New England Patriots’ Tight End Scott Chandler Says Pats Are A ‘Top Flight’ Organization

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) scores a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at Ford Field. Bills beat the Jets 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Chandler

Q: What makes New England such a good fit for you?

SC: I think that comes down to the organization that Mr. [Robert] Kraft has set up here. It’s been a top-flight organization since I’ve been playing for sure, and longer than that. I think that was a big factor, was just going to a good organization.

Q: You’ve put up good numbers against the Patriots. Is there any reason for that?

SC: I think you go into a game just wanting to do what it takes for your team to win and sometimes that means catching the ball and sometimes that means blocking well. I’ve probably had games that I didn’t have very good stats, but they were some of my better games throughout my career. It just so happened that in those games I needed to catch the ball a little bit and I was able to do that.

Q: You played at Iowa for Kirk Ferentz. How big of an impact did he have on you?

SC: Coach Ferentz had a big impact; just getting a different type of coach than I had in high school. In high school we were running the spread offense and throwing the ball every play and you get to Coach Ferentz and he runs a very pro-type program there. You’re laid out what’s expected of you and you’re expected to carry that out. If you’re not, you’re not going to play. I really appreciate that approach. He tells you what you need to do to get on the field. I was able to go there and have a successful career. Obviously he’s built a great program there. I know he and Coach [Bill] Belichick have a lot in common in the way they approach coaching. I’m excited to get in and deal with Coach Belichick.

Q: What is the relationship between Coach Ferentz and Coach Belichick and how will that help you?

SC: I think Coach Belichick is a real straightforward guy. I haven’t had too much interaction with him, but from what I’ve heard, he’s just a guy who is going to tell it like it is. That’s an approach that after bouncing around and sometimes you have guys who beat around the bush and don’t tell you really what’s going on, but Coach Belichick seems to do that. That’s an approach that you can appreciate as a vet.

Q: You said Coach Belichick is kind of a straight shooter. Has he talked to you and given you a plan for how the team will use you? How do you think you’ll complement Rob Gronkowski?

SC: We didn’t get into that too terribly much. I think what I want to do is be part of a team that’s a winning team. Whatever that role that the coaches define for me there, I want to do whatever I can to help the team win.

Q: How would you describe the free agency process for you? It sounds like it came down to the Ravens and Patriots. Did you visit both places and how did you weigh the choice between those two teams?

SC: I think I was a in a pretty good spot. They’re two really good organizations. That’s really what it came down to. I’ve been playing for a while and I wanted to be a part of an organization that has a pretty good chance to win. Mr. Kraft has done an amazing job of not only creating that – and Coach Belichick has a pretty big hand in that – not only creating it, but sustaining it for a long period of time. I’m looking forward to going into this year and doing whatever I can to be a part of that.

Q: You played five years in Buffalo and now you’re in New England. What does it feel like to be on the opposite side of Buffalo?

SC: I don’t know. I think if you get into those kind of things, you end up making this game more about you and really it’s about the team. I just want to come in and do what I can to be a part of the Patriot culture and just do my part. I don’t really want to get into those feelings of vengeance or anything because they’re not really there for me. I had a great five years in Buffalo and it’s time for me to be a Patriot now.

Q: Did you know Rob Gronkowski prior to this or are you new to each other?

SC: Pretty new. I’ve talked to Rob on the field after games and that’s about it. I’m sure we’ll get to know each other and get along well. He seems like a fun guy to be around. Obviously he’s a great player. I’m looking forward to being able to learn from him and watch him do his thing. He’s pretty fun to watch.

Q: How do you feel your height can help you in the blocking game and is that a challenge for you when you’re an in-line tight end?

SC: I think it’s one of those things that it can be tough, but I’ve been dealing with it for a while now. You learn to sink or swim pretty quick in this league. You want to do whatever you can to get low and stay low. It’s hard, but you learn how to deal with it because if you can’t get the job done, they’re going to find someone else.