Bill Belichick is the mouthpiece of the Patriots. And he seems to like it that way.
During the season, rules require that offensive and defensive coordinators talk with the media on a weekly basis.
But in New England it's rare that reporters have a chance to speak with the rest of the coaching staff. Tuesday morning at Gillette Stadium was one of those opportunities.
Coming out of that rare access, the Boston Globe has legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia talking about new New England left tackle Trent Brown. The Globe passes along Belichick delivering some solid one-liners in his own morning press conference, including a reference to a unique summertime desert option. The Globe notes Julian Edelman calling his nearing four-game suspension a “reality check.”
The Globe has a couple items emanating from New York. First the paper has CBS crew members talking about Belichick’s Saturday production meetings that the network takes part in each week during the season. The Globe also has a look at how Nate Solder is fitting in with the Giants considering the high expectations that he faces. The Globe also looks at the Patriots wide receiver position from a fantasy football perspective.
The Boston Herald writes that coordinator Josh McDaniels is ready to adapt the Patriots offense this season. The Herald notebook reports on rookie running back Sony Michel returning to the practice field in a limited fashion. Despite his suspension, the Herald says Edelman is upbeat about the season. The Herald declares that a refreshed Rob Gronkowski is ready to wait on a big contract.
The Providence Journal writes that McDaniels is confident “despite Brady’s inconsistent play." The ProJo has wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea talking about the improvement he sees in his position group. The ProJo says the Patriots are getting healthier these days, as practice attendance stays the same.
ESPN lists the NFL’s 50 most fascinating people with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick failing to make the cut while Trey Flowers and Rob Gronkowski get the nod.
ESPNBoston.com writes that “dynamic skills” help Brown seize the Patriots left tackle job. ESPNBoston.com says Edelman is having a tough week ahead of his looming suspension.
WEEI.com explains what Belichick will be looking for in his team’s final preseason game Thursday night in New York against the Giants. WEEI.com declares that the Patriots should be cautious when thinking of adding a new wide receiver. WEEI.com writes about long snapper Joe Cardona earning the Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award. WEEI.com also notes Edelman's suspension "reality check."
NBC Sports Boston observes that as the preseason winds down the Patriots are on the lookout for possible additions to the roster. NBC Sports Boston also has Belichick looking back fondly on a rookie skit performed by former Patriots German-born tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
NFL.com has a story with Scarnecchia talking up Brown’s abilities on the line.
AL.com has former Alabama star Cyrus Jones looking “to make the most of” the Patriots preseason finale.
NESN.com looks back at how top performers in past preseason finales have fared on cutdown day.
