Featured image courtesy of the New England Patriots Phase Three of the NFL off-season began yesterday and it is an important time for the Patriots as they try to bond and develop as a football team. Bill Belichick spent a ton of money this off-season and it is now time for him and the coaching staff to get the new guys immersed in the Patriots offensive, defensive systems and their special teams. Contrary to popular belief, it is mini camp and OTA’s where you install your basic systems. By the time you get to training camp, it is more about putting in the new stuff that the staff came up with in the off-season. For the rookies and free agents, this is the first opportunity to get exposed to the way the coaches coach, the techniques they teach,  the verbiage and the offense and defense. It is the first time they will be around their teammates and get to know them. Of course, all eyes will be on the rookies and free agents but some of the returning starters will also be under the microscope, most notably quarterback Cam Newton who spent time this off-season working on his mechanics. If he is healthy, the expectation is he will be better. The receiving corp will also be under the microscope. Belichick brought in veterans Nelson Agholar and Kendrick Bourne in free agency but the retirement of Julian Edelman leaves a gaping hole at the position. As a result, the Patriots are rumored to be pursuing Julio Jones who has requested a trade out of Atlanta. The next three weeks are crucial to the development of this team this season. It may not seem that way because the media has limited access and we don’t see what is going on, but the work that is being put in now will greatly benefit this team moving forward.