Pats work out Mike Flynn
Mike Flynn watches the action during a 2006 preseason game. (Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
In what could be a New England-type homecoming story, free-agent center/guard Mike Flynn visited and worked out for the Patriots today at Gillette Stadium.
The 34-year-old Flynn, who played in college at Maine and attended Springfield (Mass.) Cathedral High School, has played his entire NFL career for the Baltimore Ravens.
Growing up in Massachusetts and watching the Celtics of the Larry Bird era, Flynn told the Boston Globe in June (third item of NFL notes column) that -- like Bird -- he took pride in playing for one team in his career.
Yet the chance to finish his career where it started, in Massachusetts, might entice Flynn to consider joining the Patriots.
Also under consideration, it would seem, is the Patriots' need on the interior of the offensive line.
Starting right guard Stephen Neal remains on the physically unable to perform list and Neal's top backups -- Russ Hochstein and Billy Yates -- have been held out of practice of late due to injuries.
Furthermore, Flynn could fill in at center in a pinch behind Dan Koppen. Third-year player Dan Connolly was the backup Sunday night in Tampa and fired a shotgun snap over the head of quarterback Matt Cassel.
Rodney talks Asante
FOXBOROUGH -- Rodney Harrison was caught slightly off guard today in the Patriots' locker room when asked if he was looking forward to seeing former teammate Asante Samuel.
"I forgot about that," he said, piecing together that Friday's opponent, the Eagles, is Samuel's new team.
Harrison was then asked how Samuel was doing in Philadelphia.
“He’s doing great,” Harrison said, before turning the tables on the questioner. “Wouldn’t you -- $60 million richer? He’s doing wonderful.”
It was then pointed out to Harrison that Samuel had been limited due to a hamstring injury, and Harrison was asked if Samuel might be following in the line of former Patriots players who signed elsewhere only to experience health problems and not produce as projected (such as Damien Woody, Deion Branch and David Givens).
Harrison bristled at the question.
“He’s a tremendous player and he’s going to be a tremendous player no matter what uniform he puts on,” he said. “It’s a story for [the media] to sit back and hate on him and wish that he does terrible because he didn’t sign here. But all in all, he’s a friend of ours, and we wish him the best. Business is business. Sometimes you can sign a guy and sometimes you can't. You don't worry about things you can't control.”
Practice follow-up
FOXBOROUGH -- Quarterback Tom Brady's presence was the most notable item to come out of today's media-access portion of full-pads practice.
 Brady (David Kamerman / Globe Staff) |
The media-access portion included stretching, some light throwing for quarterbacks, and Brady handing off to running backs. Brady did not appear to be limited in his movements.
Players not spotted at the media-access portion of practice (doesn't include those on PUP):
- CB Jason Webster
- DB Brandon Meriweather
- CB Mike Richardson
- RB Kyle Eckel
- OT Ryan O’Callaghan
- C/G Russ Hochstein
- OT Matt Light
- G/C Billy Yates
- TE Stephen Spach
- WR Sam Aiken
- DE Le Kevin Smith
With guard Stephen Neal remaining on the physically unable to perform list -- and top backups Russ Hochstein and Billy Yates out with injuries -- the Patriots are particularly thin at right guard. This will be an area to watch against the pressure-based Eagles on Friday night, as third-year player Dan Connolly and 10-year veteran John Welbourn are the likely candidates to step in.
Tom Brady at practice
FOXBOROUGH -- Quarterback Tom Brady has joined the team for its afternoon practice today at Gillette Stadium. The workout is in full pads, and Brady, who is nursing a sore right foot, is present for the media access portion of the workout, which at this time includes stretching.
Rodney Harrison & John Lynch
John Lynch (47) leads his teammates during drills. (AP Photo)
FOXBOROUGH – The pairing of hard-hitting veteran safeties Rodney Harrison and John Lynch was a topic of discussion today at Gillette Stadium.
Harrison, who returned to practice Tuesday, mentioned that Lynch took the time to call him at one of the lowest points in his career, in 2005 when he suffered a serious knee injury.
“I thought that was pretty classy,” Harrison said.
Lynch was asked to explain what led him to make that call.
 Rodney Harrison |
“I’ve always had tremendous respect [for him]; our careers have kind of paralleled each other in that we’ve played the position of safety – he’s going into his 15th, I’m going into my 16th [year],” he responded.
“I’m from San Diego, so I [saw] a lot of what went on when Rodney was there, and I always loved the way he played. When someone plays like that, who you respect so much, when something like that happens you do those kind of things. It’s great to be playing with him now.”
Both talked about how they have often measured their performance against the other over the years.
Harrison added that he’s been speaking regularly with Lynch over the last 4-5 days, helping him absorb parts of the playbook.
Impact of Tom Brady not practicing
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who didn't travel to Tampa Bay for Sunday's second exhibition game against the Buccaneers due to a sore right foot, was also not present for the portion of practice open to the media Tuesday.
With Brady's status uncertain for Friday's preseason matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Globe's Mike Reiss analyzes what Brady's absence from practice means for the Patriots.
To watch the video (and for a written summary), follow the link below.
Why QB is so important
Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News writes his weekly newsletter and puts the spotlight on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and coach Jon Gruden's mindset that "quarterbacks are the lifeblood of this league."
Gosselin later breaks down statistics that reflect the importance of the position:
"The NFL's 32 primary starters at quarterback last season won a combined 54.9 percent of their starts. But when teams were forced to go to their second, third and in some cases even fourth options at the quarterback position, they didn't fare as well.
"Thirty-two backup quarterbacks in 2007 started a combined 141 games. They won only 55 times – a winning percentage of 39.0."
Running game follow-up
Following up on the Patriots' running game -- and the high percentage of runs for negative yardage, zero yardage, of 1-2 yards:
Bill Belichick was asked today how many of those running plays were stopped because the Patriots generally aren't changing what they do in the preseason, even if it means they're running into the strength of the defense. The Patriots are going in with about 30 plays per preseason game, while in the regular season, there are about 160 plays for a game. So that means there are few (if any) audibles in the preseason.
Belichick acknowledged that some running plays have been stopped as a result of that, while others simply could be better executed.
Tomorrow, the plan will be to go back and review some of the running plays and see if anything stands out.
Tom Brady absent at afternon practice
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was not present for the media portion of today's afternoon practice open to the media, which included stretching and positional drills.
He was one of 12 players missing, not including offensive linemen Stephen Neal and Oliver Ross, who remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Others not present included:
CB Jason Webster
CB Mike Richardson
S Brandon Meriweather
RB Kyle Eckel
WR Sam Aiken
TE Stephen Spach
DL Le Kevin Smith
OL Ryan O'Callaghan
OL Russ Hochstein
OL Matt Light
OL Billy Yates
Yates (stinger) and Meriweather (leg) were both injured during the Patriots' 27-10 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.
Notable returnees to practice included:
S Rodney Harrison
CB Lewis Sanders
CB Jonathan Wilhite
RB LaMont Jordan
WR Kelley Washington
Newly signed Tyson DeVree was present wearing No. 46.
Catching up with Cassel
FOXBOROUGH -- Some comments from quarterback Matt Cassel in his group interview with reporters today in the locker room at Gillette Stadium (for more comments, click on "full entry" link below):
Bill mentioned on the radio that your performance was better Sunday night than it was in the preseason opener. Did you feel that way?
“You know, we didn’t put many points on the board and as an offense that’s what you always want to do. You always want to try to accomplish that and we didn’t do that. But I felt like I threw the ball well. There are always things to improve on and that’s what we’re out here doing right now.”
How important are the statistics that you put up in the first two games when there are so many other things going on?
“There are a lot of things going on. As a leader of the offense, you want to go out and perform. Statistics aren’t always the tale of the tape. You go in and watch the tape and see what you did right, you see what you did wrong. They don’t always tell the story.”
The offense has just two touchdowns this preseason. Is that something that you, as the quarterback, take personally?
“Everybody does. I think that’s what the offense is out here to do – I think from the receivers, to the o-line, to the running backs, everybody wants to go in and we want to put points on the board and we want to score. Of course, we take it personally. We didn’t have two great outings thus far. We want to go out and play well against the Eagles.”
TE Tyson DeVree re-signed
The Patriots filled their open roster spot, created by the release of veteran TE Marcus Pollard, by re-signing rookie TE Tyson DeVree.
A bit from the team's press release:
DeVree, 23, was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on May 5, 2008 and was released by the Patriots on June 11, 2008. He finished his college career at the University of Colorado (2006-07) after transferring from Western Michigan (2003-04) after his sophomore year. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end played in 44 collegiate games, making 96 receptions for 987 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns.
Cassel meets the media
Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel met with the media Tuesday to discuss his performance in Sunday's 27-10 loss to Tampa Bay in the Patriots' second exhibition game of the preseason.
The Globe's Chris Gasper said Cassel seemed unflappable in front of a swarm of reporters and showed some "California cool" in assessing his performance.
Click the link below to watch Gasper's video analysis.
Marcus Pollard analysis
ANALYSIS
The Patriots released veteran Marcus Pollard today, which could be an indication the team is planning on carrying just two tight ends on the 53-man roster.
Benjamin Watson and David Thomas remain 1-2 on the tight end depth chart, and Pollard projected as a third option if the Patriots planned to keep three tight ends.
There is always the possibility of an acquisition of another player at tight end, but if the Patriots stand pat, keeping just two tight ends could open the door for the club to keep five running backs.
The other tight ends on the roster are third-year player Stephen Spach and rookie free agent Jonathan Stupar. Spach, who filled in late last season, has been sidelined of late with an undisclosed injury.
For video analysis, follow the link below.
TE Marcus Pollard released
FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick is holding his daily press conference (11:30 a.m.) at Gillette Stadium and he commented on the team's roster move this morning -- releasing tight end Marcus Pollard:
"We just felt like, with Marcus, that it wasn't really going to work out here the way that we had hoped and that he had hoped. But at the same time, there is still a couple of preseason games left. There is some time before the opener, and I think there are some other teams that are looking for tight ends and maybe there is a better opportunity for him somewhere else; that's for him to determine. Rather than to do it on the last cut, where his options would be more limited, we felt like in fairness to him and out of respect to him, that he deserved that."
Mail is delivered
Every Tuesday on Boston.com, questions from Patriots fans are answered as part of a weekly mailbag. This week's mailbag has been posted and includes some of the following topics:
Dissecting the running game
ANALYSIS
The Patriots' running game hasn't shifted out of first gear through the team's first two preseason games.
Of particular note is the number of runs for negative yardage, no yardage, or rushes of 1-2 yards:
Here is the breakdown:
While the Patriots' quarterbacks have not generated much of a spark, they also haven't received consistent help from the running game. The lack of success has set up tough long-yardage situations for the quarterbacks.
This is an area we'll dissect a bit later today, looking for answers as to why the Patriots have such a high percentage of negative, zero and 1-2-yard runs through the first two games (56 total runs).
(* rushes in which 1-2 yards were needed for a first down or touchdown not included, as those runs accomplished the desired result; quarterback scrambles also not included as those were designed passing plays)
Ups & downs
A look at who's up and who's down from the Patriots' 27-10 loss to the Buccaneers after watching the game live, then re-watching the TV broadcast:
Up
Down
NOTE: Starting Friday in the Patriots' preseason game against the Eagles, the plan will be to wrap up the night with "ups and downs", then post an updated "ups and downs" after rewatching the game.
Brady discusses injury
By Matt Porter, Globe Correspondent
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spoke on WEEI this morning, answering questions about the leg injury that kept him home while the Patriots traveled to Tampa Bay.
While he didn't give details, Brady said the current injury he has isn't the same ankle injury that dogged him in the Super Bowl. "Same side of the body, and same leg, but not the same injury," said Brady. He said it also wasn't related to an Aug. 2 bump during practice, when running back Sammy Morris accidentally kicked him during a drill.
"I spent some time this weekend getting treatment on it, and hoping that it responds quickly like it usually does," said Brady.
"The key is not to go out there and aggravate anything when I'm not ready to go," said Brady. Obviously I'd love to be out there with my teammates, but Coach made the decision that that's not the smartest thing to do right now."
The quarterback wasn't sure about his status for Friday's third preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I'm not sure," said Brady. "I'm trying to get treatment this week, and I'm feeling better every day. It's going to be up to Coach, what he wants to do. I think he's been coaching long enough to know that the first game in September is the most important game for us."
A wrap from Tampa
A few final thoughts from the Patriots' 27-10 preseason loss to the Buccaneers:
Monday plan: Tomorrow is a travel day back to Boston. There is no media access. The plan will be to review the game in the afternoon and post some thoughts on individual performances in the early evening.
Patriots chatter
TAMPA – Comments from Patriots players following tonight’s game:
Rookie QB Kevin O’Connell
(on his interception)
“Obviously, coming out there in the second half, you want to get off to a good start. I think I was just trying to do a little too much on the first play. It’s another learning experience. One of the things I’m trying to learn to do is learn to move on to the next play, and do whatever I can to move the offense. I was excited we got some big-time catches and some protection on that touchdown drive [in the fourth quarter], and we were able to pound it in there with Heath [Evans]. Going into the situation, coming into the game, you want to come in right away and be a catalyst. With that turnover, it kind of set us back a little bit.”
O’Connell
(on what he saw on the interception)
“Chad [Jackson] is a big target over there on the sideline and I was able to get out. It was a bootleg, and I was able to avoid the first rusher. When I avoided him, I thought I bought a little time, but they were in pretty tight coverage. It was me trying to squeeze it into something and the corner made a good play on it. Next time that ball has to go about five rows into the stands – throw that thing away.”
Safety John Lynch
(on coming home to Tampa Bay)
“It’s nice to get a warm welcome when you come home Coming out [onto the Raymond James field] not wearing red or Broncos colors is different. … It’s always nice to come back here. This place will always be part of my family.”
Linebacker Mike Vrabel
(on the game)
"We didn't make enough plays and then gave too much on first down and gave up short conversions on third down. Missed tackles. Big plays. That will about do it."
Vrabel
(on if he was surprised or concerned that the defense couldn't get off the field)
"I wouldn't say concerned. I just think that we got a lot of work to do and we're going to try to do that. There is not a lot of time before our first game."
Running back Sammy Morris
(on the performance of young players)
"Rookie or not, no one is really executing to the level that we expect for ourselves. We have to go back to work and see what we need to correct -- rookies, veterans and anyone in between."
Bill Belichick post-game press conference
TAMPA -- Comments from Bill Belichick's post-game press conference (click on "full entry" link for complete transcript)
Opening statement
“Well, I think it was pretty obvious that we have a lot of work to do based on tonight, really in all three phases of the game. I didn’t think we played as well or competitively as we’re capable of playing, certainly. It’s a lot of little things, but those little things add up to big things. Starting with me, we all have to do a better job. We’ll see another good team this week, against Philadelphia, and hopefully we can get a little better performance than that.”
More on the team’s performance:
“I’m sure there were positives out there for everybody and I’m sure there were negatives for everybody. So we’ll look at the tape and evaluate that. We got some experience against a good team, against a fast team, against a playoff team. Like I said, there are a lot of things that we need to do better. Hopefully we can work on those and get them done.”
On his first impressions of John Lynch in a Patriots uniform:
“He was only in there for a few plays but at least he got some exposure in our system and got a few plays. So we’re underway. We have a long way to go. I’m sure we’ll gain a lot more ground this week than we did in one day of practice last week.”
Another loss in the secondary with Brandon Meriweather. It seems every year, for whatever reason, there are injuries at the position...
“Yeah, we’ll see how that goes. I’m not sure exactly what the situation is. Hopefully it’s not a problem.”
Is Matt Gutierrez, who did not play, still in the quarterback mix?
“We wanted to get a good look at Matt [Cassel] and Kevin [O’Connell]. I’m sure he’ll be ready to play.”
If this was a regular-season game, would Tom Brady have played?
“It’s not a regular-season game.”
Was it a last-minute decision with Tom?
“Was it a last-minute thing? I don’t know. We had a lot of players that didn’t make the trip. Guys that were here played, and the ones that didn’t, didn’t. If they weren’t going to play, they weren’t going to make the trip.”
Are you concerned about him at all? How would you characterize the injury?
“I wouldn’t characterize it.”
Patriots fall to Buccaneers
The Patriots turned in a generally lackluster performance and lost to the Buccaneeers, 27-10, tonight at Raymond James Stadium.
The Patriots are now 1-7 all-time against Tampa Bay in the preseason, having lost seven straight preseason games against the Buccaneers. The Patriots have never won at Raymond James Stadium (0-4, all preseason games) since the venue opened in 1998.
The plan will be to pass along some comments from coach Bill Belichick and players from the locker room.
Kraft statement on Orthwein
The following is a statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft on the passing of former Patriots owner James Busch Orthwein:
"I didn't know James Orthwein well, but I did share one of my life's most memorable moments with him and my family back on January 21, 1994. That was the day that I purchased the New England Patriots from Mr. Orthwein. I have a great black-and-white photo of the two of us sitting at a table that day with my entire family standing behind us. It is a day that I will never forget and a memory that I will always cherish. On behalf of my family, I would like to extend sympathies to the Orthwein family."
O'Connell takes over
Rookie QB Kevin O'Connell has entered the game with 12:01 remaining in the third quarter.
That appears to be the end of the night for Matt Cassel.
Connolly & shotgun snap
The Patriots' offense couldn't get going at the start of the second half, with backup center firing a high shotgun snap to quarterback Matt Cassel.
Cassel got one hand on the errant snap, but Sabby Piscatelli picked up the loose ball and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown.
Billy Yates shaken up
Offensive lineman Billy Yates was shaken up on the opening kickoff return of the second half. He is being looked at by members of the Patriots' training staff.
Yates walked off the field under his own power.
Gostkowski from 53
Kicker Stephen Gostkowski just connected on a 53-yard field goal to end the first half, providing the highlight of the first 30 minutes for the Patriots.
Meriweather update
The Patriots just made the following announcement in the press box:
Brandon Meriweather has sustained a leg injury. His return is questionable.
Offensive starters
Offensive starters for the Patriots, who open with two receivers and two tight ends:
LT: Wesley Britt
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Dan Koppen
RG: Billy Yates
RT: Nick Kaczur
QB: Matt Cassel
RB: Laurence Maroney
TE: Benjamin Watson
TE: David Thomas
WR: Randy Moss
WR: Wes Welker
Meriweather to the locker room
Safety Brandon Meriweather is headed to the locker room, limping, after sustaining an injury on a Warrick Dunn run.
Meriweather shaken up
Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather was shaken up on a Warrick Dunn run with 6:55 left in the first quarter.
Members of the team's training staff came onto the field, but Meriweather walked off under his own power. Meriweather was liming as he got to the sideline.
He was replaced by John Lynch.
After one play, Lynch was replaced by Mark Dillard, as Lynch likely isn't expected to get a full workload tonight.
Lynch in sub packages
The Patriots called on their sub package on defense for the first time, with safety John Lynch and inside linebacker Eric Alexander coming onto the field.
They replaced outside linebacker Pierre Woods and inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
Defensive starters
Defensive starters for the Patriots, who open in a 3-4 alignment:
DE: Ty Warren
NT: Vince Wilfork
DE: Richard Seymour
OLB: Pierre Woods
ILB: Jerod Mayo
ILB: Tedy Bruschi
OLB: Mike Vrabel
CB: Fernando Bryant
CB: Ellis Hobbs
S: Antwain Spann
S: Brandon Meriweather
Opening coin toss
The Patriots won the opening toss (calling tails). The team deferred the choice to the second half.
In a rule change this year, teams can now defer their choice on the opening kickoff to the second half.
In the first 13 games of the second week of the NFL preseason, five teams deferred the choice to the second half, and eight made the choice in the first half.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick indicated that he plans to have the Patriots defer throughout the year, barring an unforseen circumstance.
Players not spotted in warmups
A look at the Patriots players not spotted on the field in pre-game warmups, an indication that they won't be playing tonight:
QB Tom Brady
WR Kelley Washington
CB Jason Webster
CB Jonathan Wilhite
CB Lewis Sanders
RB LaMont Jordan
CB Mike Richardson
S James Sanders
S Rodney Harrison
RB Kyle Eckel
OL Stephen Neal (PUP)
OT Ryan O’Callaghan
C/G Russ Hochstein
OT Matt Light
OT Oliver Ross (PUP)
TE Stephen Spach
WR Sam Aiken
DL Le Kevin Smith
DL Jarvis Green
DL Mike Wright
Gostkowski's range
If the Patriots are looking to set up a field goal tonight, kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit from as deep as 53 yards in his practice warmups -- on both sides of the field.
Gostkowski attempted a 58-yarder on his final attempt, but tha came up just short.
Moss among those on trip
Receiver Randy Moss has taken the field to loosen up.
Players that traveled for tonight's game are expected to play, so Moss should be seeing his first preseason action after sitting out the opener.
Having Moss in the lineup would also help the coaching staff get a better evaluation of quarterback Matt Cassel, as he plays with top pass-catchers.
Running back Sammy Morris and safety John Lynch are other players getting warmed up.
Scouts in the house
As one would expect for a preseason game, scouts from various NFL teams are expected to be in attendance.
Sixteen different clubs have assigned seats in the press box, with the Panthers, Saints and Jets with two apiece. The Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League are also expected to have scouts in attendance.
NFL teams must trim their rosters from 80 to 75 by Aug. 26.
The rosters must be trimmed from 75 to 53 by Aug. 30.
With such an influx of players to become free agents, NFL teams are keeping a close watch on other clubs for players who offer help at a specific position.
Welcome to Raymond James Stadium
TAMPA -- Welcome to Raymond James Stadium, where the Patriots visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason action tonight (8 p.m.).
One of the hard-to-miss features of the stadium is a large pirate ship on the concourse above one of the end zones.
As Patriots coach Bill Belichick noted earlier this week, the heat will be a good test of the team's conditioning level. It is currently 88 degrees and humid. There is the possibility of rain showers during the game, but the skies are generally clear at this time.
The Buccaneers opened their preseason last week at Miami, posting a 17-6 victory. One note from that contest -- the Buccaneers turned in a no-penalty, no-turnover performance. Tampa Bay had never played a preseason (135 games), regular season (500 games) or postseason (15 games) contest in which it had both zero penalties and zero turnovers.
The Patriots are coming off a 16-15 loss to the Ravens in their preseason opener. Quarterback Tom Brady did not play in that contest, and did not make the trip with the team for this game either. Safety John Lynch, on the other hand, did make the trip and is expected to suit up.
Al Riveron, one of the NFL's new referees this season, is scheduled to work tonight's game.
From a TV perspective, this contest will be broadcast on NFL Network. For those in the Boston area without NFL Network, the game will be carried on WBZ-TV (Channel 4).
Tom Brady staying home to rest sore foot
The Patriots visit the Buccaneers tomorrow night, and quarterback Tom Brady is not making the trip with the club.
Brady is remaining in the New England area because of a sore foot, according to a NFL source.
Brady, whose injured right ankle was a hot topic of discussion last January when he was spotted in New York City wearing a protective boot, did not practice on Friday.
It is unknown which foot is causing Brady problems.
Brady told media members on Wednesday that he was looking forward to playing in the preseason at some point. When asked how he would feel about not taking a snap in the preseason, Brady, who did not play in the preseason opener, said that wasn't an issue because he expected to play.
His absence means the quarterback duties are likely to be split among Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell tomorrow night.
Costly business on the o-line
ANALYSIS
When a team gets a run of injuries at a certain position -- forcing it to sign veteran players who are more prone to injuries -- the results can sometimes be costly from a financial perspective.
The Patriots' situation on the offensive line is one example.
In need of bodies along the offensive line, the team signed 32-year-old Anthony Clement on July 21, a few days before training camp started. Later in camp, on August 2, veteran Barry Stokes (34) was signed.
Both players are now on season-ending injured reserve -- Clement due to a knee injury and Stokes with a back ailment.
The moves ultimately cost the Patriots some salary cap space, as Clement will be paid a split salary of $345,000 and Stokes a split salary of $320,000 (assuming neither player gets an injury settlement).
This is one example why teams often talk about the importance of developing young players, especially along the line of scrimmage. Relying on veteran players who haven't been part of a team's offseason program comes with added injury risk.
The salary cap hit won't necessarily handcuff the Patriots, but a salary payout of $665,000 is still significant.
Observations from 24th practice
FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 24th training camp practice, which was held in full pads today on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium (noon):
EXTRA POINTS: Quarterback Tom Brady was among the players not participating in practice, as it was presumably a day off for him. … Rookie cornerback Terrence Wheatley intercepted a Kevin O’Connell pass intended for tight end Benjamin Watson, undercutting a longer route up the right hashmarks in 11-on-11 work. … Veteran cornerback Fernando Bryant seemed to injure his left shoulder in 11-on-11 in red-zone work toward the end of practice, but after trainers spent some time with him, he returned to practice. … Special teams work included some attention on vice players – those who go up against the gunners. Terrence Wheatley, Antwain Spann, Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant are a few players who carry out those responsibilities for the club. … Rookies had bizarre haircuts, the result of some friendly barber work from the team’s veterans, an annual camp-ending tradition in New England.
Saturday schedule: The Patriots are traveling to Tampa Bay. There is no media access.
Randy Moss breaks silence
Wide receiver Randy Moss broke his training camp silence today, speaking with the assembled media for the first time since the Patriots' 17-14 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants in February.
Moss started the interview by saying he would answer only three questions, and he was true to his word. Despite the brevity of the interview, Moss, who returned to the Patriots this off-season, when he inked a three-year, $27 million deal with $14.1 million in bonuses and guarantees, said he came back for another go-round in Foxborough because he felt there was unfinished business.
He also talked about whether the Patriots offense can top its prolific output from 2007, when it set an NFL record for points, and Moss broke Jerry Rice's TD reception record, hauling in 23 of Tom Brady's record 50 TD tosses.
Here is a transcript of three questions with Moss:
Randy, in the end what made you decide to come back to the Patriots?
"I just think that first and foremost we have some unfinished business. I like the camaraderie around here, especially in the locker room, on the field. We got a great group of guys in the locker room. I think that's all you can ask for, and coaching. Coach Belichick understands football and understands his players and really puts us together as one. We come together as a team, and that's what you can definitely respect playing in this profession, playing in this league."
As explosive as you and Tom and the whole offense were last year how excited are you to get back on the field and now you have training camp under your belt that you didn't have last year?
"I'm actually kind of nervous and the reason why is that I think [about] what we did last year as a whole unit. We're going to try to come out and put points on the board because that's what we're coached and asked to do, but the expectation, the bar is set so high here -- not by you all, not by the fans, but just by the coaches and the team.
"We have high expectations for this offense and this team as a unit, but what we did last year I don't think we can really, really live and dwell off that because that was last year. Like I said, it's a little bit of nervousness because I know how high the bar is here."
Tom said you were ahead of last year going into the point at last year. He said from Day One you've been ahead because you have a year in the system. Did you feel that comfort level coming into Day One?
"The good thing that I can really say about our offense, and I'm speaking for myself, is that you had guys that came in late, [Jabar] Gaffney, myself, Chad Jackson was hurt last year, and Welker coming in last year, so for us to have a whole off-season, a training camp to really understand the offense and the concept is really scary. That's why I say I'm nervous man because there is really no telling what we're going to do. So, like I said, the bar is set high and we'll see what happens."
John Lynch checks in
FOXBOROUGH -- Safety John Lynch spoke with members of the media after participating in his first practice with the Patriots today.
"This was a place where it nearly happened four years ago when I went to Denver," he said. "I was extremely impressed and always have admired this organization from afar. You come out here, and you have star players all over -- Randy Moss to Tom Brady, to [Mike] Vrabel, [Tedy] Bruschi, Rodney [Harrison], you can go on and on, [Richard] Seymour, [Vince] Wilfork, but to me, the thing that has impressed me the most is the way they play the game. I think they play it the right way. They embody the sense of team as well as anyone. That's led to the success. I think everybody in the league wants to be a part of that. Never did I think ... I thought Denver would be my last stop, but things happen, and I'm happy to be here."
Some more of the Q&A:
Did anything surprise you today?
“I think I functioned well on such little sleep. I was out here early in the week, went home to discuss it with my family, felt good about the decision, came back and learned the playbook in one night, and got through it pretty good. That was a good first day.”
Do you still feel like you are an every-down player?
“We’ll see. I think you produce and things like that happen, so that’s what I’ll do. I’ll just try to come out here and be the best I can be and see where that leads us.”
In Denver, the word was that you left because it was a part-time role. You could be a part-time player here …
“I’m looking forward to being here. I think, as I said, for all the reasons, this is a place where they utilize veteran guys very well and when someone has a track record you’re interested in being a part of that. So I’m extremely excited about being here.”
You wouldn’t have any chance of playing on Sunday against another former team – the Buccaneers -- would you?
“Again, I studied hard last night, picking it up. We’ll see. If they want me out there, I’d love to be out there. I’d love the opportunity in my old stomping grounds.”
What was your first reaction to the playbook and scheme?
“You know, if you’ve played football long enough it’s all similar concepts, just different names for it. That can be hard because old habits die hard, and so you go through a translation. You see a defense and say ‘this is that’. But they did a great job getting me up to speed. As I said, I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep, but came out here and pulled it off for the first day. So it was good.”
How close did it actually get with the Patriots in 2004?
“It was very close. A lot of that experience, as I said, I never thought I’d … I thought Denver would be my last stop. But I was always said that if I had an opportunity to come back here, this would be a place where I’d love to play. I think that experience helped me make my decision, and hopefully helped them make their decision. I’m very excited about it.”
In your opinion, what is it about here – the coaches, the players -- that makes people want to come here?
“I think everything. People want to be involved with success. The fact that they’ve been very successful I think makes it a place where a lot of people want to be, but you also understand that what they’ve done in the past doesn’t really stand for a whole lot right now. We have to create another season by going out there every day and working our hardest. This week it’s Tampa. Looking forward to that test.”
Throughout your career, two of the hardest hitting safeties are you and Rodney Harrison. How much have you admired him from afar? How much are you looking forward to playing with him?
“Very much so. I’m from San Diego, so in offseasons and whatnot I’ve run into Rodney a couple times. We’ve always admired each other’s play. It will be great to be able to play with him.”
Did you ever measure yourself against him in the 90s and early 2000s?
“I think our careers – this is his 15th year, my 16th – so obviously when you’re in the game, I don’t think so much measure, but I studied him. You try to emulate guys that are the best, and take little parts of their game. I think he’s a guy I’ve always respected for the passion he plays with and the way he plays. It’s going to be fun to play with him.”
What did you learn from him?
“Hopefully we can both teach each other some things. Sometimes you learn things from young guys. That’s the great thing about this game. You’re never done learning. You never have it figured out. That’s the challenge that keeps guys going.”
You had a great following in Denver. Some fans were sad to see you go. What would you say to those fans who are having a tough time seeing you in a different uniform?
“It was a wonderful four years. Everybody treated me incredibly. I have no regrets. I gave it everything I could there. My only regret is that we didn’t get done the ultimate goal. Denver still may be home for us, so it’s nothing but positive thoughts there. Just thank you to the people there.”
What are your thoughts on Bill Belichick and your past dealings with him?
“I had the opportunity, as I said, to visit here a couple of years ago. I played for him over at the Pro Bowl. I have tremendous amount of respect for him and his knowledge of the game. I’ve been very fortunate. I played for the likes of Bill Walsh in college, and in the NFL, the Shanahans, the Grudens, the Tony Dungys. I’m excited for the opportunity to play under him.”
What did you have to do to get jersey No. 47? Vince Redd, a rookie, previously had that number.
“I didn’t even know someone else was in it, and they were giving the other guy a hard time. Seeing that he’s a rookie, I don’t think I have to do a whole lot. They took care of the dirty business. But I’ll take care of him – I’ll take him out to dinner or something.”
Lynch on field at practice; wearing No. 47
FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots have taken the field for their afternoon practice (noon) and John Lynch has joined his teammates for the workout.
He is wearing No. 47.
Rookie free agent Vince Redd was previously No. 47. He is now wearing No. 49.
Lynch signing official; Stokes to injured reserve
The Patriots made it official this morning, announcing the signing of free-agent safety John Lynch.
To make room for Lynch on the roster, the team placed veteran offensive lineman Barry Stokes on injured reserve due to his back. Stokes was a longer shot to earn a roster spot.
What to watch vs. Tampa Bay
The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss and Chris Gasper each provide three things to watch when the Patriots travel to Tampa Bay for Sunday's exhibition game against the Buccaneers. (Click the link to watch the video or read a synopsis).
Observations from 23rd practice
FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 23rd training camp practice, which was held in full pads today on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium (2:30 p.m.):
EXTRA POINTS: Through 23 training camp practices, the Patriots have been in full pads 19 times, with four walkthroughs (hats, T-shirts). … Quarterback Matt Gutierrez returned to practice, but looked rusty in throwing two interceptions (snared by linebacker Eric Alexander & cornerback Terrence Wheatley). … Running back Sammy Morris was visibly upset with himself after dropping a screen pass from Matt Cassel with no defenders nearby in 11-on-11 work. … Receiver Chad Jackson was on the receiving end of a long touchdown pass from Tom Brady in 11-on-11 drills, with Jackson racing down the left side and Brady pump-faking before delivering a rocket as Jackson got behind cornerback Ellis Hobbs. … At one point in situational, two-minute drills, to further accentuate game-like situations, Patriots coach Bill Belichick called on the chains to be brought out for a measurement. … When the second-string offense came on for situational, two-minute drills, Matt Cassel salvaged what appeared to be a broken-down drive by hitting tight end Marcus Pollard over the middle to set up a Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal.
Friday schedule: The Patriots have a single practice, scheduled for noon. It is the last training camp practice open to the public (weather permitting).
Patriots sign Lynch
According to a league source, free agent safety John Lynch has agreed to join the Patriots.
The source did not have terms of the deal, but said Lynch had decided to sign with the Patriots. NFL.com reported the deal was for one-year and $1.5 million.
The Patriots brought the nine-time Pro Bowler, who asked to be released by the Denver Broncos after the team slotted him into a reduced role, in for a visit yesterday.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this morning that Lynch had met with him and taken a physical, which is often a precursor to a deal.
Lynch, who will turn 37 on Sept. 25, figures to replace Tank Williams, who was placed on injured reserve by the Patriots last Sunday after suffering a knee injury in the pre-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday.
The Patriots were using Williams as a hybrid safety/linebacker in a pass defense package, a role that seems well suited to the 6-foot, 2-inch, 220-pound Lynch.
Lynch is actually coming off a Pro Bowl season. He was named to the team as an injury replacement last year, after starting 12 of 13 games and finishing with 59 tackles, a sack and three passes defended.
The source said the New York Jets also expressed interested in Lynch, but that the 15-year veteran chose to play for the Patriots, who tried to sign him as a free agent in 2004, when he decided to go from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Denver Broncos.
Sene signed; Dunlap waived
The Patriots announced the signing of free-agent offensive lineman Stephen Sene today. To make room on the 80-man roster for Sene, the team waived receiver Chris Dunlap.
Sene, who played in college at Liberty, was most recently with the Rams. He will wear No. 64.
Matt Gutierrez back at practice
FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots players have begun to take the field for their 23rd training camp practice since July 24, and backup quarterback Matt Gutierrez has joined his teammates for the workout.
Gutierrez had missed the last three days of practices after sustaining some type of bruise in the preseason opener. This gives Gutierrez a chance to play Sunday in Tampa Bay, as he competes for the No. 2 job with Matt Cassel and Kevin O'Connell.
Belichick on Lynch
FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick is holding his daily press conference at this time and, as part of his opening remarks, he said:
"I know there are some reports out there about John Lynch. I can tell you that I met with John yesterday. He came in, we talked, he took a physical, but right now he's not under contract with the Patriots. So until he is, I wouldn't have any further comment on that other than what I just said -- that he was here. If and when that happens, then we'll address it. But until then, I really don't have any other comment on it."
Reiss recaps training camp
With Patriots training camp set to end Friday, the Globe's Mike Reiss examines what we've learned over the past three weeks (written summary can be seen by clicking the "full entry" link below):
FULL ENTRY
Observations from 22nd practice
FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 22nd training camp practice, which was held in full pads today on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium (2:30 p.m.):
EXTRA POINTS: Tight end David Thomas had a couple of drops in drills as the offense was working on one field and the defense was on the other. … The Patriots continue to have some problems on quarterback/center exchanges with Dan Connolly and Matt Cassel fumbling one. … Randy Moss, Mike Vrabel, Marcus Pollard and Wesley Britt were among the players taking “penalty laps” for false starts or jumping offside. … Receiver Ray Ventrone had one of the plays of the practice, rising high to catch a high delivery from Matt Cassel as two defenders closed in. … Rookie free agent Gary Guyton seemed to get more reps at inside linebacker when the second unit came on. … The crowd cheered when Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for a touchdown in 11-on-11 situational work inside the 10-yard line, although back at the line of scrimmage, defensive end Ty Warren had burst through and would have had the sack if hitting the quarterback was an option. … Kicker Stephen Gostkowski finished by hitting 6 of 6 field goals from 27-42 yards.
Thursday schedule: The Patriots have a single practice, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The session is open to the public.
Friday schedule: The club also announced that Friday’s practice – originally scheduled to be closed to the public – will now be open. The time for that practice is scheduled for noon.
Reiss on Lynch
The Globe's Mike Reiss talks about the potential impact free-agent safety John Lynch could have in joining the New England Patriots. The Patriots hosted Lynch at Gillette Stadium Wednesday (click on link below for video).
Jimoh signed; McMahon released
The Patriots announced the signing of veteran cornerback Ade Jimoh today. To make room for Jimoh on the roster, the team released first-year offensive lineman Pete McMahon.
Jimoh will wear No. 43.
A bit from the team's press release:
Ade Jimoh (pronounced ODD-ee gym-OH), 28, has played in 69 career NFL games with the Washington Redskins (2003-06) and Chicago Bears (2007). The 6-foot-1-inch, 187-pound defensive back has recorded 28 career tackles (25 solo), five passes defensed and 68 special teams tackles. Jimoh was originally signed by the Redskins as a rookie free agent out of Utah State in April 2003. He played in 63 of a possible 64 games for the Redskins over four seasons from 2003-06, and recorded 20 special teams tackles in three straight seasons from 2004-06. Jimoh was released by the Redskins following the 2007 preseason and signed with the Chicago Bears in September 2007. He played in six games for the Bears last season and recorded three special teams tackles before being placed on the reserve/injured list on Nov. 20, 2007.
Bits from Belichick
FOXBOROUGH – Bill Belichick held his daily briefing with media members today (11:15 a.m.) and here were some of the highlights:
Patriots hosting John Lynch
The Patriots are hosting free-agent safety John Lynch on a visit at Gillette Stadium today.
The 36-year-old Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the grittier, more durable safeties to play in the NFL, was released by the Broncos on Aug. 1.
This isn’t the first time the Patriots have expressed an interest in Lynch.
When Lynch was a free agent in 2004, the Patriots visited with him before he signed with the Broncos.
The potential addition of Lynch could lessen the blow of losing Tank Williams to a season-ending knee injury.
Jordan has incentive
Running back LaMont Jordan has some added incentive to have a big year for the Patriots.
As part of the one-year contract he signed with the club on July 26, Jordan is slated to earn a base salary of $850,000. There is no signing bonus as part of the deal, but Jordan can earn up to $1.15 million in performance-based incentives.
That is one of the highest incentive figures for any player on the team.
Jordan received the bulk of the work at running back in the Patriots' preseason opener last Thursday against the Ravens. He played deep into the fourth quarter and finished with 76 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown.
After the game, Jordan talked about his motivation in joining the Patriots (to come to a winning organization), and how he felt like a rookie all over again in having to prove himself during "opportunity" periods in practice with younger players. For a player who was a top free-agent signee with the Raiders in 2005, Jordan seems to be embracing his climb-back-to-the-top type of situation.
Observations from 21st practice
FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 21st training camp practice, which was held today on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium (2:30 p.m.):
EXTRA POINTS: After working at second-string right tackle in Monday night’s practice, John Welbourn was at second-string right guard for the duration of today’s session. … Safety James Sanders returned to practice from an undisclosed injury. He had been out since late July. Sanders was the only player who did not practice Monday night to return. … At one point in practice, the entire defense took a penalty lap (with linebackers coach Matt Patricia and defensive line coach Pepper Johnson joining the players). Second-string left tackle Barry Stokes also took a penalty lap for a false start. … Receiver Chad Jackson dropped a long pass down the left sideline from Tom Brady, after beating cornerback Ellis Hobbs off the line in 11-on-11 work. … Defenders had a few tipped passes at the line of scrimmage, with rookie outside linebacker Vince Redd getting one, and Vince Wilforlk/Richard Seymour in the area of another. … Cornerback Terrence Wheatley had two pass breakups. … Rookie free agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a nice run in 11-on-11 work, powering through a nice hole along the left side created by linemen Barry Stokes (left tackle), Ryan Wendell (left guard) and Dan Connolly (center). … Tom Brady delivered one of the highlights of the day, connecting on a long pass with receiver C.J. Jones in 11-on-11 drills. Safety Brandon Meriweather was in coverage and did not turn as the ball arrived. The ball seemed to be in the air for about 40-50 yards. ... Quarterbacks did not wear red, non-contact jerseys for the first time in camp.
Wednesday schedule: The Patriots have a single practice, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The session is open to the public.
Checking in with Jarvis Green
FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive lineman Jarvis Green, who came off the physically unable to perform list Monday night, spoke with reporters after today's practice and expressed excitement about his return.
Now, he's in catch-up mode.
"Yeah, just to get with the guys and get the timing down," he said when asked if he had been anxious to return. "I still have to get that stuff down. It's going to take a few days, and every day you miss is a day you forget a lot of things and just learning the system. Even when I wasn't out here it was a little bit harder for me to pay attention in meetings and everything because I wasn't watching myself on film."
Green wasn't sure if he'd play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
"I don't have a clue right now," he said. "I'm just taking it one day at a time