The Patriots are sporting a new look on defense and an attitude of leaving behind their lack of defense in the Super Bowl.
Former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is now head coach in Detroit. Longtime assistant Brian Flores is running the defense in New England without
the formal title of coordinator.
Several players have shuffled on and off the roster. Starting cornerback Malcolm Butler signed with Tennessee in free agency after being mysteriously
benched for most of the Super Bowl
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brother Devin in the backfield.
Linebacker Dont'a Hightower says the players are moving past the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game in which the Patriots defense allowed
613 yards.
"I don't think any of those guys are going to let that hold over their heads. I'm sure they're focused on this year. That Super Bowl last year is gone, it's
over with," Hightower said. "We're focusing on training camp."
Safety Duron Harmon says all his teammates can do now is buckle down on their assignments and string good days together.
"If you're looking at the tunnel you can't even see the light right now
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season.
Players say Flores has brought in a different terminology and attitude.
"I know how he's going to drive the team and I appreciate it," Harmon said. "I like his intensity, I love his attitude and I just know it's going to help me
become a better football player."
NOTES: WR Malcolm Mitchell
Pierre Desir Jersey , still working his way back from knee surgery, was among the players who missed the first day of camp. . TE Rob Gronkowski, in camp
amid crawling talks aimed at a new contract, was asked if Tom Brady amazes him
performing at this high level after age 40: "It's just like he was out here when
I first got here. He's full go, always ready to roll and it's just an
inspiration basically
Randy Gregory Jersey , just how fast he's always playing and he's ready to roll." . Players and coach Bill Belichick are refusing to address Butler's exit, with
Harmon saying: "Malcolm has moved on, he's now with the Tennessee Titans and
it's time that we do the same."
The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing back Jeff Daniels as an assistant coach.
General manager Don Waddell announced the hiring of Daniels on Monday and completed the staff for new coach Rod Brind’Amour.
The 49-year-old Daniels was an assistant with the team from 2003-08, was part of the staff that won the Stanley Cup in 2006 and has been the organization’s
manager of pro scouting since 2015.
He also coached the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate in Charlotte from 2008-15, and has worked in player development and scouting for Carolina.
Waddell says Brind’Amour ”has a great understanding for the experience and knowledge that he brings to the table.”
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