By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com Celtics Insider
Follow @sherrodbcsnFOXBOROMuch of the talk in the preseason has centered around the depth the Patriots have built up along the defensive line.
But when you look on the other side of the ball, the Pats have stockpiled quite a few receivers as well.
"We have good depth there," Belichick said. "We have 11 guys working. They're practicing hard."
The NFL strike may not have cost the league any games, but it hurt every team in limiting the amount of time players could work with each other. Not only does it raise the likelihood of a player getting hurt, but it also creates a sloppier atmosphere in training camp and, to some degree, makes it more challenging for teams to develop on-field chemistry.
That's why when you look back at the first few days of New England's training camp, dropped balls and missed assignments were seen everywhere.
This was especially noticeable at the wide receiver position, one that features newly acquired Chad Ochocinco.
"It's a new offense for Chad," Belichick said. "He's got that (challenge) compared to the guys that were here last year. But there's a number of players in that group that are also new."
New England Patriots
In addition to trying to find a spot in the receiving rotation, there are those within the wideout group that will look to make their mark on special teams as well.
"It'll be interesting to see how things go when you take into account, special teams responsibilities and the competition overall as a receiving group," Belichick said. "We'll see how it goes. I'd say right now, it's deep and it's strong competition."
A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn