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September 13, 2006

Eric Mangini's 1st Patriots Game

Eric Mangini spoke to the New England press today and offered a bit more than Bill Belichick did on their history and relationship. Here are a few of the first-year Jet coach's words.

``I'm excited about the game because it's a division game and it's against a good opponent. I really don't view it as going up against Bill. I view it more as Jets-Patriots and this is the next game that we're scheduled to play.''

``I took away a ton of things from both of those guys (Belichick, Bill Parcells). It was a great learning experience to work under both of them and see how they approach things. I also had the benefit of working under Ted Marchibroda, who was different stylistically than those guys. And I've also had the advantage of working under Kirk Ferentz, Charlie Weiss, Romeo Crennel and so many good assistant coaches and what I've tried to do is draw from each of those experiences and put together the best plan for the Jets.''

``I see no change (in his relationship with the Patriots' front office). That's the nature of the league. People move on and get promoted and change jobs. That's part of the business and the friendships that I have will always be the friendships. When it comes time to play, you'll do what you can to beat those friends. When it comes time to enjoy the friendship part of it, that's what I'll do.''

``It isn't about Eric. It's not about Bill. It's about the Jets and the Patriots. That's all its about. I think Bill is a great friend and will be for a long time. That's completely the way that I view things.''

Posted by Kevin  at 11:38 AM | Permalink