New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addresses the media following a practice session during mini camp at Gillette Stadium.
Q: Is it more of a challenge when you are dealing with guys that are coming from other teams as opposed to rookies that are starting from scratch? Who needs more work?
BB: Both groups need a lot. Some of the guys that come from other teams have some experience in the league and a lot of the times it is just learning our terminology from the old terminology, but sometimes it's new stuff too depending on where they come from. Both have a lot to learn and have a long way to go.
Q: Last year you were starting out with a lot of new guys on offense. How far along on the offense are the guys that have worked with Tom [Brady] for a year or so now?
BB: Those guys that have a year under their belt - like Randy [Moss], and Chad [Jackson], who is out here and wasn't out here last year and was on the team - sure, it definitely helps. We have a lot of new faces and guys like Marcus [Pollard] and Dave [Thomas], who had missed some time last spring, so we still have new people to work with.
Q: Is there a comparison as to where the defense is now working in new faces than the offense was last year?
BB: You need to start from square one no matter where you are, offense, defense or special teams, even the players that have been here. We all have to start at the bottom and build it up brick by brick one day at a time and that's what we are trying to do.
Q: Is this square one?
BB: Square eight maybe. It's been eight practices or whatever it is. We have a long way to go and we are just taking it day by day. Hopefully, it will be getting a little bit better each day.
Q: Is this the first official step of building the 2008 Patriots?
BB: We have had passing camp and the off-season program. There is a lot of individual work that's gone into the start of these group camps. Now, we are able to put some things together as a team, in units that we weren't able to do individually. It's all important but we are just at a different step now.
Q: Did you watch the game last night? What did you think of Paul Pierce's performance?
BB: It was awesome. That was a great win for the Celtics. I am really happy for them. They have a team that works hard and knows how to win and I'm happy they are winning.
Q: I thought you were their mascot? Why weren't you at the game last night?
BB: You know, we had some early meetings this morning and I didn't want to be late for our big day today. I thought I better be here on time.
Q: With the roster limit at 80, I know that is going to affect some decisions down the road but do you see another kicker maybe coming in here or is that unlikely? Will Stephen [Gostkowski] be the only guy going into camp?
BB: Right now, we are where we are at. I wouldn't rule anything out, anybody coming into any position. We will do whatever we think is best to give ourselves good competition and depth in training camp. We are always working, personnel people are always working through those names and we will do whatever we think is best for the team. There is nobody imminent now but I'm not saying that couldn't change.
Q: You said at passing camp, even if they weren't out here everyone was here doing something?
BB: Yes. Everyone was present and accounted for.
