Dean Pees Tuesday Conference Call, asked if the Pats still plan to stop the run first against a team like Matt Ryan's Falcons.
Yeah, I think you do that almost every week, no matter who you are playing — even if it's a team that throws 50-plus times a game. If it becomes a two-dimensional game, that's always a tough one. But, yeah, they are a really good offensive football team. We have always had a ton of respect for [Michael] Turner. [Jerious] Norwood, there's another guy that can run the ball. Before, they always had a good running attack, a good offensive line. They had two good receivers in [Michael] Jenkins and [Roddy] White. But the things they've added now, [with] Tony Gonzalez — probably one of the best tight ends to ever play — if you add him to that offense, along with the year that [Matt] Ryan had last year … It looks like [Ryan]'s picking up right where he left off. This is a very, very potent offense. We've got our hands full.
Bill Belichick Tuesday Conference Call, asked about Pat Chung's development:
I think all of our rookies are in the process of learning whatever it is they are doing: offense, defense, special teams. But I think all the ones that are on the roster are capable of playing and either have played, or will play, or have played extensively in preseason, and will play at some point, depending on game-plan situation and some other circumstances. Maybe some in their control, maybe some not in their control. Patrick [Chung] definitely will fall into that category. He's got a lot to learn and he's learning it. He's played and he's done a good job for us when he's been in there on defense and in the kicking game. I think he's got a real good future ahead of him. It's exciting to work with him and Darius [Butler], too, in his secondary. I think they're heading in the right direction, no question about it.
TEAM TALK
- Game Preview: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons. Broadcast information, series history, team connections and more.
- Tuesday Conference Calls with the media: Bill Belichick (17.21 min.), Dean Pees (11.55 min.) and Nick Caserio (8.18 min.) Plus transcripts.
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Patriots Today: Last look at Jets game; final thoughts from team. (10.17 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Chris Gasper notes the Patriots will have a tough time containing TE Tony Gonzales, and need a defender to step up in the style of Rodney Harrison.
- Karen Guregian says the Falcons are confident to let it fly behind confident QB Matt Ryan.
- Shalise Manza Young reports that so far the Patriots offense has been somewhat pointless.
- The Globe staff offers some nuggets from Dean Pees' Tuesday conference call with the media, where he touched on everything from the pass coverage against the Jets to Gary Guyton's performance to his respect for Falcons running back Michael Turner.
- Karen Guregian reports ex-BC coach Tom O'Brien keeps in touch with Matt Ryan and keeps him real.
- Mark Farinella reminds us that all is not lost for the 2009 Patriots. The next two weeks will provide a very good barometer for the Patriots future.
- Chris Gasper Patriots Notebook: Pats acquired LB Prescott Burgess from the Ravens yesterday and cut C Ryan Wendell; Dean Pees said Guyton did a solid job against the Jets; Pats have dressed only 4 WRs in their first two games, the 4th being Sam Aiken; and more.
- Shalise Manza Young notes Terrence Wheatley has been inactive for the first two games because he's still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the Washington pre-season game.
- Christopher Price answers his reader mailbag full of questions about offense, defense and everything else.
- Globe 10.0 Steve Silva and John Powers debate whether we need to be more patient with Tom Brady. (2.29 min. video).
- Jim Donaldson offers more than a few reasons why he's worried about the Pats.
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Mike McDermott notes the Jets were annoyed by Moss's post-game comments.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Mike Reiss (ESPNBoston) Nick Caserio working as eye in the sky, assisting coaches on game day from up in the press box.
- Mike Reiss says Burgess should give the Pats depth at LB, help as special-teamer and backup.
- Jerome Bettis (SI) Patriots facing test against Falcons.
- Tom E. Curran (NBC Sports) Patriots, Titans feeling heat during Week 3.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) How I see it: AFC East stock watch.
- Jeremy Green (ESPN) Scouts Inc. ranks the top 10 rookies after Week 2 of the 2009 season. Julian Edelman listed at number 9. number 9. number 9...
- Mark Kriegel (Fox Sports) Pats' time has passed. Yep, nice forward thinking Mark. Stick a fork in them after week 2.
- Sean Leahy (USA Today) Suzy Kolber: Patriots didn't convey that Tom Brady didn't want to do TV interview.
- Sean Leahy (USA Today) Photographers file suit vs. Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen alleging their security team intended to kill them.
VIEW FROM ATLANTA
- Mark Bradley (Atlanta Journal Constitution) The Falcons need a test, and they'll get one in New England.
- D.Orlando Ledbetter (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Falcons' top pick Jerry out for year; DT Thomas Johnson will start in his place.