Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that the Patriots have some tough roster decisions to make in the next few weeks as NFL teams must cut their roster down to 63 players by August 30th which leaves players very little time to leave an impression. This Friday's matchup between the Patriots and the Green Bay Packers may be the last chance for players on the bubble to prove their worth. "There's always two things that are in conflict: looking at players to get the evaluations of everybody and playing units together that you think are going to be working together during the season, But that limits your looks on the other guys. You somehow try to manage both of them," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers a look into how the Patriots are taking shape. Felger offers a position-by-position look at the roster and offers his take on who will most likely be gone after the first waive of cuts.
Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe offers his evaluation of the Patriots inside linebackers thus far. Solomon writes that the New Orleans Saints ripped the Patriots for 401 yards, including 187 on the ground in Thursday's 37-27 win over the Pats. Stopping the run is a priority for any defense, and in the Patriots' 3-4, stuffing running plays is a key responsibility for the inside linebackers.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald writes that Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour wasn't happy following the Patriots' 37-27 preseason loss to New Orleans. "Our communication, our fits, across the board. It just wasn't there. I think that's what it's all about. Our defense is about communication. The more we play together, the more we practice together, and the more we're together in the film room, the better we'll be," said Seymour. Felger writes that it is reassuring that the Pats best defensive player continues to think in team-oriented terms just two weeks removed from the end of his contract holdout.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal writes that despite a poor showing during training camp, Patriots backup quarterback Doug Flutie proved that at age 42 he still has game. Flutie threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Anderson in Thursday's 37-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints and was sharp on the few snaps that he took which led to two scoring drives. "We've seen guys going above and beyond what may be their role to do whatever is asked of them", Flutie said. "For me, that might mean bringing a fresh attitude or a new set of eyes in a meeting room. Just coming up with one idea in one important week (may be the biggest contribution made). I may never step on the field. Whatever's asked of you, you need to do. But right now we can't worry about that."
New England Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light hosted his first-ever Celebrity Shoot-Out, a clay shooting event that benefited the Matt Light Foundation. The event took place from 12:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville, RI. Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that more than a dozen Patriots (including Tedy Bruschi) attended in support of the Light, joining some 150 sponsors and contestants who made up 26 four-man teams.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily Pats blog with notes and commentary.
