Belichick answered a variety of questions:
* In evaluating the running backs, Belichick said a big difference between preseason games and practice is the yards after contact, because in practice the team doesn’t do much live tackling. Specifically regarding Laurence Maroney in the yards-after-contact area, Belichick said: “I think Laurence did some good things. There are still a lot of things he needs to work on and that he can do better. He works hard. He’s very conscientious and diligent. I like his approach to the game.”
* With the Patriots having just three receptions from the wide receiver spot, Belichick was asked about his concern with production from that position, and if a team can win in the NFL without consistent production from receivers: “We had over 400 yards of total offense, so we moved the ball. I think the important thing, offensively, is that you are able to move the ball. I’m sure there are going to be some games when we run it more and throw it less, and some games where some guys catch it more and other guys catch it less. I think it’s a little too early how everything is going to go in the regular season.”
* Martin Gramatica and Stephen Gostkowski both made all their field goal attempts, and Belichick said the competition will continue to play out: “I thought they both did a pretty good job. Again, there are things that could have been a little bit better, but I thought, as it has been all training camp, it was a very competitive situation. We’ll continue to give them opportunities. I think the more we see of everybody, all the way across the board on the team, usually the clearer it becomes. It’s a good, competitive kicking situation. This is one where everybody kicked in exactly the same conditions every time. That may or may not be the case in the coming weeks. There are different things that will come up and we’ll try to take everything into consideration and make the best decision for the team. It’s very competitive.”
* Asked about rookie Willie Andrews’ willingness to stick his nose in there on punt returns, Belichick acknowledged that was no surprise to the team: “He did. We saw him play like that in college. He’s a tough kid, a good competitor. He did that [Friday night]. Evaluating our young players’ toughness and competitiveness – both mental and physical toughness – that’s also part of the whole process as well. I thought he did a good job of running hard, no doubt about it.”
Much needed help!!!
Regardless, he looks pretty good
