FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots were in the quarterback market each of the last two offseasons and Jameis Winston was available both times. But, the Patriots opted not to go after the No. 1 pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
So, what does Bill Belichick think of the Saints quarterback, who he will face Sunday at Gillette Stadium?
“He’s a really good quarterback," Belichick said. "He threw for 5,000 yards in Tampa, so it’s not like this guy hasn’t been productive. He’s big. He’s strong. He’s accurate. He’s got good touch on the ball. The offense that he ran in Tampa was a lot different than the offense he’s running in New Orleans. But fundamentally this a big strong guy who can throw the ball accurately. He’s very good down the field. He’s a tough guy to tackle. He’s strong in the pocket. He can make every throw on the field. He’s pretty good.”
It is worth pointing out that in 78 career games played, Winston has a total of 90 interceptions and 50 fumbles. In two games this season, he is completing 59.5% of his passes with five touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Patriots coach also believes Winston is a threat to run.
“If you’ve seen him run with the ball, I don’t know why you’d want him to run with the ball in space," he said. "I don’t think that’s a good idea at all. He’s hard to tackle. He’s fast. Runs over people. I don’t think you want him running wild in your secondary.”
Both teams will enter Sunday's matchup with 1-1 records.