Bill Belichick doesn’t need any extra incentive heading into this week’s home opener against division rival Miami.
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It may seem like Wednesday’s Belichick press conference was no fun, but there was a brief moment of “Behind The Hoodie” Bill, and it should be no surprise that it came when the coach was asked about having some fun at a Bruce Springsteen concert (The Boss will be performing at Gillette on Wednesday night).
“I’ve seen a few wild Springsteen concerts, yeah”, Belichick said.
Parker, speaking before practice Wednesday of which he was a part, said he will participate in team and individual drills this week, and that his mending hamstring “feels good right now”.
Belichick acknowledged there was some lingering bitterness after January’s 20-10 loss, which kept thePatriots from securing the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Ultimately, the Patriots went into Denver for the AFC Championship Game and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champs.
Its the main reason why Belichick said it hasnt been hard to turn the page after last weeks gutty opening win at Arizona. “All you’ve got to do is turn on our game against Miami a year ago”. “In that moment after the game, everybody’s emotions are running very high at that time, so it’s always good to hear that from the head coach”. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 24 of 33 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins were 1-5 in division games last season. It wasn’t until James White caught a short pass over the middle and rumbled for a 68-yard gain in the third quarter that the Patriots were able to set up their lone touchdown. Ryan Tannehill, meanwhile, threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns for Miami. “Last time we played that team it didn’t go very well, so I hope we can play them more competitively this year”.
Improving on that result may not be easy. RG Jonathan Cooper (foot) remains limited in practice after failing to make the trip to Arizona with his team. You also knew exactly the type of answer the New England Patriots coach would give, and The Hoodie did not disappoint.
Safety Devin McCourty, voted a co-captain this season along with Hightower, Gronkowski and Matt Slater, said they received the game plan for Miami just hours after returning from Arizona.
“Well, we’re playing Miami this week so it’ll be a whole new challenge, whole different team”, he said.
“Yeah, we’re really just focused on getting ready for Miami”, Belichick said. “I think one thing you realize as the quarterback is everyone being in sync and on the same page and the communication with your teammates is so critical”.
And if you wanted an injury update on Rob Gronkowski, you just have to wait until the first injury report of the week comes out later on Wednesday.
Mitchell missed the entire preseason with a calf injury before working his way back into the lineup for the season opener at Seattle, only to get injured again.
One of the subjects of the premature trade talk, the guy who will go back to being New England’s backup after Week 4, was asked if it will be harder to accept that role given the early success and joy he’s encountered as a starter.
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Recently retired Logan Mankins, a former Patriots Pro Bowl left guard, also praised Scarnecchia.
