Postgame Transcript – PS2 CAR – Patriots Players

PATRIOTS PLAYERS

Nelson Agholor, WR

(On the work it took to get good chemistry with him and Mac to have success)

“A lot of work and a lot more work to continue to be done. We’re just working every day. But there’s a lot of work to be on the same page and speak the same language but we keep going.”

(On Mac Jones’ confidence heading into his sophomore season)

“I think he’s in the right place right now. He’s getting better every day. I think he’s a guy that approaches every day with a certain level of focus and professionalism to be the best he can be.”

James Ferentz, OL

(On the offense’s performance tonight)

“Like any game, there was some good and some bad. We will come in and take a look at the film and see what we need to improve on. It is still the preseason so we have a long way to go.”

(On if there is a greater sense of urgency in this preseason with there only being three games)

“Yes, it is hard to look forward especially when you are in training camp. We have to review what we just did then go out to Las Vegas and have a really productive week.”

(On the third drive with Mac Jones and what that does for the team’s confidence)

“Anytime you hit a big play and you’re excited, it is crucial to any successful offense so to get those going is always great. All credit goes to Mac for a great throw and then Nelly [Nelson Agholor] with the great catch and finish.”

Matthew Judon, LB

(On the first-team defense getting action for the first time this preseason)

“It’s just a little start of what we plan on building on. It’s just the first building block. We had to go out there and kind of see what we got and move around and hit somebody other than our own team. So it’s just the first building block but we have a long way to go.”

(On Anfernee Jennings’ performance and getting better every day)

“Just that, just that. He’s taken what we apply in meetings, in film and everything and he’s using that and using those tools and putting those in his toolbox and he’s using it in the game. He made a couple inside moves. He had a couple nice outside rushes he’s using to get to the quarterback. But he’s building on everything and every day in camp. He’s looking really good.”

(On if the defense is faster and quicker than last year)

“It really didn’t matter what we had last year. It’s a whole new year. So if we’re looking faster and quicker we thank you. But right now we just, like I said, it’s just a building block. We have to continue to do this through the rest of preseason and day by day. So right now we try to move fast and we try to come down hill. We’re trying to hit so if that’s how it looks we appreciate it.”

(On Josh Uche having a sack tonight)

“Shoot, Josh had a sack, D-Mitch [DeMarcus Mitchell] had a sack, Ant [Anfernee Jennings] had a sack, Wise [Deatrich Wise] had a sack. Everybody out there. We’re rushing, that’s what we do. We’re trying to create a competitive edge and we’re all out there trying to better each other and that’s competing. So when I get a sack or when Uch [Josh Uche] gets a sack or when AJ [Anfernee Jennings] get a sack or whoever get a sack from the edge or on the D-line we all celebrate with one another because that just means it’s the next person. They’re going to have to start double-teaming him and a lot of us are going to get a single block. But Uche is having a good camp and I love to see it.”

(On if the defense can be more aggressive this year)

“That’s how we want to play. We want to play a downhill mentality. We want to be aggressive. We want to attack the line of scrimmage and knock it back. So with speed and smarts you got to do everything within a defense, but when we’re moving fast and we’re executing that’s going to happen a lot.

Ty Montgomery, WR

(On the importance of being multi-dimensional)

“I just pride myself on doing my job. If I have to run the ball, I’m going to run the ball. Whatever is required. When I have to catch the ball, I’m catching the ball. When I have to beat a guy on a route, I’m going to beat a guy on the route.”

(On how it felt to score a touchdown)

“It felt really good, I’m not going to lie. Being on the outside looking in I’m very honored and I feel like it’s a privilege to be a part of this organization. I was very happy I have a good group of teammates around me, a good group of coaches. It’s my first touchdown, I don’t care if it’s preseason, since 2018. I’m just happy to be getting opportunities.”

(On how he feels he’s coming along in the passing protection responsibilities)

“I feel confident in my abilities and confident in coaching, confident in my teammates. Pass protection is part of the running back’s job and is something I’ve been able to do in the past. So I expect to be able to do it here.”

Matthew Slater, WR

(On his assessment of Brendan Schooler’s and Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s performance on special teams)

“Yes, it was fantastic. I mean, both of those guys have done a great job since they got here. They both have been working really hard. That play that Lil’Jordan made was fantastic, and then Schooler is just bought in to playing the kicking game. He understands what his role is in terms of that and has been a sponge just by asking so many questions and learning so it has been great to see that transition to the game situation.”

(On Myles Bryant returning kicks for the first time since 2015)

“It has been great. He looks like he has a lot of confidence back there, he’s making good decisions with the football in his hands and we just have to do a good job of giving him space. That is our theme for returning this year, let our returners keep going so they can use their abilities in the open field. He’s doing a great job and all returners are doing a great job, we just have to keep working at it.”

(On Bill Belichick being critical of special teams tonight)

“The goal, even if it may not be a realistic one, is to be perfect. No one understands that standard better than Coach because he has established that standard here. For us, we know there are going to be things that we need to clean up from the night but like I said, I think we made some positive strides.”

(On if there is a greater sense of urgency in this preseason with there only being three games)

“I think you have to have a greater sense of urgency since you’ve only got three dress rehearsals. These games are really important and I don’t know if people really understand the importance of getting your timing, gaining confidence, playing with your teammates in game situations, communication and all of that is important. We don’t have as many chances as we did before, so I think we have come to work with some good urgency.

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