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Quick hits from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s conference call on Tuesday:  Two rookie centers. The Packers have rookie Corey Linsley at center, while the Patriots have their own rookie at the position in Bryan Stork. The Patriots had interest in Linsley (a fifth-round pick) before taking Stork in the fourth round. Now these two rookies are anchoring the interior of their offensive lines and learning on the fly.
“Linsley is a guy that we were all over too at Ohio State and after we took Stork in the fourth round, we didn’t really plan on coming right back and taking the same position,” Belichick said. “But, he was a guy we spent a lot of time on and had a lot of interest in too. He’s done a good job for the Packers. [He’s] started all year and is playing behind two very experienced players at guard similar to Bryan’s situation here. There is a lot at that position -- a learning curve and being a rookie -- just on a lot of levels, especially with cadence.” Peppers still going strong. Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers may be 34-years-old and in his 13th NFL season, but he is still impressive with his athleticism and versatility as a pass-rusher and coverage linebacker. “[Peppers] has seen everything, experienced it. I don’t think there’s too many things on the football field that would surprise him anymore,” Belichick said. “He’s a very disruptive guy and in the pass-rush more than he is in coverage, but when he is in coverage, you have to be aware of his length and size he presents. He’s certainly a lot bigger than almost anyone else you would see in coverage.” Rodgers-Nelson back-shoulder threat. Last week, Tom Brady discussed the back-shoulder pass with Brandon LaFell, and regarded Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson as the best at executing the highly evolved play. Likewise, Belichick is tuned into the threat of back-shoulder throws to Nelson. “Well the back-shoulder is tough because especially with a guy like [Jordy] Nelson who has such good height (6-3), length [and] speed; as a defensive back you never want guys to get on top of you or behind you,” Belichick said. “At the same time, they are so good at that back-shoulder throw that if you are thinking about that and then Nelson runs by you, it’s all over.” Don’t forget about Cobb. Even with Nelson having an impressive season, Randall Cobb is certainly not to be forgotten with his 10 receiving touchdowns. “Cobb is a tough matchup, usually inside the slot,” Belichick said. “Good speed, good quickness, good playing strength, good with hands, an excellent run after catch player, also a returner, so the problems with him are his separation and ability to get open but also getting him on the ground after he has the ball. “Seems to have a really good rapport on the field with Rodgers.” Protecting the football. Sunday’s Patriots-Packers showdown features the NFL’s top two teams in turnover differential with the Packers at plus-15 and the Patriots at plus-11. “Not only do they not turn the ball over and get turnovers, but they are also the best in the league at converting turnovers into touchdowns,” Belichick said. “They are a very opportunistic team. They play good complementary football. They are an explosive team, and they can get the ball away from you and pretty much score from anywhere and they are explosive in the kicking game and the return game.” The Packers’ dominance at home. The Packers are undefeated at home (5-0) and winning home games by a margin of 26.8 points. “We have to find a way to be competitive in their home stadium where they have played exceptionally well in recent weeks -- just extraordinary,” Belichick said. “So, it will be a huge challenge.”
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