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September 27, 2007

Bill's take

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick held his Thursday press conference (10:50 a.m.) and was asked questions on a variety of topics.

Two subjects seemed to stand out:

  • WR Donte' Stallworth and his production (4 receptions) through three games came up. When asked, Belichick said Stallworth has not had problems picking up the offense. "I think he's had two real good weeks of practice, and he had another good day yesterday, we were talking about it when watching the tape last night," Belichick said. "I think he's working hard, he's doing fine. Who knows who will get the opportunities, but I'm confident that when he gets chances he'll make plays."

  • The Bengals have used eight offensive linemen over the course of games, based on a combination of health issues and pure rotation. That has affected the Patriots' preparations. "You have to know who you're going against. There are some different playing styles," Belichick said. "Usually you go into a game, and you know there is going to be one guy there, barring injury, virtually every play. It is a little bit different. We spent some time on it this morning. It makes you talk about eight guys instead of five."

    Posted By: mreiss | Time: 11:07:46 AM | E-mail | Link

    Your comments (3)

    Andy M said:

    I think Stallworth's issue is he is not getting the seperation he was able to get last year. All of the balls he caught this year were close to a defender whereas last year with the Eagle he would just blow past the DBs and get catch a deep pass.

    Frank said:

    Do we know if he is 100% healthy?

    TAP said:

    I think Stallworth's issue has to do with whatever game plan Belichick has for the Pats' particular opponent. Stallworth has made a rep of catching the deep balls, as indicated by his average yards per catch (15 yards/catch for his career). Brady obviously loves to spread the ball out, and both Moss and Welker have been his favorite targets so far. Eventually, an opposing team will try and come up with some kind of plan to cover both those guys, and that'll free up Stallworth to do what he does best.....burn defensive backs. He's due, and Monday Night's game could be the time.

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