The New England Patriots may not have added many big names throughout free agency, but they have added some guys who could be difference-makers in this system, like linebacker Sione Takitaki.
Takitaki, 28, was a 2019 third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns following a collegiate career at BYU. Over his five professional seasons, he’s recorded 268 tackles (14 for a loss), eight quarterback hits, four sacks, four passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovered.
He spoke with the New England media for the first time on Thursday and shared his impressions of his coaches and the Patriots’ usage of his position.
“Yeah, obviously (head coach Jerod Mayo) played for a while,” Takitaki said. “Me, being a linebacker, I watched them growing up. And, just the style, the way they used their linebackers here for a long time I felt like it fits my mold, so I’ve always watched them from afar even when I was young growing up, even when I got to the league when I was with Cleveland, I always watched them. Their style of play is just so aggressive, and the linebackers move around. The versatility they have…
“It’s cool to be coached by (linebackers coach) Hightower, a great, and learn from him. Be a sponge from him. And, even Mayo, being a head coach, I’m excited for me to just come and learn from these guys.”
New England might not have the legendary aura that came with Bill Belichick anymore, but players seem to respect Mayo and Hightower for what they were able to accomplish on the field. That might be a selling point that could take on more weight as they establish themselves more in their coaching careers.
“With Hightower, he’s played the game at such a high level,” Takitaki said. “Pro Bowl. All-Pro. And, he’s done it for a long time… Just to see how smart he is in the class room. When he breaks down tape, he knows, he’s been in that position as a player, so he can really relate from the sideline to on the field. As players learning, it’s really good for us because he knows. He sees a play, and he’s like ‘I see what you’re seeing right here. I understand.’ It definitely makes it really good for players learning from him just because he’s been in those positions. And, he’s a good leader. He knows how to relate to the guys. He’s been in the locker room. He can joke with us, but also when it’s time to work, it’s time to work.”
