Seymour outlook is healthy
FOXBOROUGH - There was a striking symmetry to the words spoken by Richard Seymour after the Patriots' first training camp practice yesterday.
In one breath, Seymour mentioned the team's motivation is "finishing" - whether it's a specific play, or even a simple drill in practice. It's a motto that fits considering the Patriots failed to close out the 2006 AFC Championship game in Indianapolis, as well as Super Bowl XLII.
But you can't finish what you don't start, and that's the other point the introspective Seymour was making.
Last year, an ailing left knee kept him from joining his teammates at the opening of training camp. Even two years ago, it affected his ability to prepare for the season.
That's why, his knee no longer an issue, Seymour was stirring in his bed Wednesday night, unable to sleep. Unlike most veterans who dread the first day of training camp, Seymour felt an excitement similar to his rookie season in 2001.
"I wasn't able to put my best foot forward the last few years and hit the ground running. I did that today and it felt good," said a trim-looking Seymour, who reported he shed about 10 pounds thanks to his workout regimen and lean diet.
"I was able to regain a lot of strength," he said. "I look at it and say, 'I'm 28 years old, in the prime of my career, and I feel good.' That's definitely a start."
The 6-foot-6-inch Seymour is just over 300 pounds. A fixture at right defensive end in the team's 3-4 alignment, he has been a focal point of offensive game plans when healthy because he's difficult to move in the running game, and a challenge to block when slashing toward the quarterback. It's why, in seven seasons, he has five Pro Bowl appearances on his résumé.
Yet Seymour acknowledges that such explosiveness hasn't always been on display of late. He wants that back, and while he likes the early returns, he knows there is more work to be done.
"It just feels good that you don't have to come out here and worry about running across the field," Seymour said following the first of two practices, the second of which he did not participate in. "It feels like you can focus on getting better as a football player, because obviously as a football player, your most important deal is your health. It's been tough."
With a strong start, Seymour can now truly set his sights on finishing, which sounds like a developing mantra for the team's season.
"The last two years I wasn't even able to train in the offseason, wasn't even able to run the conditioning test, and didn't even start last year until Week 9. From that point, I wasn't in game shape, I was just playing on God-given ability," he said. "I was playing on one leg and one arm the last two years. Now I have both my arms and legs, and fighting off guys, you definitely need it."
Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.
