It’s New England Patriots training camp, and the living is easy.

Well, not totally; in fact, today it will be extremely challenging with a joint practice with the Washington Commanders. We remember what a blast that was for the Sons of Mayo last summer when the Philadelphia Eagles came to town. Ouch.

Club Vrabel hasn’t exactly been Club Med, but it certainly doesn’t remind you of two-a-days. Tuesday was a walk-thru with units on both practice fields, and it was the third walk through in the 11 days of camp. Understandable in a way; they’ll be pounding away at the Commanders today and probably have the typical day before a game walk through (no fans or media) on Thursday. It will be interesting to see who will be playing on Friday night and who won’t be.

But it’s training camp. Players have their families there, and the fans get to have players sign autographs, etc. Yesterday linebacker Christian Elliss had his son in his arms at times while talking to the media, something you won’t see during the season. Today his arms hopefully will be around Commanders QB Jayden Daniels or one of his favorite targets.

“I’m excited,” Elliss said. “I’m excited. It’s going to be good to go up against another team rather than our own guys.”

You wonder if there’ll be any extra curricular activity; these practices sometimes get out of hand. Elliss said the team was going to talk about that yesterday.

“Hopefully we’ll just keep it about football,” Elliss said. “Then think both teams will walk out happy.”

Either way, it starts to get serious beginning today. The practice against another team, then the game Friday night at Gillette Stadium where we get a glimpse of some players we want to see but more so those we won’t see once the summer ends.

Then next week it’s one last public camp practice on Sunday and then it’s off to Minnesota for another joint practice with the Vikings and then the second preseason game. Before you know it it’ll be cutdown day and we’ll be getting ready for the season opener vs. the Raiders on a September weekend that also features the opening of high school football. Yikes.

Ellis said going up against a guy like Daniels “reminds me of college ball”. There’s also a couple of ex-Patriots – most notably defensive end Deitrich Wise – on the Commanders.

It’s a big week for Patriots top draft pick Will Campbell, because now he’ll be going up against an opponent,not a teammate. Hopefully we’ll get to see him a bit on Friday night; you know he’ll be busy out on the field today.

“He’s been a good athlete,” Owenu said. “I was once in those shoes, too, I can understand his viewpoint and the things he may not be able to see yet.”

Defensively, you wonder who will stay and who will go. There’s talk Kyle Dugger is on the bubble; he’s been banged up the last two seasons and hasn’t been the same. Rookies are hungry. The only way they stick is if veterans don’t; rookie Craig Woodson has taken some of Dugger’s reps.

“All of our rookies that came in have done what they’ve been asked to do,” Patriots veteran safety Jabrill Peppers said. “They’ve bought into the process. It’s all about getting better, getting acclimated to the speed, getting acclimated to the talent, and just getting in physical football shape. It’s only been two weeks of camp.”

Young fans get a thrill at Patriots training camp Tuesday, thanks to the Patriot players who make the rounds to sign autographs after practice. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

Wow, two weeks that have gone by in a flash. But it all doesn’t mean much yet.

“Just go out and have fun,” Peppers said of the approach for today. Don’t leave no stone unturned. …”

You can bet Vrabel won’t, no matter how many walk-throughs the Patriots have.

Tom King may be reached at @Telegraph_TomK on twitter, or tking@nashuatelegraph.com