New England Patriots' Bill Belichick: "Ball security is of the highest priority"

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has stressed that his side must adhere to the message of ball security following their pre-season defeat to Detroit Lions.

The Patriots fell to a 40-9 loss at the hands of Jim Schwartz's team as they fumbled the ball three times in the first half, with running backs Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden along with tight-end Zach Sudfeld the guilty players.

Belichick told reporters: "Our message has been the same here from day one that ball security is of the highest priority for anybody that handles the ball.

"There can be no mistake about that message. That message has been delivered ad nauseam."

Belichick's side kick off their regular season campaign against Buffalo Bills on September 8.