Defensive coordinator Eric Mangini addressed the media for the first time since his promotion and fielded plenty of questions during his press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mangini spoke of learning from Romeo Crennel, his transition from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator and the pressure that goes with the position. "I think whether we were Super Bowl champs or not Super Bowl champs, any time you have a position where you are calling the plays and making decisions, there's obviously heightened pressure," Mangini said. "A little more pressure coming in here. I think that just goes with the job." Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal and Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant all offer a report of what Mangini had to say during his press conference.
The Patriots released seven players to get to the 65-man roster limit (plus exemptions). The cuts included running back Chad Morton, kicker Robbie Gould, wide receiver Jason Anderson, guard Ryan Krug, cornerback Hank Poteat and defensive linemen Santonio Thomas and Ifo Pili. The Patriots will need to be down to the 53-man roster limit by Sept. 4. Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe, Shalize Manza Young of the* Providence Journal, Eric McHugh of the *Patriot Ledger all offers reports on the roster cuts.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald offers a story on Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch. The Super Bowl MVP has yet to play a down during preseason play even though Branch reports that he is perfectly healthly. Guregian writes that because Branch has missed 11 games over the first three years of his career due to various injuries, it's understandable that the Patriots wouldn't want Tom Brady's top receiver taking any unnecessary licks.
Matt Light was presented with the Ron Burton Community Service Award, which is given each year to a Pats player for his philanthropic efforts at the Charitable Foundation Kickoff Gala at Gillette Stadium reports Carrol Beggy and Mark Shanahan of the Boston Globe.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports that Tedy Bruschi made a brief appearance in the Patriots locker room Monday morning before the team headed out to practice. Bruschi has been helping new players Monty Beisel and Chad Brown by giving them some insight into the postion. Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini both praised Bruschi for his assistance with the new players and also noted that Bruschi's off-field role has not yet been defined. "He might see something, and if he thinks he can point out something that would be helpful, he's not afraid to do that, and I think the players appreciate it because they have so much respect for him and know where he's coming from," said Belichick.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes.
