Mohamed Sanu has only been with the New England Patriots for three days. So far, he says, it’s been great.
The whole catching passes from Tom Brady thing has been new, too. But as Sanu said Friday, it’s quickly starting to feel natural.
“It’s like we’ve known each other, like we’ve known each other for a while,” Sanu said. “But we’re getting on the same page.”
Sanu says he’s been hitting the Patriots’ playbook hard as he transitions from the Atlanta Falcons’ scheme to a New England offense that’s infamously tricky for wide receivers. Working with Brady involves making a lot of subtle reads and adjustments.
So far, Sanu’s been taking a crash course in Brady 101 and spending a lot of time with his new quarterback.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time together when we’ve got free time, just getting on the same page,” Sanu said. “Seeing things how he sees things, making sure when he sees this, we’re seeing the same thing. It’s coming along really well.”
For his part, Brady has been high in his praise of Sanu, saying the team’s newest threat “brings a lot of juice.”
Wait, what?
“I feel like I bring the juice and the squeeze,” Sanu said.
What the heck does that mean?
“You’ve just got to see,” Sanu said. “It’s not something that you explain. You’ve either got it or you don’t.”
Whatever it means, Sanu is glad to hear it, especially from as guy as decorated as Brady.
“It’s pretty cool to hear that from the greatest quarterback to play the game,” Sanu said. “And that’s not just me saying it. Watching it from afar for a long time, I would think everyone would agree.”
Brady likes the veteran’s skillset and swagger.
“It’s been a good week. It’s been fun to get to know him. I’ve watched him for a long time. I’m always impressed with his abilities, his attitude. It’s been great being out there. Hopefully get him up to speed as quickly as possible,” Brady said.
“He’s got a little chip on his shoulder, too, so we can relate to each other. He can relate to a guy like Julian (Edelman). He was overlooked in his career, too, and he plays that way.”
Overall, Sanu said the Patriots’ locker room has been awesome and he’s embraced the changes with open arms. He’s aware of the standards the Patriots have set, watching the franchise from afar.
The trade came as a sudden change for Sanu’s career, going from a struggling Falcons team to an undefeated Patriots squad. So what was his reaction?
“At first I was sad because I was going to miss my teammates. That’s the most important, I’ll miss my team,” Sanu said. “At the same time I was excited for the new opportunity to showcase my talents.”
He’ll have his first shot Sunday when the Patriots meet the Cleveland Browns, as he goes into his first game as No. 14 instead of No. 12.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
