Aqib Talib has said that the New England Patriots defense is "picking up" ahead of the 2013 NFL season.

While the AFC East champions have undergone wholesale changes on offense, there is little change to the defensive personnel for the coming campaign.

The cornerback told the team's website: "We're getting our calls out a lot faster. [We're] bringing the same defense back, so, we're kind of on the same page, getting on the same page. Still a lot of work to do, but I think it's definitely picking up.

"It helps [to have the same players back] because we kind of get through the playbook a little bit faster. Now, we can work on our checks and getting lined up and knowing where your help is. You learn the extra stuff about the playbook.

"All we can do is get better, man. Take it day by day, get in good shape, pray we all stay healthy."

Talib joined the Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the trade deadline midway through last season.