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'Just get it done'
FOXBOROUGH -- Even before he signed a one-year contract with the Patriots on May 8, linebacker Barry Gardner felt a certain urgency at Gillette Stadium.
Now having spent three weeks in the Patriots' offseason program, Gardner's first impressions have only been reinforced.
“No wasted time. No wasted energy. It is what it is. Go out and get it done,” the 29-year-old Gardner said of the team's approach.
“From the time they worked me out, you can tell the kind of tempo and mindset that the coaches and front-office people have, and the reason they’re winning around here. It’s direct, to the point, matter of fact. Nothing extra. Just get it done.”
Gardner, who entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Northwestern in 1999, has played for the Eagles (1999-2003), Browns (2004) and Jets (2005). His primary contributions have come on special teams in recent years, although he’s been spending extra time in inside linebackers meetings, the position in which he’ll line up if called upon on defense.
Gardner (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) prides himself on intelligence, versatility and an always-ready-to-play approach.
“I’ve always prepared as if I’m going to be that guy on Sunday that is going out there to play. Just like Tedy Bruschi would prepare for a game, that’s how I’m going to prepare for it, because you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I think I can get out there and play defensively, as well as special teams. When it’s time to go out there and play -- whether it’s defense or special teams -- I’m going to be ready.”
As a member of the Jets last year, getting ready to face the Patriots was always a challenge. It all started with defending Tom Brady.
“Tom is a smart player who is not going to make many mistakes. He’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game,” Gardner said. “He has a great core group of guys who understand their responsibilities, one another, and how to play with one another. So when preparing for New England, you know you have to be on top of your game.
“From my years playing these guys, they don’t do a ton of things or throw a whole bunch at you, they just do a few things always the right way. And they have a smart quarterback who knows exactly what to do once he sees what the defense is running.”
While Gardner is pleased he won’t have to defend Brady and Co., he has his hands full with another challenge: this is his first experience working in a 3-4 defense. He said the Jets introduced a little bit of the 3-4 last season, although their primary alignment was the 4-3, and Gardner backed up each spot.
“It’s another step in my career,” he said. “This is a system that a lot of teams are going to. It’s been very productive, and very effective in the league. It’s been a great learning experience and I’m excited to be a part of it and see exactly how I fit.”
