Bill Belichick Raves About Chris Long: Positive Things I Heard Are True

It’s clear at this point Bill Belichick has an affinity for praising Chris Long using football cliches.

Belichick said last month the New England Patriots defensive end has “elite” character. He took the cliches to another level Sunday.

“I would say with Chris all the positive things I knew and heard about Chris are certainly true,” Belichick said Sunday in a conference call. “I think it’s just more evident when you see it on a day after day basis. Every day, first one in, ready to go, pencil sharpened, taking notes, alert to just trying to get things right, questions about how he can do it better or how exactly we want it done, goes out there and really tries to do it the way that we’ve coached it, then corrects it, then comes back and does it again the next day.

“Works hard in the weight room, in the training room, so, it’s all good but it’s just at a higher level, very consistent, very professional, very dedicated. I think he has earned everybody’s respect; the players, assistant coaches, like I said, trainers, all of the people in the organization. He has just done everything right and very team-oriented.”

Long signed a one-year contract with the Patriots as a first-time free agent this offseason after he was released by the Los Angeles Rams following eight seasons in the organization. Long was considered a top-tier defensive end after being selected second overall in the 2008 NFL Draft until injuries hampered his 2014 and 2015 seasons, when he had just four sacks in 18 games.

Long leads the Patriots with 19 pressures this season. He has one sack, four quarterback hits, 14 hurries, seven tackles and two pass breakups in just three games. Long also has provided stout run defense as the Patriots’ starting left defensive end. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Patriots extended Long’s contract at some point this season before he hits free agency again this offseason. He’s been a natural fit in the Patriots’ locker room.

It will be interesting to see what happens at the position when Rob Ninkovich returns from a four-game suspension. Long could take over Trey Flowers’ rotational pass rushing role, or Ninkovich could move to linebacker, where he played during spring and summer practices. Ninkovich has been the Patriots’ starting left defensive end for the past four seasons. He played strong-side linebacker from 2009 to 2011.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images