Wednesday's New England Patriots Links 8/10
TODAY'S TOP STORIES:
Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston has a snippet from head coach Bill Belichick's interview with Sirius radio yesterday, where the head coach said that we'll see a heavier focus on the defensive line than we have in recent years.
"Sure, absolutely. Yes, absolutely. We're going to have to figure out a way to manage our roster probably a little differently on the defensive side than we have in the past," Belichick responded. "That's always a challenge every year and there are always a few decisions as to whether you want to carry an extra receiver, a DB, or however it works out. In this case, I think, the linebacker/defensive line numbers will probably shift a little bit from what they've been in past years."
Reiss also has an entry "cleaning out the notebook" and offers up some other interesting tidbits.
Jeff Howe of NESN.com writes that Belichick is using the ball boys to keep the QB's sharp, along with some other interesting thoughts.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has an article on Chad Ochocinco, and writes that the veteran wideout is making a smooth transition so far.
Rapoport also has an article on the fact the Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to Myra Kraft.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram has an article on the Patriots current injury situation, and writes that despite a lot of guys being out, including Albert Haynesworth, Belichick isn't worried about anyone at this point and so far seems to think they'll be ready for the season.
“I can't tell you for sure when it's going to be except that it will be when they're ready,” Belichick said of the sidelined players. “I don't think that we have a lot of guys that we won't see until October, November or that kind of thing. … I think that most of our players, or really all of them, are getting better.“They're getting closer to being out on the field. When will that actually happen with each individual guy? We'll take it day to day.”
Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle writes that with all these player transactions, Belichick is loading up for a title run.
Farinella also files his "notebook", which focuses on Haynesworth and newly signed Andre Carter, among other topics.
Glen Farley of EnterpriseNews.com has his notebook with some different topics, but this article also has a great shot of Brady with his son.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald has an article on Haynesworth, and wonders if he's on the same page as the Patriots.
Jeff Howe has a video report on NESN.com and wonders just how much playing time Tom Brady and Ochocinco will get Thursday night.
Mike Lowe of the Nashua Telegraph writes that we'll finally get some answers to some of the questions fans have had Thursday night about some of the new free agents.
Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe has an article on the wide receiver, who is looking for a fan to give him a place to stay as he continues looking for a new home here in New England.
Here is the interview transcript from Ochocinco on Patriots.com
Monique Walker of the Boston Globe has an article on Gerard Warren, who is happy to be back in New England.
Gary Myers of the New York Daily News writes that the first priority for the Jets needs to be to beat the Patriots and win the AFC East, so that they can get a home playoff game.
And finally, Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder recently visited Foxboro, but the Miami Herald reports that Crowder is apparently opting for retirement - which obviously ends the possibility of him coming to New England.
TRAINING CAMP WRAP UPS FROM TUESDAY:
Andy Hart, Patriots.com - CLICK HERE
Chris Price, WEEI.com - CLICK HERE
Boston Herald.com - CLICK HERE
Greg Bedard, Boston.com - CLICK HERE
Greg Bedard (another), Boston.com - CLICK HERE
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com - CLICK HERE
