NFL officials will be at Patriots training camp today for a briefing on all the rules changes for the upcoming season.
Quarterbacks have had headphones in their helmets since 1994, and that's what the defensive system is based on. Two defensive players will be designated by teams prior to each game to have radio receivers in their helmets, but only one can be on the field. The problem is that no defensive player directly correlates to the quarterback, as both play-caller and constant on-field presence. For that reason, among others, Bill Belichick thinks hand signals will still be a part of defensive communication this season.
"I think from the coaches that I've talked to in the league, the defensive coaches and the head coaches, everybody feels like you'd better be prepared to signal," said Belichick.
The Patriots have a complex defense of situational sub-packages with different personnel and schemes, making it more difficult to select defensive communicators than it is for teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears, who have every-down middle linebackers in Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher.
The most logical candidate for the Patriots is linebacker Tedy Bruschi, but Bruschi often came off the field on third down last season. Safety Rodney Harrison is another choice, but he would have to change helmets if Bruschi had the communication device and was substituted for.
"For some of the teams I've talked to they are thinking about the same kind of issues," said Belichick. "There are multiple considerations. On our end it will be a little bit of a trial-and-error type of thing."
Belichick acknowledged the Patriots might be better suited having a player who is likely going to be on the field for three downs.
One possibility is a cornerback. However, veteran Fernando Bryant said having a coach talking in his helmet would be more of a hindrance.
