Ready For The Donald Brown Show? Belichick Calls Running Back 'A Pleasure To Coach', 'Good To Have On The Team'
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- I'm fashioning a sling out of Sports Hub t-shirts at my desk right now. That's because I pulled a muscle patting myself on the back about the Patriots' signing of Donald Brown. One of those muscles in your back that you barely even use, too. Not sure how that happens.
Anyway, I wrote in March why San Diego Chargers president John Spanos might be onto something when he called Brown "a perfect Patriots signing." Turns out he was basically foreshadowing what Bill Belichick would giddily (by his standards) remark about Brown's work ethic and professionalism. Spanos said Brown is "a guy who'll be the first guy in, does his work, does whatever he's asked and just keeps to himself."
Well, here's what Belichick said when asked about Brown's performance so far as a Patriot: "Donald's done a good job picking up the offense, I don't think that's been an issue. Donald's fast, he's got good ability to stretch the field, to get outside, to run inside ... Quality kid, good worker, smart, very professional, works hard at his job, always prepared, always does the right thing, puts a lot into it.
"He's been a pleasure to coach ... good to have on the team."
Is Belichick about to cut a guy he explicitly said is good to have on the team?
This is not to say Brown will be the bell cow for the Patriots or suddenly become a 1,000-yard rusher, but the way Belichick gushed about him on Wednesday has to at least pop an eyebrow or two. Brown will be an easy candidate to cut with his $885,000 salary on a one-year deal and lack of experience in the Patriots system compared to LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis, Brandon Bolden, and James White. But remember that Blount was marked as a player whose job is on the line by Mike Reiss and the other aforementioned backs will be used more in the passing game than on the ground. So why can't Brown be the guy that takes Blount's job?
This article may end up meaning nothing whatsoever. My pat on the back may turn out to be a useless "battle" scar. But all I know is, Belichick loves this guy and Reiss' report on Blount has to mean something. Brown may not be a stud, but don't be surprised if he makes meaningful contributions to the Patriots this year.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
