Monday Patriots Headlines - August 23rd
With their depth on the offensive line still in question, the Patriots made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons last night, acquiring offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka for an undisclosed draft pick.
This story dominates the majority of the headlines, so it's a short list this morning.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has more on the transaction, as Ojinnaka is expected to push Ryan Wendell, Ted Larson, and Rich Ohrnberger for a roster spot. As for the draft choice Reiss feels that it will likely be a later round pick assuming that Ojinnaka makes the roster.
Christopher Price of WEEI.com feels that it will be defensive lineman Kade Weston who will be placed on the waived/injured list to make room for Ojinnaka on the roster.
Price also looks at the Patriots runningback rotation, which is a group that has shouldered much of the offensive load so far during the preseason.
Reiss also has another good article this morning, as he takes a look at how the defensive pecking order seems to be shaping up now that the team is through two preseason games.
Meanwhile Tom Brady appeared on WEEI with Dennis and Callahan, and told the two radio hosts that he refuses to watch HBO's Hard Knocks, which this year is documenting the training camp of he Patriots' AFC East Rival New York Jets.
"Honestly, I haven't turned it on. I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show. ... I'm sure it's great TV," Brady said Monday during his weekly interview. "I'm glad people are liking it. But that's just something that I have no interest in watching. I'd love to say a lot of mean things, but I'd rather not do that, either."
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram has an article this morning on the tight ends, who obviously have played well during the preseason. Garven writes that after the group that has come and gone over the years, it appears the Patriots finally have the group they've been looking for at that position.
BND.com out of St. Louis reports that Rams quarterback AJ Feeley is dealing with a thumb injury which could see rookie Sam Bradford get the start this Thursday night when St. Louis comes to Gillette Stadium. Bradford was the number one overall pick in April's NFL draft.
Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post answers a fan question regarding the claim of Broncos safety Josh Barrett a couple of weeks ago, when head coach Josh McDaniels placed him on waivers hoping he would clear them so he could place him on injured reserve. Legwold feels the move was "brash" and wonders if there's any animosity between the two teams.
CapeCodOnline.com has an article on former Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, who spoke to a crowd at the D-Y Quarterback Club kickoff gala on Friday night. This article is a great read for anyone who remembers the tough and gritty play of Andruzzi, and I definitely recommend taking the time to check it out.
Bob George takes a long look back at each of the Patriots teams of the 2000's, and highlights many of the great players who have come and gone here in New England that helped bring fans plenty of special moments during that span.
That's it for this morning. Some changes are coming to the site later today, so be sure to check back here for any updates, and keep your eye on the front page of PatsFans.com for a smoother and more content filled experience.
