By Danny Picard
CSNNE.comFollow @dannypicard
FOXBORO -- @font-facefont-family: "Times New Roman";p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormalmargin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; a:link, span.MsoHyperlinkcolor: blue; text-decoration: underline; a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowedcolor: purple; text-decoration: underline; table.MsoNormalTablefont-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; div.Section1page: Section1; When Vince Wilfork speaks, people listen.
In case you werent aware after watching Thursday morningswalkthrough at Gillette Stadium to open up 2011 training camp, the Patriotsdefensive lineman clarified afterwards that it was indeed time to get back towork.
Im just happy to be back, said Wilfork. Its been a longtime for all of us, and I know for myself. Its time to get to work. We have alot in front of us right now. Its going to take us a great deal of commitment,to get to where we want to be.
Thats where were at now. It started with the meetings,and the walkthrough. And you know what? Lets start putting it together.
Wilfork acknowledged that there were no advantages aroundthe league, with regards to being ready for the regular season. But he didstress the importance of putting it all together as quick as possible.
Only thingthat matters now is, how quickly we can get into good shape and play somefootball, said Wilfork. Play some good football, and come out here and workevery day. Thats what were striving to do.
I think everybodys starting in the same situation,Wilfork later added. You just have to take it one day at a time. I mean, wedont know. We dont know until we actually get out on the field, put it alltogether and see where were at. And Ill tell you what, were not the onlyteam thats like that. Its going to be like that around the NFL. So thequicker you can get in the groove, the quicker you can make a commitment to yourteammates and to this team and this organization, the better well be.
New England Patriots
As a veteran leader on the team, Wilfork didnt give anyspecial treatment or make excuses for the rookies or incoming free agents. Atthis stage, everybody needs to be on the same page.
Everythings different, said Wilfork. The train is goingto move, regardless of what. And you better jump on board, because its notslowing down anytime right now.
Or main focus right now is to get in these books, get inour playbook, get acclimated with everything new thats going on. And you knowwhat? Its there. Theres nothing we can do about it.
What matters right now, is how quick we can get in thisfilm room, get in this playbook, and come out here and put it together. Thatswhat our focus is.
Danny Picard is on twitter at http:twitter.comDannyPicard.