Wednesday's New England Patriots Links 8/17
TUESDAY'S PRACTICE SESSION RECAPS:
Mike Rodak has 19 Observations from yesterday's practice session, which includes the fact that defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham remained sidelined for the second straight practice.
Christopher Price of WEEI.com has his notes from yesterday's practice session, and writes that the practice was little more than a glorified walkthrough.
Mike Reiss notes the team had a little fun at the end of practice, with Wes Welker and Chad Ochocinco missing field goals.
Tom Curran writes that Ryan Mallett took all the snaps with the second team while Brian Hoyer ran the scout team, and that Mallett appears poised to see plenty of playing time Thursday night.
Andy Hart of Patriots.com has his practice notes from yesterday, which includes the fact that 21 players missed Tuesday's session.
Erik Scalavino also has his notes from yesterday here.
Nick Underhill of MassLive.com also files his notes from Tuesday's practice.
TODAY'S TOP STORIES:
The big story nationally going on right now is about the investigation of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro, which has exploded and has included some of the top names in the National Football League, including New England's Vince Wilfork. Yahoo! Sports has a link to all the allegations involving Wilfork here.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com 'cleans out his notebook' and writes that the reason Mallett may get the nod is so that the coaching staff can see how he performs on the road in a hostile environment, noting that they've already seen Hoyer in that role.
Ben Reiter of SI.com visited Foxboro recently, and gives his national report on the Patriots.
You may have not seen it yesterday, but upon further review Mallett and Hoyer each finished among the league leaders after their performances last week.
Ian Rapoport jokes that Stephen Gostkowski apparently isn't concerned about his job security thanks to their performances.
Christopher Price of WEEI.com has a article this morning on Sebastian Vollmer, who he writes provides a steadying influence at right tackle.
Glen Farley of the Patriot Ledger has a feature on Rob Ninkovich, who is ready to pick up where he left off last season.
Tom Curran has an article on tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is apparently going to see his first action Thursday night down in Tampa against the Buccaneers.
CBSBostonSports.com has an entry from yesterday's session, and noted that Bill Belichick was visibly angry at some of the defensive execution and lit into them during the practice.
Patriots head coach Belichick indicated yesterday that the league is obviously looking to reduce the number of kickoffs, with ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio giving his thoughts.
Patriots.com has the entire transcript from Belichick's press conference from Tuesday.
Ian Rapoport has his notebook that leads off with the same subject, and also talks about the fact that Gostkowski is also adjusting to the new rule changes.
Len Pasquarelli of CBSSports.com has an article on Ryan Mallett, and says that the Patriots have landed yet another "steal".
Sean Deveney of the Sporting News has an article from a national perspective on Ochocinco, and writes that he looked in sync yesterday and appears to be winning over his teammates.
MassLive.com has an article from the Associated Press on Albert Haynesworth's upcoming sexual abuse trial, which reports a hotel security guard and witness says he was offered $50,000 to testify against the NFL defensive lineman, court records show.
Pual Kenyon of the Providence Journal has an article on Steve Maneri, and writes that he had to do some crazy things to bulk up in order to have a shot to catch on with an NFL team.
Ian Rapoport also has an article on Maneri, and writes that Maneri's comfortable where he's at and is looking forward to competing for a job this season.
Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle has an article on Devin McCourty, who is looking to build on his rookie performance heading into his sophomore season.
Nick Underhill of MassLive.com has an article on Sergio Brown, who has been receiving a lot of reps at safety recently, although he reportedly downplayed that when talking to the media yesterday.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram also has an article on Brown, who he writes hopes he can earn a roster spot.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald has a great feature on Brown, and also ponders what the Patriots plan at that position may be.
Shalise Manza Young writes that no job appears to be safe in the Patriots secondary.
The Worcester Telegram has an article from the Associated Press on Ty Warren, who is out indefinitely - with some reports claiming his injury could be career-ending.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram has a piece on Dane Fletcher, who is hoping to build on his solid performance tomorrow night against the Buccaneers.
Ian Rapoport has an entry with a video on Andre Carter, who talked about a variety of things yesterday including his thoughts on his new team, his dad's influence, and more.
Jeff Howe of NESN.com has 19 Thoughts from yesterday, including the fact that Dante Scarnecchia drew quite a few laughs during Tuesday's session.
Erik Scalavino of Patriots.com has his "Ask PFW" piece for this week, and also gives his roster prediction for the upcoming season.
The New York Post has an article this morning on Deion Branch, who like Brady, is still angry about losing to the Jets back in January.
And finally, Jeff Howe of NESN.com has an article on Andre Carter, who says he's hoping to bring his son to a Bruins game this season.
That's it for this morning. We'll have updates throughout the day, so be sure to check back.
