Coming off an offseason filled with speculation and drama, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is focused on football and his players.
Drama? What drama? While we are all seeking answers about what went on with Malcolm Butler and what is currently going on with both Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, Bill Belichick is onto the 2019 season and so are the New England Patriots.
In what could end up being his most challenging coaching season, Belichick is putting his focus on the task ahead.
Part of that focus is putting his team in the best situation to win. That will involve understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player. It also involves creating an atmosphere that will allow those players to strive.
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With an array of newcomers at some key positions along with younger players taking huge steps, Belichick and his coaching staff will have quite a bit of coaching to do. A challenge it will be, but that is one of the few things that makes the Patriots head coach smile and which players he praises during training camp is something fans typically look forwards to.
While Belichick’s praise doesn’t necessarily mean a player or players will equate to anything more than a training camp feel good story, the fact that they catch his eye is enough reason to follow those particular players and where their stories lead.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bill Belichick took time to praise these three players so far in training camp.
Jacob Hollister goes from unproven to possibly impactful
After making the team last year due to his strong training camp and preseason, backup tight end Jacob Hollister is looking to do the same this season to secure his roster spot.
So far, he is doing exactly that. Not only has Hollister been a strong contributor during the spring sessions and so far in training camp, he has found his way into Tom Brady’s circle of trust, which could lead to more production in the passing game.
Will it also lead to an increased role?
Belichick isn’t ruling it out, but says it depends on how hard he continues to work.
"“Jacob improved a lot last year and he’s gotten off to a good start this year from the offseason program to our spring workouts to the start of training camp,” Belichick said in regard to a possible increased role. “He’s still got a long way to go. He has a lot of football in front of him. He didn’t have a lot of experience -had some – but has gained a lot and will gain a lot more. I think he’s got a great future. He works hard, he’s a tough kid, he plays hard, practices hard and has become much better at his fundamentals and techniques at his position.”"
In all, Hollister’s progression could be a reason why the team let go veteran tight end Troy Niklas so early in camp. Considering both his strengths and weaknesses, Belichick went on to say that the second-year tight end will have to find a way to balance “his speed, his quickness, his athleticism” to make up for his lack of size at the position.
If Jacob Hollister does that and continues to show his growth on the field, he should secure his spot on the 53-man roster and become more of a factor during the season.
Shaq Mason’s new deal?
Coming in the season as possibly the team’s top offensive line, fourth-year guard Shaq Mason is not only out to get even better in 2019, he is also playing for a big pay day.
After losing left tackle Nate Solder during free agency, the team will be challenged to secure Mason if he is allowed to hit free agency at the end of the year. With other teams more than willing to shell out some big dough for offensive line talent, the Patriots can only hope to get Mason on a more team friendly deal by locking him up during the season.
If they cannot, they have already drafted his replacement in Isaiah Wynn. At the moment, however, Bill Belichick was asked about Mason’s development possibly to get a hint at where the team stands contractually with the big offensive guard.
"“Well, Shaq made a big jump in Year One, coming from the system he was in, learning pass protection. He’s played well for us for three years, going on four years. He’s very athletic, tough, smart, physical, good playing strength, a good football player.”"
It sounds like Belichick and the team is waiting to see how much more he has developed going into his fourth season. With all the attributes the New England Patriots coach listed, sounds like he has the makeup to be a Patriot for a very long time.
But, the money will have to be right…or affordable at that position.
Trent Brown is a big, big man
Who fills the void left by Nate Solder at left tackle?
Well, there is no bigger option than newly acquired offensive line man Trent Brown.
Acquired in an offseason deal from the San Francisco 49ers, Brown as the size and attributes to a good addition to the New England Patriots offensive lineman. He would certainly be a project if the team does use him to protect Tom Brady’s blindside, but a project that could pay dividends if he works out.
Addressing how Brown has adjusted so far with his new team, Bill Belichick talked about his good start so far.
"“He’s gotten off to a good start here in camp,” Belichick said. “He’s got a long way to go. Our system is different than what he’s been in, what CP [Cordarrelle Patterson] has been in, what Danny has been in. Those guys are working hard to pick up and do what we are asking them to do, what we’re trying to do. I’m glad we have him and we’ll see how it goes.”"
At 6-foot9, 380 pounds, Belichick has also praised Trent Brown’s size and athleticism. He is probably one of the biggest offensive linemen the New England Patriots have ever had.
He will definitely have to play big to do the things the team will need him to do this upcoming season.