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Bits from Belichick

Email|Link|Comments (13) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 12, 2008 11:36 AM

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick held his daily press conference (11:15 a.m.) at Gillette Stadium and here were a few of the highlights:

The possibility of keeping 5 running backs on the final roster. With Belichick asked several questions about RB LaMont Jordan, the topic of possibly keeping five running backs came up (the Patriots kept 4 out of camp last year). The five would presumably be Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans and Jordan. "We'll keep the best football players, the players that will help our football team the most," Belichick said, pointing out that if the team would keep four quarterbacks (like it did in 2000) it would also consider keeping five running backs.

Why a preseason game against the Buccaneers is good for the team. Belichick noted that the Patriots will begin preparations for Sunday's second preseason game starting tomorrow. He reiterated a point that he made Friday and Monday -- a matchup against Tampa Bay is good for the Patriots because the Buccaneers' style of play is similar to some teams the club will face during the regular season (e.g. Colts).

Jerod Mayo -- not a repeat offender. One aspect that the coaching staff and veteran players often stress is that mistakes will happen with young players, but the key is to not let the same mistake happen twice. Belichick noted that first-round draft choice Jerod Mayo has been solid in that regard, as he isn't a repeat offender.

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13 comments so far...

Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne/ Dallas Clark vs. Joey Galloway/Ike Hilliard/Alex Smith... Not too similar

Posted by Jim August 12, 08 02:12 PM

Uh Jim, Colts are coached by Tony Dungy, who had his first head coaching job in Tampa, and they Colts play a defense which is called the "Tampa 2" for non-ironic reasons. I'm siding with Reiss on this one.

Posted by JK August 12, 08 02:46 PM

They are similar in the fact that they both run the same Cover 2 defense knows ad the "Tampa 2" fron Dungy's days in TB....BB didnt mean their offenses

Posted by Brian August 12, 08 02:59 PM

*rolleyes* at Jim

The style of play is similar, meaning west coast offense. Quite similar, if you ask me. They may not be the same people, and they may not be as good, but Tampa Bay is still a good team, and I'd rather start out seeing how we fair against them over the Colts.

Posted by Zac August 12, 08 03:14 PM

Tony Dungy/Monte Kiffin's Tampa 2 defense, very similar. Identical, almost. It's not all about the offense, Jim.

Posted by jb August 12, 08 03:19 PM

something makes me think bill knows alot more about football than you ever will

Posted by mike August 12, 08 03:34 PM

Jim.
The Bucs and Colts run the same exact defensive system is what BB was referring to.

Posted by Nikos August 12, 08 03:35 PM

I think the comment was more related to the cover2 defense that Dungy engineered in Tampa and now uses in Indy. Are those the only differences you see in the two offenses?

Posted by geoff August 12, 08 03:51 PM

I think he was referring to the defensive scheme Jim. They both play cover 2.

Posted by Steven August 12, 08 04:01 PM

compared "styles" not players...

Posted by floodmatt August 12, 08 04:26 PM

He is referring to the Buccaneers' style of play being similar. Not the players.

Posted by Will August 12, 08 04:49 PM

He meant defensively you goon.

Posted by Andy August 12, 08 05:20 PM

I don't think Marvin Harrison factors into the equation anymore. That dude is cooked. Not that it will hurt the Colts much - Reggie Wayne is still a beast.

Posted by J.P. August 12, 08 06:17 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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