. At least, that's what it seems like.

Jones, who is coming into year-two with high expectations after outperforming his highly-touted but somewhat underperforming draft class, seems to be fitting into the Patriot way seamlessly. And his teammates are noticing too.

"He definitely brings a lot of swagger to the table, and we love it," said starting left tackle Trent Brown.

"I think he feels more comfortable and he understands that this is his team," he added.

Robert Kraft A Hall Of Fame Finalist

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is among 12 coach and contributor finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the institution announced this week.

Kraft is joined by a fellow Patriot as a finalist by Frank "Bucko" Kilroy. Kilroy served as the team's general manager from 1979 to 1982, and vice president from 1983 to 1993.

Kraft has been the owner, chairman and CEO of the team since 1994, where he's presided over the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty, accumulating six Super Bowls and turning the once downtrodden franchise into a perennial contender.

The 12-person coach/contributor committee will meet to discuss the finalists on Aug. 23, when they will choose one person from the category to advance for review during the complete selection committee session.

Read more: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft A Finalist For Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Danny Amendola Retires

Two-time Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola is calling it a career. The former Patriot, who garnered the nickname "Playoff Danny" during his time in New England, officially announced his retirement from the NFL this week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter initially broke the story, quoting a reflective and satisfied Amendola.

"It was better than I could have ever imagined," Amendola told Schefter.

Read more: Former Patriot Danny Amendola Retires After 13-Year NFL Career

Amendola played 13 seasons in the NFL, including five with New England. According to NFL.com, his 13 postseason games all came with the Patriots, compiling he had 57 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns.

He caught touchdowns in two Super Bowls, in victories against Atlanta and Seattle, respectively.

Head coach Bill Belichick spoke about Amedola's impact during his Tuesday press conference, calling the receiver "dependable."

"He was a very good player for us, had a lot of skill," said Belichick.

"Glad we had him here, he certainly was a big contributor for us."