Saturday New England Patriots Links 2/5
A fairly quiet morning news-wise on this Saturday morning, but here are today's collection of headlines from around the internet.
Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe has an article on Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who spoke during Roger Goodell's "State of the League" address. Kraft was very candid regarding his thoughts on what was missing from the Patriots loss to the Jets last month, and still isn't quite over it.
“I don’t know, a good game plan? You’ve got to hand it to the Jets, they came in and they did a good job,’’ Kraft said. “And actually, if you think about it, we drove down the field on those first two drives. Tommy [Brady] was unbelievable. He had [11] games without an interception and then threw that lazy interception [on a screen pass in the first quarter].
“They go down and they miss the field goal and then we come and drive right down again and we throw one in the end zone, it gets dropped. We get 3 points. We [try] the fake punt, which we hadn’t done all year, and it gets bobbled and it was wide open by the way, if we had executed."
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald also has an article on Kraft, who also discusses the possibility of playing a Super Bowl in New England and feels this area has plenty to offer.
Brian Quinian of NESN.com writes that Kraft hopes that Logan Mankins will stay in New England for the "long-term", and is hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement.
Tom Curran of NECN feels that Kraft failed to "shoot it straight" on his dealings with the disgruntled offensive lineman.
In an article on USAToday.com, Kraft also talked about the impending lockout, and feels he'll have failed if he's unable to help the two sides get a deal done.
An emotional Kraft said, "I will have failed if I can't help'' broker a deal before the deadline that would result in staggering losses to both sides, fans and ancillary businesses that would lose countless millions should a work stoppage occur.
"People don't want to hear about our squabbling and it's criminal if we don't get a deal done."
Tom Curran of NECN writes that Kraft made a passionate case yesterday during the event, and was also emotional as he talked about all the opportunities to be had if they can get everything worked out.
"It is emotional," he acknowledged. "Most businesses you're in, you're fixing problems where there's not a lot of upside. There's tremendous upside. The whole digital media opportunities and what our content can drive and partnering with the right companies. ... We have the essence of a business that can prosper and flourish for the next 15 years if we get this right. And it's not very hard to do."
Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe has a column on the labor dispute, and feels the biggest problem is that both sides mean business and will need to make concessions in order to eventually reach an agreement.
 Cornerback Leigh Bodden is recovering well from his rotator cuff injury and expects to be ready for the 2011 season. (PHOTO:Icon/SMI) |
"I have the most confidence in the world; I'm going to have my best season next year," Bodden told reporters of his recovery. "I'm rehabbing it good, I'm lifting on it. It's been five months. ... "If I was playing in the Super Bowl and had to play, I would play ... I feel great. It's strong. I've been lifting on it, not too much heavy weights, but the stability is good."
Monique Walker of the Boston Globe also has more on Bodden, who talks a little more about what he dealt with while being out of action this past season.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com also has an article Bodden, who he writes is on the road to recovery.
Reiss also has an article on Krafts comments regarding his final meeting with Tom Brady before the veteran QB left Gillette Stadium last month.
WEEI's Christopher Price has an article on Devin McCourty, who finished second in the NFL rookie of the year voting behind Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. McCourty started all 16 games for the Patriots and finished the season with 82 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and 17 passes defensed in his first season.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has an article on whether or not a third Super Bowl ring for Ben Roethlisberger will elevate him into the same category as Tom Brady.
And finally, Jeff Howe of NESN.com published his mailbag yesterday and there were some interesting topics discussed, including what needs they'll try to address both via the draft and free agency.
