ATLANTA — Ask Aqib Talib what he remembers most about his two years with the Patriots and his bonding with fellow defensive backs Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon, and he gives a very definitive answer.
“Del Frisco’s,’’ Talib said Wednesday at the Rams’ team hotel.
A fine steak house, to be sure, but why is this the lasting memory Talib has of his time with the Patriots? Well, he was part of the defensive back get-together held every Tuesday night during the season.
“Lots of Del Frisco’s. … It always started at Del Frisco’s,’’ said Talib, who reported his go-to menu item was the lamb chops. “With mint jelly,’’ he added.
That was then. This is now.
Talib, after five seasons with the Buccaneers, moved to the Patriots in November 2012. He and the Patriots made the playoffs in 2012 and again in 2013, but both times failed to reach the Super Bowl. Those seasons are considered the dark ages for a franchise that on Sunday will play in its ninth Super Bowl in the past 18 years. Talib was brought in by Bill Belichick to get the Patriots over the hump and it did not happen.
“That’s a great organization,’’ Talib said. “A lot of respect for Tom Brady, a lot of respect for Bill Belichick. I feel like they’re the best. If you win, you want to play against the best.’’
Talib had to leave New England in order to win a Super Bowl, whereas usually players sign with the Patriots to get a piece of the Lombardi Trophy. The Broncos signed Talib in 2014 and he was part of the ravaging defense that beat the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif.
This makes Talib, 32, a valuable resource when it comes to serving as a sounding board for Rams teammates who have never been this way before.
“I tell them enjoy it now, man,’’ Talib said. “Don’t think too much about the media. Just enjoy everything. As the week goes on it will start being more like a regular game, so prepare, don’t forget to study.
“I just tell ’em more about the media and the tickets and the hotel. You can warn them about that. As for the game, no advice is really going to help you in the game. The only thing that is going to prepare you for the game is preparing for the game.’’
In a few days, Talib will attempt to deny his former teammate Brady’s attempt at a sixth Super Bowl victory. Talib remains part of a group chat with some of the Patriots’ defensive backs. But this week it has been all business.
