New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick faced the media on Wednesday to discuss several topics after their voluntary organized team activities (OTAs). In his opening statement to the media, Belichick said the Patriots have had a productive spring and a productive week. “We were able to do some down and distance work here, work in the red area so that was good and we'll just keep moving on next week,” said Belichick.
The veteran head coach said the Patriots still have a long way to go, but they are taking it one day at a time to fully prepare for their campaign for a seventh Super Bowl trophy in the 2019 season.
During the interview, Belichick discussed the signing of linebacker Jamie Collins, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million to return to the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. “It's good to have all the players that are here. So all the guys that are here, we're glad they're here. We'll work with them and see how it goes,” who traded Collins to the Cleveland Browns in 2016.
The move paid dividends for Collins as he signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Browns. However, he failed to live up to his status as a 2015 Pro Bowler and the Browns released him in the offseason.
Belichick lauds rookie wideout, N’Keal Harry
Belichick also talked about the performance of rookie wide receiver N'Keal Harry, the team’s No. 32 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. “It's been good, he's worked hard. He's smart and works hard,” Belichick said of Harry, adding that the rookie wideout out of Arizona State has a good skillset. “We'll take it day by day. He's working hard to get better and I'm sure he will,” said Belichick.
Harry is expected to shine playing alongside veteran quarterback Tom Brady due to his height and wide body that will help him create mismatches against tough opposition.
During his three-year stint with the Sun Devils, Harry was known for his ability to catch contested passes. In his last year with the Sun Devils, Harry tallied 17 contested catches. Last season, Brady did not fare well in terms of tight passes, according to a report by Pro Football Focus.
Belichick also updated the media about the development of rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft to become a possible successor to Brady. According to Belichick, Stidham still has a long way to go. “There's a lot of learning here for everybody so we'll just take it day by day,” said Belichick, hoping that everybody can learn from their experience and perform better during next week’s OTAs.
Belichick wishes Bruins good luck
Belichick also wished the Boston Bruins well as they begin their campaign in the Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues. “Proud of what they're doing and wish them the very best in this next series,” said Belichick, adding that the Patriots are fully supporting the other Boston teams, such as the Red Sox, Bruins, and the Celtics.