Patriots Blog: Thompkins Playing With More Confidence, Aggressiveness
FOXBORO (CBS) -- Bill Belichick called this time the "grinding through camp period."
He's looking for the team to build chemistry and enhance their communication, and there are no shortcuts to get there, just hard work.
"It's something that is necessary for all of us; players and coaches. We have to grind through it, because that's the way it's going to be through the season," said Belichick. "It's a process that is necessary to get you ready for the long haul."
- Belichick also spent some time talking about the second-year receivers, and said Kenbrell Thompkins is way ahead of where he was last year in camp. KT is another guy who is a hard worker, and that work ethic is being noticed in camp.
"He earned that starting position with his good play and his consistency, but this year he is way passed that," said Belichick. "Experience has a lot to do with that, and his offseason work also has a lot to do with it. He knows what to expect and has a much better understanding so he can play with more confidence and more aggressiveness."
Thompkins had a decent rookie season after going undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2013, finishing the year with 32 receptions and four touchdowns in 12 games. But he had just nine receptions in the second half of the year, and was inactive for four games towards the end of the season. We'll see if he can put together a complete season in his second year in the league.
- Belichick also talked about keeping balance on the defensive line, and Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich being able to compliment each other. He said it's better to have the line solid so it doesn't tilt to one side. That's what he wants the line to strive for, and they are starting to get that type of chemistry.
- Coach talked about one of his favorite players, Ty Law. Belichick mentioned Law's size and his physical ability, and said that opposing quarterbacks may beat Ty once on something, but that second time they better watch out.
"He knew when to be aggressive and to take chances, and when not to. But when he pulled the trigger he could pull it and make a lot of big plays," Belichick said of his former corner. "He had excellent ball skills and anticipation.
Read/Watch: Ty Law: 'I'm A Patriot For Life'
"He was a fun player to coach; he had a personality and didnt excatly do things by the book or how it was outlined, but he was a football player.
Belichick said Law knew how to get things done when he was on the field, and said he is well deserving of being a Patriot Hall of Famer. Law will be enshrined at the Hall At Patriots Place on Friday afternoon.
Follow Levan Reid on Twitter @LevanReid.
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