Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was a guest on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Sunday, as Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan hosted the "Movin' the Chains" program live from Gillette Stadium as part of their training camp tour.
The interview was terrific, chock full of insight. The plan is to post a full transcript of it on the blog later today, with the idea that is like an education in quarterback play and mindset.
Until then, here is one comment from Brady that caught my attention, specific to tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Kirwan and Ryan brought up a play in Sunday's practice in which Hernandez ran a "speed out", and the co-hosts were impressed with how Hernandez planted and created separation from linebacker Jerod Mayo, who initially had tight coverage.
Their question to Brady: How do you cover that if you're a defense?
Brady's answer provided some insight as to Hernandez's growth as a player in that area.
"He has that ability; it’s a really unique skill to be running full speed and plant. Early in his career, he was planting so hard, a lot of times he’d be on the ground," Brady told Kirwan and Ryan.
"I think he’s really gained a lot of body control, and he’s really become a dependable player in our offense. You get those 1 on 1 matchups, and he got a lot of those last season and made a lot of yards after the catch as well, because he’s tough to guard 1-on-1. He’s really become someone that our offense can really trust."