FOXBOROUGH – Members of the Patriots defense have voiced quite a bit of optimism about the unit.
Newcomer Robert Spillane said he really likes the vibe with the defense.
“I strive to be the best teammate I can be every day. We got 11 guys doing that, playing for each other, running to the ball, effort and finish on every play,” the former Raiders linebacker said following Wednesday’s OTA session. “We’re going to have a good year.”
Did veteran safety Jabrill Peppers agree? That a good year was in store for the Patriots defense based on what he’s seen thus far?
“If we keep going, and keep doing what we need to do the way we need to do it, I definitely concur,” Peppers said. “We just gotta keep grinding, take it day by day. Keep learning our fundamentals, keep learning the playbook, keep gelling with one another, keep establishing our identity so when the season comes, we play to it.”
Peppers made note that everyone was on the same page, and on board with what was going on. They can’t wait to put last year’s 4-13 mark behind them.
“I know we’re just getting started, but I can tell you everyone’s hungry, everyone’s bought in to the new identity,” he said. “We want to do whatever we gotta do to get that bad taste out of our mouth.”
Spillane kept going back to the players, and personnel assembled on the defense. That’s the biggest reason for his optimism.
“At the end of the day, the players are out there playing games, winning games,” he said. “Coaches, to me, they want to get you in the best spot you can be every time.
“But at the end of the day, it’s up to the players to understand where that best spot is for them.”
