Dom Capers, hired by the New England Patriots Thursday as a special assistant/secondary coach, spoke with the New England media Friday in a conference call and said his primary job was to coach the secondary and then aid wherever needed.

Capers, who was the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator last year, was previously a head coach at Carolina and Houston. He's hoping that can be to his advantage in his new situation.

"One of the advantages of being a head coach for a number of years is you always knew what you were looking for in assistants and hopefully I can be that guy'' he said.

Asked about linebacker Zach Thomas, who was recently released by the Dolphins and reportedly offered a contract by the Patriots, Capers said, "I’ve been in the NFL for 22 years now - this will be 23 years. He’s one of the best preparers that I’ve been around. He’s one of he top guys. I mean, the guy is obsessive in his preparation. He’s very much a professional. He’s the one who spends probably as much time as the coaches do to get ready for the game, and I think that’s why he’s been able to have the kind of production and the success he has over his career.''

While Thomas still hasn't committed, it should be noted that the Patriots re-signed special team player Larry Izzo on Thursday. That could be significant because Izzo is a close friend of Thomas from their days together in Miami.

Quarterback Tom Brady and his injured right foot were once again absent from the New England Patriots practice during the 15-minute period the local media was allowed to watch on Friday.

Columnist Steve Solloway reported that Rodney Harrison, absent on Thursday, was at practice. Harrison told reporters that his absence on Thursday was no big deal.

Offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan was not present, however.

Coach Bill Belichick again offered no insight to the Brady situation in his Friday morning press briefing. And the Patriots players made light of the situation.

Wide receivers Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker added levity by saying that they had spoken to Belichick earlier in the day and were told that they would be quarterbacking the team in the Super Bowl.

Stallworth went as far to say that the team would run the option against the Giants. Remember, he's the same guy who plotted to fly to San Diego and kidnap a couple of Chargers last week.

We're used to seeing the New England Patriots in sweat shirts or uniforms. Friday they came in their Sunday best for Friday's AFC press conference. Setting the tone was coach Bill Belichick, who dumped his usual gray hooded sweatshirt, for a light green dress shirt and dark green khakis.

Of note: he still had the sleeves rolled up, so they resembled the cut-off sleeves of his gray hoodie. Must be his fashion statement. Also, he wore brown loafers with no socks.

He was followed by Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Kevin Faulk and Tom Brady. Faulk was the best dressed, in a pin-striped maroon vest and slacks, with silver shoes.

As far as what they said in advanced of Sunday's AFC title game with the San Diego Chargers at Gillette Stadium:

Belichick stressed the turnover factor, saying protecting the ball was "a point of emphasis'' in practice this week.

Vrabel on long San Diego drives: "If they have the ball for 12-13 plays, two things are happening. One is that Tom Brady doesn't have the ball and two is that they're getting a chance to score.''

Bruschi on weekly distractions: "We feed off it and become closer from it.''

Faulk, on his captaincy this year: "It means to much to me. It's one of the most important things in my life.''

Brady on a possible Hollywood career after football: "I'm not quitting this job just yet. I hope that's a long time from now. I'm still a young guy.''

The countdown to the Patriots' fifth appearance in seven years in an AFC championship game continues on Friday when the league holds its pre-game press conferences, to be televised live on NFL Network.