Pats DE Marcus Stroud using lockout time to prep for new team and get shoulder up to speed

Had a little fun with Marcus Stroud yesterday pointing out that he was “it” as in the guy who had to cure the Patriots anemic pass rush. After all, he’s the only guy Pats coach Bill Belichick has brought in thus far that has some semblance of credentials for getting to the quarterback. ”Thanks for putting that pressure on me,” Stroud said with a laugh when reached by phone for a story in today’s Herald. Sixth round draft pick Markell Carter, an outside linebacker, may prove to be a sleeper, but at the moment, the 32-year-old  defensive end and three-time Pro Bowl player stands as someone who may, or may not help putting a little more fear in opposing quarterbacks. Stroud, who had three sacks last year playing in a 3-4 defense for the first time with Buffalo, had what he described as “minor” shoulder surgery in January. He believes not having to report to offseason workouts and organized team activities has actually been helpful in some...