Daily Recap: New England Patriots News and Notes 9/7
My colleague Ian Logue helps start you off each day with his daily links entry, so in an effort to help fellow Patriots fans get caught up at the end of each day on what’s gone on with this football team, I’ll be offering a daily entry at the end of each day to help keep up with any news you may have missed. You can also follow me on Twitter to learn when it’s available.
The Patriots wrapped-up another chaotic week in the NFL today, setting their sights for Sept. 12th's season opener against the Miami Dolphins. After roster cuts, a multitude of transactions, and a little bit over a week before their first regular season game, there is no shortage of news. Here are some notes on the team and around the league on Sunday:
- The Patriots have had a lot of roster turnover this off-season. There are 16 new players on this year's squad than last years. To find out who the new faces are and what that could mean, check out my earlier post here.
- The New England Patriots made several roster transactions on Saturday to trim their roster to the league mandated 53-man limit. The Pats released 15 players yesterday, placed three players on the reserve physically unable to perform list, one player on the reserve non-football injury List and one on injured reserve. For my thoughts and analysis on the transactions, click here.
- On Wednesday afternoon's practice, the Patriots finally had almost every player present. The only absence was offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer. Even though Vollmer's absence is concerning, I am pleased that the other injured players such as Leigh Bodden and Taylor Price, returned to practice. Hopefully the Pats can get back to full strengh before Monday night's showdown in Miami.
- Monique Walker files her ‘notebook’ this morning, with a mention on the fact that the Patriots claimed ex-Dolphin linebacker A.J. Edds off of waivers yesterday. He’s a former 4th round pick who is coming off of an ACL tear that kept him out last season.
- Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston has 10 Predictions for the Patriots for this season, including the fact he believes Jerod Mayo will get a contract extension. Mayo shouldn't be the only one looking for a contract extension, however, wide receiver Wes Welker is also in the final year of his contract.
- Our own Russ Goldman has his 10 Thoughts on the team for this week, including the fact that he believes new Miami offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be a huge factor in this week’s game.
- There is one aspect of the recent transactions I feel some members Patriots Nation have forgotten. Remember, if the Patriots sign a veteran player before week one, they have to guarantee the players contract for that year. However, if the team signs a veteran player after week one, they do not have to guarantee the contract. Perhaps Gerard Warren, Alge Crumpler, or veteran safety Darren Sharper are with this team for week two.
- Cornerback Darius Butler, who was released by the team officially today and claimed by the Carolina Panthers, won't have very much time to get caught up on the new defense. Panthers Head Coach, Ron Rivera, said that the third-year cornerback will get some playing time against Arizona on Sunday and will be thrown right into the mix.
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