Belichick punishes offense for sub-par play, avoids questions about Tom Brady’s alleged concussion

AP Photo | Michael Dwyer

“Whatever the conditions are, you have to go out there and play.”

This statement, made by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski after Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp, could not be more true.

A rainy, windy and cold day presented the Patriots’ offense with some out-of-character mishaps throughout practice. A botched center and quarterback exchange happened with Jimmy Garoppolo, then again with Jacoby Brissett. Players were dropping passes and having trouble with their footing. Head Coach Bill Belichick even had to step in and order the entire offense to run a few laps around the field.

“We’re not really used to doing that, so it wasn’t very pleasant doing it, but it was deserved,” Garoppolo said about the punishment, “We weren’t happy with our play. Coach wasn’t happy with our play. And we had to run because of it.”

On a day with sub-par weather and offensive difficulties, Coach Belichick also had to deal with questions from the media about Tom Brady’s alleged concussion after practice.

But in Belichick-fashion, he simply avoided the questions by saying that, “Our medical staff really handles the injury situation with players. Players don’t come to me, and I don’t treat them for injuries. That’s not really my job. That’s what we have medical staff for.”

Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan