Patriots coach Bill Belichick held his weekly Tuesday conference call with reporters today (noon), and here were a few nuggets of note:
1) Setting the agenda. Belichick said the players are off today. The club got a jump-start on preparations for the 49ers yesterday, and the coaching staff is using today to update its information on San Francisco because data/video from the 49ers' most recent game, against the Saints, wasn't in-house until later on Monday afternoon. The players come back to work tomorrow.
2) Ball security in focus. Belichick made the point that the 49ers are a good ball-stripping team. The 49ers have recovered two fumbles from the opposition in the first four games of the season. Opponents have fumbled six times against the 49ers. "These guys do a real good job raking the ball out, punching it out, knocking it loose," he said. "We're really going to have to take care of it."
3) Shawn Crable in the mix. Rookie outside linebacker Shawn Crable has been inactive for the Patriots' first three games. Belichick was asked if there is a chance that Crable might be active in the future. "I think there's definitely a chance," he responded. "I think Shawn has improved all the way through camp, and in the regular season in the opportunities he's had. If we were able to take more players to the game, I'm sure Shawn would go to the game, and he'd play. We have to limit it to 45, and he hasn't been on the active roster. We have a lot of confidence in Shawn. I'm sure that he would be able to contribute for us if he was at the game. It's just a question of whose place he would have to take, and what other ramifications would go into play there. But he's done a good job and he's getting better all the time."
4) Confidence in Cassel. Belichick was asked about Matt Cassel, and if there is confidence that he can lead the Patriots' offense the rest of the way. "I think Matt had a good week last week, and had a good practice yesterday," Belichick said. "Offensively, collectively, we just have to do everything a little bit better. I'm confident in all the players we put out there."
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