Some quick hits from Bill Belichick's conference call with reporters Friday:
The team announced eight cuts, which Belichick called "the worst part of the job." They need to make 19 more by 4 p.m. Saturday to get to the 53-player limit.
"It's always a tough time of year for myself and all the other position coaches as well," he said.
On offensive tackle (and first-round draft pick) Nate Solder: "A lot of stuff has been thrown at him the last month, and I think he's handled it . . . I thought he did some good things."
On Matthew Slater: "Matthew is such a hard-working player. Nobody outworks him. He's gotten better every single year. He's had a real good camp."
On who'll be the team's main kick returner: "We have a number of guys who have done it on this team. It'll be someone from that group."
On safety Brandon Meriweather, rumored to be in danger of losing his roster spot: "He's had a good camp."
New England Patriots
On the struggles of rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett: "That's the NFL. Things happen in this league fast."