FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots' third organized activity of the offseason is scheduled for Thursday, and it's the first that will be open to reporters. There should be no shortage of observations and nuggets of information to pass along, but at the same time, keeping it in context is important.

Two years ago, running backs coach Ivan Fears said passionately, "They're looking very good in the shorts and T-shirts. Wait until training camp and let's see what the guys do ... because that's when it's going to count. Right now, everyone looks good."

Fears was essentially saying that it isn't real football until the full pads come on, which is something that is hard to argue.

At the same time, as Bill Belichick often says, if the coaches didn't think the work had value, they wouldn't do it.

A big part of voluntary OTAs is creating a foundation for all players so they can be at their best once training camp starts in late July. For younger players, adjusting to the mental aspect of the playbook and learning to play fast are critical.

Thursday’s schedule breaks down this way:

10:15 a.m. -- Belichick and assistant coaches available for interviews

10:50 a.m. -- Practice

12:45 p.m. -- Media interviews with players

As for compelling story lines, consider this from senior researcher Evan Kaplan of ESPN's Stats & Information: The club has added players who scored a combined 28 touchdowns from scrimmage last season -- Mike Gillislee (9), Brandin Cooks (8), Dwayne Allen (6), Andrew Hawkins (3) and Rex Burkhead (2) -- which is the most for any defending Super Bowl champion in the following offseason in the last 15 years.

Furthermore, that total is more than the previous seven defensive Super Bowl champions combined. The previous high mark of touchdowns added by a defending Super Bowl champion was 12, by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

For the Patriots, a big part of that is a result of having to replace the 18 touchdowns scored by running back LeGarrette Blount (now with the Philadelphia Eagles). But it extends beyond that, as the club has been aggressive this offseason, turning the page from the Super Bowl LI championship with a flurry of moves that has raised the excitement level in the region for the 2017 season.

Now Thursday will provide the first on-field glimpse of the team playing football ... kind of.