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August 7, 2007

Chatting with Bill

Bill Belichick just wrapped up his chat with the media for today, and noted that today's practice will be something like a Thursday practice during the regular season: there will be a focus on the passing game, third down and the two-minute drill among other things.

With their first preseason game three days away, Belichick said the coaching staff has been trying to strike a balance between working on New England's own fundamentals and goals and doing some game planning for the Buccaneers. He, like many of his players, seems happy to face another team and get the chance to see how the young players especially handle live situations.

Asked about center Dan Koppen, who has become one of the best at his job in the league, Belichick said the former Boston College standout is one of the best he's coached at the position.

"Dan's an integral guy in the overall offensive scheme because of the position he plays in the middle of the line," Belichick said. "Dan's extremely smart, and football smart as well. He's instinctive, he does a good job communicating on the line of scrimmage, with the offensive line, the running game, passing game...we change protections or when the front stems and moves before the snap, he can identify that. A lot of times he anticipates it before it happens."

Belichick went on to say that Koppen can audible and make checks about as well as the team's quarterbacks.

Other topics this morning included the versatility of Bam Childress, who has made appearances on offense, defense and special teams, and the growth of Laurence Maroney as he begins his second season in the NFL.

"He's way ahead of where he was last year," Belichick said. "He's a smart, mature kid, he works hard. He spent a lot of time with the veteran players last year -- Corey (Dillon), Kevin (Faulk), Heath (Evans), and Ivan (Fears, running backs coach), and he gained a lot from them."

Today's practice is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. We'll be back with attendance and some observations.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 11:41 AM | Permalink