Belichick press conference 6/12/2023

Bill Belichick seemed in good spirits as he addressed the media Monday on the first day of mandatory minicamp. He spoke to the media for about 15 minutes and joked about not being a travel agent, in regards to when DeAndre Hopkins may be coming to town for an interview. He threw out a “definitely maybe” as an answer to a reporter about Matthew Judon's availability for practice. He joked about not biting at a fishing line about what Hopkins could bring to the team.

Say what you will about Bill Belichick being a grump. The man loves football. Why else would he still be coaching at the age of 70? He lives for this time of the year. He is like that rare kid who loves school so much and can’t wait for the summer to be over so he can get back to school. Belichick looked like that kid on the first day of school on Monday.

The media won’t see this jocular side of Bill too many teams over the next six months, but they got it today. He wasn’t any more forthcoming as usual, but he almost seemed to be laughing at his caricature of himself answering questions. He appeared very self aware as should be expected for someone who has been doing these press conferences in Foxboro for over 20 years. This is old hat to him. He may as well be an AI robot at the podium.

So let’s get to the main topics which were addressed (or not)

BAILEY ZAPPE

The "controversy" just won’t die. The media won’t let it. Despite this, most assuredly, being Mac Jones’ team, reporters still asked Belichick about Zappe’s development and his ability “to push” Mac Jones for the starting job.

Belichick responded with the standard, that all the players “are trying to improve themselves.” He conceded Zappe has come to camp in “way” better shape and conditioning than last year. Belichick complimented Zappe’s work ethic, as well as the work ethic of the other two QBs on the roster.

As far as does Mac Jones feel like he is being pushed for the starting job by Zappe, Belichick said players are “not worried about everybody else. They are just trying to get better themselves.”

Sounds nice, but Jones has to be feeling the heat. He knows he has a better pedigree than Zappe, but he also knows where the coach’s and the fan’s allegiance may lay right now.

DeANDRE HOPKINS

Apparently, Belichick will be the last to know when Hopkins shows up to town. When Mike Reiss asked him about Hopkins being rumored to be coming in for an interview on Tuesday, Belichick responded, “I don’t know about that.”

Later, when Reiss asked for clarification on whether or not Hopkins will be in at all for a meeting, Belichick quipped, “You asked about the date.” Belichick said what day Hopkins arrives depends more on “logistics. I am not a travel agent.” But both parties are intent on meeting.

Anything to better the team, right, Bill? Hopkins should not be allowed to leave Foxboro this week without signing to become a member of the Patriots.

MARTE MAPU

Mapu has the inside track on becoming the breakout player during camp. His versatility has already caught the eye of many in the media. He has become their little darling so far. He is being groomed as a safety with a linebacker's mentality. He has proven so far to be a smart player who has not been overwhelmed with the wide assortment of assignments that a Belichick defense requires, especially for the position that they seem to be creating specifically for Mapu. Remember how long it took for Stephon Gilmore to get settled in?

“Our players play a lot of different things in our system,” said Belichick in reference to Mapu’s workload. Mapu, who is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, is one to keep your eye on in the exhibition season.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Jakobi Meyers’ replacement at wide receiver has been noticeably missing so far. Big things are expected from Schuster. He has big shoes to fill. Bill O’Brien’s offense can be difficult for any receiver to learn, and many have failed to pick up on it. Belichick said that Schuster is “day-to-day,” but one has to wonder if the veteran is just trying to skip out on as much of camp as he can.

Belichick said, in reference to Schuster, “Everyone is doing what they can do.” He added that “some guys are in different stages of participation than others.”

Patriots’ fans are hoping Schuster acclimates himself to the O’Brien offense sooner rather than later. If Hopkins does not end up coming to New England, Schuster will be expected to assume the number one role among the Patriots’ receivers.

D.J. Fluker

The last question asked of Belichick was by Phil Perry who inquired about the Patriots bringing in offensive lineman D.J. Fluker for a workout. Obviously, Fluker is coming in under the radar with the expected arrival of Hopkins, but he could be a sneaky big pickup for the Patriots, no pun intended.

Fluker is a former first round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers out of - wait for it - Alabama. At 6’5”, and a conservative 340 pounds, Fluker is a massive man who started out as a right tackle but has played mostly right guard the last few years. The Patriots seem to be set at right guard this year with potential All-Pro Michael Onwenu improving year after year. I would think they are looking at Fluker as a right tackle, or as a backup to Onwenu.

Fluker, 32, has been around the block since his once promising days with the Chargers. Fluker was released by the Chargers in 2017, and since has been released by the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He did not play in 2022.