FOXBOROUGH – Bill Belichick held his daily briefing with media members today (11:15 a.m.) and here were some of the highlights:
The team will work outside today. Belichick said that will not only give the team a true training camp feel, but more importantly, more space to operate. The team’s indoor facility, the Dana-Farber Field House, is 60 yards. Belichick joked that defensive backs might prefer the indoor practices because they don’t necessarily have to defend “go” routes down the field.
Inside work did not necessarily hinder the team. The Patriots did not alter their schedule from Thursday despite being forced inside due to the weather. Belichick said the team just cut down the space in which some of the drills were conducted.
Brandon Meriweather and confidence. Belichick made the point that in conversations with Brandon Meriweather, he’s been told that Meriweather feels more confident this season. The coach noted that confidence is one reason why a veteran who might not run as fast as a younger player can still appear to be faster on the field, because he is moving with more authority and aggressiveness. Belichick pointed out that Meriweather had some nice plays on the first day of practice (perhaps he had one interception in mind), before noting that it was only one day.
Third cornerback = 12th starter. In an Xs and Os part of the press conference, Belichick was asked about the recent trend in the NFL of teams placing a higher value on third corners, a result of more offenses spreading the field. Belichick agreed, while revealing that the Patriots have re-valued/re-graded parts of their draft board and the way they value certain positions, such as a third receiver, third corner, third-down running back, or a second- or third-down pass rusher compared to other positions.
Chad Jackson talk. When asked about Chad Jackson’s opportunity to possibly fill the Patriots’ No. 3 receiver role, Belichick noted that Jackson is a “terrific athlete” who had a “great offseason.” Belichick feels that Jackson's receiving skills have improved, as has his understanding of the offense.
