After practice, Belichick spoke with reporters about Ross, “Devin’s a hardworking kid. I think when we got him last year, I’m not sure that he was 100 percent healthy... I think that he’s improved from this year to last year. We’ll see how things go here, but yeah, he looks like he’s ready to go and ready to compete, and we’ll see how that all comes together.”
Belichick stole Ross who was being bounced around on various practice squads last year and it seems like the Patriots may have developed another receiver.
Ross got to speak with the press and get a little exposure. Ross told reporters, “My receiver coach (Mick Lombardi) mentioned that every rep we get is like a piece of gold and I took that to heart. I feel like it’s a true statement. Every time you get a chance to go out there it’s a great opportunity to be able to put something great out there and make a name for yourself and show your coaches and teammates what you can do.”
Ross is in competition for the fourth, fifth, and possible sixth receiver spot on the Patriots roster. After a disappointing 2019, everyone must earn their job.
“I come to the line every time out of the huddle with the mindset that no one can match me or cover me. That’s the mindset I always come to the game with. I just feel like I want to be the best player I can so I come to the line with complete confidence, 110 percent. I know that I’ve prepared well and I’m just ready to go at all times, I’ve just got that chip on my shoulder. I feel like it’s me vs. me.”
That mindset, that confidence maybe why Stidham was willing to challenge Gilmore on Tuesday when he was covering Ross. Quarterbacks can sense that coming off their pass catchers and will test it to see if their man can deliver on their hype.
Ross continues “My chip comes from being undrafted a couple of years ago. That’s the main thing and from my family growing up in the Los Angeles area, not always in good terms and everything just wanting to be able to (do) what my mom and dad inspired me every day to do.
It’s bigger than myself so I want to be able to help them and do everything I can to be able to represent my family well and make the Ross last name mean something more than it already does. That’s my chip. I come every day ready to work. I’m working for my family not just myself.”
Carrying a chip from going in later rounds or from spending time on free agency seems to be part of the Problem Way going back twenty years. In fact that seems to be a requirement for most players Belichick signs. Ross is putting that chip to good use so far but will need to continue if he is gonna make the roster.
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