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Brady checks in
Quarterback Tom Brady met with the media after this morning's practice, and touched on a variety of topics.
Some of the Q&A
On how he would assess where he is chemistry-wise with the new receivers
“I think it’s really a work in progress. I think there are some things we’re doing better. I was happy, even though Randy [Moss] got hurt on the play, that I overthrew him for the first time in about four months. You realize you really have to put the ball out there for him because he just tracks it down so easy. With Donte’ [Stallworth], the work we put into the spring, he adds a different element to what we’re doing. Wes is so quick in the slot. So we’re just finding a role for those guys, trying to incorporate what they do well into our offense and hopefully that makes us more of a threat. We can run the ball, play-action pass, we can do a variety of things.”
On if he felt he was starting to click with Moss when Moss got hurt
“Well, I think in some respects we were definitely doing things better. But it was only nine practices, so I think there’s probably about 30-35 practices before our first game. We could use all of them, but until he gets completely healthy, it’s not really worth it to come out here and miss a game five weeks from now to try to practice for a day.”
How nice is it to have Donte’ Stallworth on the field
“It’s good. It’s exciting. I know he’s been dying to get out here. It’s still early in camp and you hate to go out there and re-aggravate anything, but he’s out here and it’s nice to see him in pads. I said ‘who’s number 18 out here? It’s a new guy.’"
More on Stallworth
"I followed him in high school and followed him at Tennessee [in college]. And obviously, with the Saints. He's always been a very dynamic player. Donovan McNabb says a lot of great things about him. He's a fun guy to have around. Hopefully he comes out here and is able to practice and improve with the team. He's already quite a bit behind because we've been out here for all these practices without him. I know he's anxious to be out here."
On if it helps him to have a past with Stallworth
"Sure, it does. All these relationships that you develop over time, Donte' and I have known each other for four years. When he comes in, it's not like 'hey, I'm Donte' and I'm Tom.' We always enjoyed being around one another."
On his friendship with Stallworth and their shared California roots
“He’s from Sacramento. I’ve always known about Donte’. Whenever I’ve seen him, we’ve always connected really well. Another California guy out here. You have three quarterbacks from California and to add a new receiver is nice.”
On if he still feels 22, like he said he was last week
“No [laughs]. 49 right now. Everything is sore. … We practiced for 12 straight days and I think my arm, after 12 straight days, was calling for a break. I’m glad we got that.”
On his 30th birthday last Friday
“I feel good. It was a great birthday. My parents came out and kind of surprised me. It was fun to be with them. I had my sisters and nieces. We had a great time."
