Patriots Huddle: Monday's News, Notes and Links 7/21
 Insert Caption Text Here. (USA TODAY Images) |
Here are some news and notes on this Monday morning:
FORMER PATRIOTS RB FAULK SPENDS TIME AT CAMP:
Former Patriots RB Kevin Faulk was a counselor at the seventh annual Pro Football Combine Camp at Nicholls State University last Friday and despite constant rain, Faulk reportedly spent time helping 250 campers who were on hand while trying to pass along some of his football knowledge.
The former LSU standout told NOLA.com that the kids are the reasons why he enjoys coming back to the area.
"It means a whole lot," said Faulk. "The kids is one of the reasons why I came back home. To get them more involved, get them the notoriety, get them out there, build their confidence level up in what they doing so they can try to move forward."
Faulk currently holds LSU's career rushing record of 4,557 yards, which has stood for the last 15 seasons. However, with LSU freshman running back Leonard Fournette set to come in, Faulk believes that his record may finally fall. Fournette has reportedly made quite an impression so far and Faulk feels that if anyone has the potential to break his record, Fournette might be that player.
"Not for long, (the record) is not going to be there for long," said Faulk when asked about it. "How times are now, kids leaving to go to the NFL, multiple running backs in a system you never know what can happen. But if there's any person that can do it, he is the guy."
"I wish him the best of luck. I hope he does it because every record is made to be broken. It's just a challenge for another kid that's coming up as a competitor to reach that record. So, I hope he does and good luck doing it."
RYAN RYAN SAYS PATRIOTS SHOULD BE WORRIED:
The preseason is a time for optimism and it's the one time during the year where every team shares the same record and the same hope of a promising season. For those who have endured rough roads in recent years, it's the only time where most coaches feel their team might have just as good of a chance as anyone else at competing for a successful season.
Unfortunately some coaches handle that better than others and over the weekend Jets coach Rex Ryan felt the need to make New York's presence in the AFC East known after telling the New York Post that the Patriots should be worried about his team this season.
"Somebody asked me if we focus on New England. Bull----," Ryan told the New York Post. "We're focused on us. We're focused on us and how are we going to be better. I have to be honest, I don't worry about them. They need to worry about us. I think that's really where we're at now."
Oh and by the way, he also feels he's a great coach.
"Do I think that I'm a great coach? I absolutely know I'm a great coach," Ryan said. "But it's not just about me. What makes a great coach is the people that surround you, the people that are with you every day."
The joys of preseason.
GOSTKOWSKI TOPS IN C-USA HISTORY:
In an article ranking the top special teams players in Conference USA's 20-year history, former Memphis kicker Stephen Gostkowski tops the list among the five best special teams players over the last two decades.
The former Madison central standout is C-USA's all-time leading scoring with 369 points and has been the Patriots' kicker since 2006 after the team drafted him to replace Adam Vinatieri.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
ESPN BOSTON:
Top Patriots positional battles in camp - Mike Reiss: Reiss looks at some of the potential position battles, which includes several at the offensive line.
Looking ahead to 2015 Patriots foes - Mike Reiss: Reiss takes a quick look at who the Patriots will face off against in 2015, which will include home games against the Jaguars, Titans, Eagles and Redskins.
NESN:
Patriots’ Training Camp Offensive Position Battles Include QB, Receiver - Doug Kyed: Kyed looks at the potential position battles at the quarterback and receiver position.
CSNNE:
Curran: Pats made 'seismic shift' drafting Garoppolo - Tom Curran wonders if the move to grab Jimmy Garoppolo in April might affect Brady's mindset with his contract.
CBS BOSTON:
Patriots Running Back Preview: How Will Rookie James White Fit In With Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley? - Michael Hurley: Hurley spotlights the running back position, with White poised to battle for playing time among the Patriots' current group.
WEEI:
Countdown to Camp: Defensive Line - Christopher Price: Price continues his camp position preview seriees and has an article spotlighting the Patriots' defensive line.
BLEACHER REPORT:
New England Patriots' Training Camp To-Do List - James Christensen: Christensen looks at the top five things that Belichick needs to check off before everyone watches the preseason unfold.
NFL.COM:
Patriots' Rob Gronkowski plans to play whole season - Dan Hanzus: Hanzus has an entry on Gronkowski's hopes of making it through an entire season healthy.
BOSTINNO:
Get Ready For Patriots Training Camp - Hayden Bird: Bird writes that the depressing days of no football are about to come to an end.
