Belichick praises Ty Montgomery and Jabrill Peppers

Head coach Bill Belichick seemed in good spirits for the second consecutive day addressing the media. He started the press conference by joking, “Who brought in the rain this morning?” It got a chuckle from the assembled media, but it always feels awkward when Belichick smiles and jokes like that.

Anyway - down to business.

MIKE VRABEL

The first question asked of Belichick was for his comments on Mike Vrabel being selected to the Patriots Hall of Fame. It was a good strategy by Mike Reiss as questions like these about former players is where Belichick likes to ramble for a few minutes. It serves as a good ice breaker for the session.

Belichick reminded us that Vrabel came over from Pittsburgh where he had not played much and went on to play a huge role with the Patriots not only on defense, but, you guessed it, special teams as well. It wouldn’t be Belichick if he didn’t mention special teams.

Belichick went on to say that there are a lot of deserving players from his era, “especially on the defensive side of the ball.” Was that a shot at Brady and how irrelevant an offense is? It seems obvious that Belichick ranks a team as follows: 1) special teams, 2) defense, 3) trainers, 4) groundskeepers, 5) ball boys, and lastly, offense.

TRENT BROWN

Trent Brown has not been seen so far in practice. When asked if Brown was in the building today, Belichick again showed off his stand up comedic chops by quipping, “I don’t have a monitor on him. I would assume so.” If you look closely at Belichick, you can slowly see a smile emerge as he quietly thinks of the mocking answer before vocalizing it.

Left tackle is a critical position in terms of protecting Mac Jones’ blind side. Brown has shown how good he can be when he is engaged. He has also shown how bad he can be when he is unhappy. Last year, he was unhappy that he signed for right tackle money and then got switched to left tackle - which traditionally is much more highly paid. It remains to be seen if his attitude carries over into this season.

TY MONTGOMERY

Belichick was extremely complimentary of the versatile Ty Montgomery. Montgomery came into the league as a wide receiver but has recently emerged as a Cordarrelle Patterson/Deebo Samuel hybrid. Montgomery never really got a chance to show what he could do last year due to getting injured early in the season and maybe rushing back too soon and getting re-injured. A healthy Montgomery would fill the receiving/check down third down back that has remained vacant since James White retired.

Belichick told the press that Montgomery “is healthy. Really healthy.” I’m not sure what “really healthy” is, but it sounds really good.

Belichick went on to say that Montgomery “can do a lot of different things. I look forward to having him.” Sounds like Montgomery may be the first person to have made the roster.

Belichick concluded on the subject of Montgomery by saying he is a “smart kid, good size, and explosive speed.” It is important to note that Montgomery is 30 years old, so he is no “kid.” He has also played more than 14 games in a season only three times in his eight-year career.

YEAR 1 TO YEAR 2 JUMP

Belichick was asked how important the year 2 to year 3 jump is compared to the year 1 to year 2 jump. The question was in obvious reference to Mac Jones.

Belichick replied that players “learn every year,” but conceded “especially year one to year two after you have that understanding of what is going on, are big years.” The comment makes it all the more infuriating that Belichick hurt Jones’ development from year one to year two by putting a defensive coordinator and special teams expert in charge of the offense.

BILL MURRAY

Beats me why someone would ask about the former Saturday Night Live star. What? Oh, apparently he is a player on the Patriots who used to play defense in college but has now converted to an offensive lineman. Belichick was very complimentary towards Murray, but no offense, I don’t care. Maybe Murray will be the next Stephen Neal and make me eat my words, but there are too many offensive linemen in front of him for him to challenge for a roster spot.

SECOND YEAR RUNNING BACKS

James Anderson was a surprise cut by the Patriots on Tuesday, but he didn’t come up in the press conference. What did come up was the development of second year running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. Belichick mentioned that the biggest improvement among running backs from year one to year two is usually their blitz pickups. He points out that most running backs are focused on carrying the ball in college and haven’t had much experience picking up blitzes. Belichick seems happy to go into the season with Rhamondre Stevenson, Strong, Harris, and Montgomery as his running backs. Belichick did make a point of adding Montgomery into the discussion at this point.

KICKERS

Belichick was then asked what he looks for in his kickers. Let me answer that one for you - that he kicks the ball through the uprights! There are some dumb questions sometimes. Chad Ryland was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round and it would be highly disappointing if he does not dethrone veteran Nick Folk as the Patriots’ place kicker and kick off specialist. Belichick did not rule out carrying two kickers, however.

JABRILL PEPPERS

If Belichick gave Montgomery the most praise, defensive back Jabrill Peppers was a close second. The second year Patriot has been “a totally different player” this camp as opposed to last season. He is “playing fast and aggressive” according to the head coach. Whereas last year Peppers was having to be told what to do, this year he is telling teammates what to do as he assumes more of a leadership role. Belichick concluded by saying, “He’s been great.”

LAWRENCE GUY

The last question pertained to interior defensive lineman, Lawrence Guy. He has been AWOL so far and Belichick refused to address the reason why. Speculation is Guy is holding out for a better contract. Who does he think he is - Deion Branch, Richard Seymour, or Ty Law? Good luck with that one, Guy.