Patriots coaches, players speak out on Aqib Talib

With Aqib Talib practicing as a New England Patriot for the first time on Wednesday the Pats have taken a huge step towards getting their new acquisition on the playing field. Since that time is just about here several folks from within the Patriots organization have recently spoken out about what the cornerback can bring to the team and how the Pats can incorporate Talib into the defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has basically only talked about how the Patriots have been working towards catching Talib up.

“I’m glad to have him,” Belichick said. “We’re working with him. I’m sure he’ll work hard to get caught up, and we’ll see where it goes.

“Try to work with him on an individual basis, work with him in terms of terminology, film study.”

Nothing new from Belichick here. Bill has also dodged every question thrown his way regarding Talib's off-the-field issues. Linebacker Jerod Mayo, on the other hand, sympathized with Talib's past when asked on WEEI.

“Well to be honest with you, I’m not familiar with his history or anything like that. Guys come in with issues all the time. I had issues. Who doesn’t have issues?

But he’s a talented player and Coach thinks he can help us out. I’m sure he will.”

A refreshing take from a guy who will surely be working closely with Talib on practice and on game day. It's nice to see positivity from his new teammates when most of what we hear and read is focused on the issues the guy has had in the past. Talib's secondary-mate and new official safety Devin McCourty stayed positive, simple and Belichick-ian with his comments in a conference call Monday.

"I've seen him play a bunch of times. He's a solid player. He's a very good player. I'm sure he'll be able to help us in a lot of different ways."

More recently, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was positive as well regarding the Talib addition. Patricia seems excited to have an experienced guy of Talib's quality joining his defense.

“I had the opportunity to meet with him yesterday and just get caught up a little bit. That was all good,” Patricia said. “We’re evaluating as the week goes, but we’re excited to get going. Professional, guy’s been in the league, so no problems there.”

“I think we’ll have to wait and see, evaluate it as the week goes on,” Patricia said. “But obviously, like all of our players, we expect them to come in and work hard, try to get on board with what we’re doing as soon as they can, really get out there and contribute in any way that we feel is positive for the team.”

Optimism can be a good thing, but obviously this stuff we have to take with a grain of salt. These are Belichick's guys so we know they aren't going to give as anything controversial. Much like the coaches stated above, we'll just have to wait and see on Talib.