FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Veteran linebacker James Anderson answered questions from reporters after the New England Patriots' organized team activity on Thursday, marking the first time he has done so since signing a one-year deal with the club last week.
Anderson came across as humble and appreciative of his opportunity in New England.
Here were some of the notable sound bites:
Early impressions of the Patriots: “It’s been great. You can see why these guys have won so much [with] the work they put in, just the detail, how they work overall.”
If pass coverage is a strength: “As you know, looking at my size (6-foot-2, 235), I’m a little bit smaller than most of the other guys around here, so to make up for that I have to be fast and be able to cover. I think that’s a strength, and I have to work at it.”
If coverage linebacker is a dying art: “I don’t think [so]. I think the offensive game is transitioning. You have tight ends now who are receivers. You have running backs who are tight ends. The game is a little different and I guess you have to mold your defense to what they’re doing.”
Fitting in with Patriots linebackers: “Those guys have been awesome. I think the hardest thing is coming in as one of the older guys in the room and having to go and prove yourself to the guys that are here, because being on a new team, you have to earn their respect. So I’m just trying to go out every day and work and do that.”
On his career with the Panthers (2006-2012) and Bears (2013): “Coming out, you would never think you could make it going into nine years. To still be here, around and on a team playing, it’s truly been a blessing.”
Adjusting to the playbook: “[My head is] not necessarily spinning, but I feel like a rookie almost, because it’s a totally different defense than I’ve ever played. So just learning the techniques of how they want things done, I have to spend a little more time in the playbook.”