There’s only one Russell
But Pats’ Bryant does his best impression of Seahawks’ QB
Patriots rookie cornerback Myles Bryant was signed to the team’s active roster Wednesday from the practice squad.
On Thursday, he was handed an entirely new position. At least, briefly.
Bryant played the role of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson during an opening period of Thursday’s practice, when Pats defenders engaged in a scramble drill designed to help prepare them for mobile quarterbacks. Bryant is listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, two inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter than Wilson, whom Bill Belichick intimated earlier in the day is the best player in the league. Practice-squad quarterback Jake Dolegala also took reps during the drill, running and spinning about the pocket before uncorking a long throw.
He and Bryant alternated snaps during the initial part of practice.
“I won’t sit here and say that Myles can throw like Russ, I won’t disrespect Russ like that. And I won’t give Myles that type of credit because I’m sure he’ll try to switch his position,” Pats linebacker Brandon Copeland cracked Thursday. “But you know, he definitely gave us a great look today, and you do what you have to do to get your guys prepared.”
Bryant signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in early May and was highly productive during training camp. It’s common for the Pats to place players at different positions during scout-team periods of practices. With Wilson, defenders understand they must contain him as both a passer and a rusher to succeed Sunday in Seattle.
Wilson rushed for 29 yards in a win at Atlanta last weekend and more than 300 yards each of the past three seasons.
“Well I don’t know if you can really emulate what Russell’s able to do on a football field. I think he’s one of the best at what he does, but we’re doing everything we can,” said Patriots linebacker John Simon. “Myles is a very athletic guy, giving us a good look out there. Russell can beat you with his arm or with his legs, so he’s got a lot going for him.”
Belichick shares memories of mother
In the opening moments of his press conference Thursday, Belichick thanked those who have expressed their condolences after the passing of his mother, Jeannette, earlier this week.
“I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and condolences that they expressed. She had almost 99 years, so a very long and happy life,” he said. “So, she’ll be with my dad now.”
Belichick mentioned Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and Ravens coach John Harbaugh by name, after both coaches sent well wishes to the Belichick family publicly on Wednesday. He also took time to remember Jeannette and spoke about the sacrifices she made for her son and husband, Steve, who often traveled as a football scout at Navy.
“Everybody has a certain relationship with their mom and dad, but as an only child, I was especially close to my parents. My mom and I spent a lot of time together,” Belichick said. “She was a great woman, and I certainly learned pretty much everything from my parents.”
Belichick described his mother as “an academic person.” After leaving Hiram College in Ohio, Belichick said she spoke six languages and applied those skills by translating European maps during World War II. Once the war ended, Jeanette returned to Hiram to teach foreign languages.
Later, the Belichicks settled in Annapolis, Md., where she spent every weekend during football season with her son, as Steve traveled. Belichick estimated they watched hundreds of football games together, during which time they grew close.
“She was a very unselfish person and sacrificed a lot for her family, and of course for me, personally,” Belichick said. “And I appreciate and love her for that, and many other things.”
Uche sits out
Patriots rookie linebacker Josh Uche was listed as a nonparticipant on Thursday’s practice report due to a new ankle injury. Uche was present for the team’s initial drills and stretching. Last weekend, the second-round pick was a surprise inactive for the team’s season opener.
Four other Pats were limited Thursday, including wide receivers Julian Edelman (knee) and N’Keal Harry (shoulder). Cornerback Jonathan Jones and linebacker Cassh Maluia were both lifted off the team’s report after being listed with injuries Wednesday. Seahawks safety Jamal Adams was added to Seattle’s practice report, but participated fully despite a new elbow injury.