ATLANTA -- Here are some notable quotes from the locker room access following Thursday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons:
Running back Fred Taylor on the tight ends: “I think it would be safe to say that's why the coaches brought those guys in here. I think, all in all, they're all embracing their roles and doing a pretty good job at it.”
Quarterback Brian Hoyer on the tight ends: "I think that Alge Crumpler has been a great mentor for both of those guys. You see him talking to them all of the time and they are really taking it and learning from him."
Bill Belichick on Fred Taylor: "When Fred hit that draw and bounced through there [for the 28-yard touchdown], it was good to see. All the running backs had long runs at one point or another tonight. Fred has had a good camp and he has been out there every day. He has worked hard and he is in condition. He looks like he has come a long way."
Defensive lineman Ron Brace on playing for the first time this preseason: “[The other defensive linemen] are about three weeks ahead of me, so I have to play catchup. Just to get back to work, be able to play football and work on getting better, I’m glad I was able to do it. … It’s like a game of catching the rabbit right now.”
Linebacker Jerod Mayo on where the defense needs to improve: “Any time you let a team drive the ball down your throat like they did on their first possession, well, you need to be concerned. There are things that need to be corrected. Those guys did an excellent job of moving the ball.”
Belichick on the team's effort: "I thought we had a good week down here, real good work against the Falcons on Tuesday. I thought the whole process helped our football team, we got a lot of plays run, and then added some more to it tonight. Overall, it was a good trip. I thought the players stepped up and competed well tonight. It's good to get this one behind us, and now we move on to a little bit more of a regular week with St. Louis, and the last two preseason games. I feel good about the way the players worked and what we accomplished this week."