Defensive end Ty Warren has chosen to keep a low profile, even as his reputation grows.
(Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)
PHOENIX - Patriots defensive end Ty Warren tried to keep a low profile during preseason. But that became difficult after he signed a five-year contract and was named a defensive captain.
"Then, there was the success of the team," Warren said yesterday. "Things have been going real fast.
"I never want to be the main focus of anything. That's why you didn't hear about things [in the preseason]. I cherish each and every moment. I love this team. I started my career with the team and I want to end my career with the team. I'm fortunate to be on a team that has been successful."
Warren was not a starter on the Patriot defensive line in their last two Super Bowls but is now a key player as the team prepares for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
So Warren has attempted to keep out of the spotlight, away from the microphones, instead heeding coach Bill Belichick's warnings about not providing bulletin-board material for the opposition.
"There are guys on teams with loose lips," Warren said. "They talk about a lot of things and they give away things they don't even know they are giving up. Bill says if you don't know what you are talking about, don't talk about it."
Warren, a first-round draft choice in 2003, started four games his first season, became a starter in '04, and was second on the team in tackles in '06 (117) and this season (83).
"He was a first-rounder when he came here, and no one has worked harder to improve," Belichick said. "He has done nothing but work hard to get better since he came to New England. He plays the run well, rushes the passer, you can depend on Ty for 16 games, 60 minutes a game. The thing I appreciate most about Ty is his work ethic, his attitude, and his consistency."
And Warren certainly appreciates Belichick.
"A perfectionist, a realist," Warren said. "He's a guy that believes in no stone unturned. He doesn't give any special treatment to any one player, no matter what their so-called status is on this team. He doesn't believe in entitlement or things like that. Everybody gets the same treatment. If you do your job, you get a pat on the back."
Sign a new contract, as Warren did, and Belichick's response will be?
"Well, Bill's not a man of many words. He basically said, 'Congratulations, get back to work.' There wasn't a big celebration with balloons and confetti, or anything like that. It was just done and we went on about our business and now, here we are."
Warren developed a similar businesslike attitude growing up in Bryan, Texas, and studying agricultural development at nearby Texas A&M.
"Football took me to college; there was no way my parents could have paid for college," Warren said. "My first plane trip was for football.
"The Big 12 was definitely a running conference and, as far as coming to the Patriots, the priority is to stop the run. It definitely impacted my career."
Warren fit in quickly to the Patriot system as the team won two successive Super Bowl titles.
"A lot of veterans schooled me, and now I am schooling the younger guys," Warren said. "When you come here, there is a way you work and prepare on a week-to-week basis. What you do in the offseason, people respect that. If they see you loafing, you don't get the respect. You have to earn the respect. Just because you get a contract doesn't mean you are the guy."
Warren's expectations were realistic before the season.
"You never know about the offseason acquisitions," Warren said. "Chemistry is the most important thing. I never figured it would be perfect but I knew after a while we had something special."
The Patriots' worst defensive outing of the season nearly cost them a chance at an unbeaten season as they edged the Giants, 38-35, in the final regular-season game.
"There were a lot of miscommunications, front seven-wise, and in technique," Warren said. "That led to some big plays as far as the running game is concerned. Usually, in the first half there are some big runs and you tighten it up in the second half. The last Giant match, they had no run yards in the first half and lot in the second half. We just have to tighten up our techniques.
"This is a whole different challenge. New York is playing very well and you can never overlook them. We have a chance to go 19-0, and the Giants have a chance to beat somebody who could go 19-0. I'd rather be on the positive side of the record."
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
