Friday's New England Patriots Links 9/2
The Patriots allowed 15 fourth quarter points to allow the Giants to come back from a 17-3 defecit and beat them 18-17 in their final exhibition game of the season last night at Gillette Stadium.
There's a lot to talk about this morning, so here are the links.
A few entries from me following last night's loss. During the game I logged some notes on Brandon Tate, who unfortunately didn't seem to do enough to stick around and seems like his remaining days here in New England are over. Unfortunately for Tate, Matthew Slater stepped up in a big way - and at his expense.
Shane Vereen made his debut with the team last night, and I charted out his rushing attempts and broke them down in this entry.
Brandon Meriweather found himself playing late into the fourth quarter last night, and once the game was over couldn't understand why he has so many doubters while talking to Tom Curran of CSNNE.
I also have the complete transcription of Bill Belichick's postgame press conference.
Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe has a look back at the game, which despite those who felt they wouldn't play, ended up including more seasoning for the veterans last night.
Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle writes that at least last night's game doesn't count, and now Belichick has 11 days to fine tune things before they open up against Miami.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram also has his take on last night's game, and writes that when it comes to the Patriots and Giants - it's never a surprise ending.
Garven also has an article on Albert Haynesworth, who 'knocked off a lot of rust' in last night's outing.
Monique Walker of the Boston Globe writes that Haynesworth's debut was worth the wait.
Karen Guregian of the Herald has a good article on Haynesworth, and writes that the former Redskin is now in his "happy place".
Ian Rapoport of the Herald writes that Meriweather's late appearance was 'better late than never'.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has an article on the fact that Belichick didn't play it safe, and obviously wanted to get more work in for his core group - who played fairly poorly last Saturday night out in Detroit. Other teams may do things differently, but Belichick said after the game he really 'doesn't care' what they do.
"I think you do what's best for your team," he said. "I can't worry about what the other 31 teams are going. I don't want to say I don't care, but I really don't. I'm just concerned with our team. Other teams can do whatever they want."
Prior to last night's game the team held a ceremony to remember 9/11, which included the return of former Patriot Joe Andruzzi. Bruce Lerch has an article with comments from Andruzzi, who talked about his moment in 2001 where he ran onto the field holding up American Flags.
Chris Forsberg of ESPN has more from Andruzzi, who admitted he was a little speechless reliving those moments up on the screens last ngiht.
Shalise Manza Young writes that Belichick had some kind words to offer for former Patriot Fred Taylor, and said he was "a privilege to coach" during his press conference. Taylor is set to sign a one-year deal with the team that drafted him - the Jacksonville Jaguars - and then announce his retirement.
The Palm Beach post also has a local article on Taylor's retirement.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe writes that for the most part the Patriots escaped the final game with minor injuries, and goes through several positions that will likely include some tough decisions heading into tomorrow's roster cutdown.
Julian Benbow of the Globe writes that the team is caught up in the numbers and making the decisions on the final roster isn't going to be easy.
Mike Reiss has '3-up and 3-down' from last night's game, with Antwaun Molden among those who impressed last night, while Reiss lists Meriweather among those who were in the 'down' list.
Christopher Price of WEEI.com has this week's "10 Things We Learned From Last Night", which is a terrific in-depth look which includes a thought on Slater - who Price feels did more than anyone else did to earn a spot on the roster last night.
Forsberg has an article on former Boston College standout Mark Herzlich, who appears to have made a big enough case to make the roster with the Giants.
Ian Rapoport of the Herald has an entry this morning on why you may want to make an effort to get to know safety Josh Barrett. He played well last night, and appears set to battle for James Sanders old spot at safety.
Shalise Manza Young has an article on the secondary, and talks about some of the current personnel shuffling that's currently going on with that unit.
A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com has an article on Vereen's performance, with the rookie saying after the game he was just glad to be back on the field helping his new team.
"The main thing is I want to be there for my team and help them out any way possible," Vereen said following the game. "I was able to get out there today a little bit."
Danny Picard of NECN.com has an article on Mike Wright, who returned to action last night and did a good job getting back into the swing of things with the defense.
Glen Farley of the Patriot Ledger has his 'notebook' from last night, and writes that if last night is any indication, Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis should have success throwing their weight around this season up front for New England.
Mark Farinella has a notebook that leads off on wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, who had a tough night after getting on the field late during punt coverage and ultimately cost Gary Guyton a touchdown after Guyton picked up a missed punt and took it the other way for what would have been 7 points for the Patriots.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe has some candid moments with Patriots owner Robert Kraft in a good article this morning.
And finally Mary Paoletti of CSNNE.com has an article on Nate Solder, who she writes is still learning both sides of the offensive line.
That's it for this morning. We'll have more in a bit.
