Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe Patriots describes how coach Bill Belichick has an idea of how he wants his team to look. But even he doesn't know what names will be on the roster he'll submit to the league Sept. 2
The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss offers his daily blog "Reiss's Pieces" as he discusses the team's safeties.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald discusses that heading into the 2006 season, the Patriots are on the forefront of another trend that could subtly alter the balance of power in the league - the two tight end offense. "Does Bill Belichick understand the matchup game in the NFL? Absolutely," former personnel man and current Sirius radio host Pat Kirwan said. "Did he go find himself two tight ends who can attack the field vertically? Absolutely.
The New York Times writer Eric Wilson reports on quarterback Tom Brady's recent deal with watch company Movado. Brady is designing one that reflects his interests in both athleticism and style. "My watches are important to me," he said. "The three things you've got to have in a watch are great style, craftsmanship and precision. What makes a great watch makes a great athlete."
In a few days, Rosevelt Colvin will be completely focused on getting after quarterbacks and ball carriers. But yesterday, the New England Patriots linebacker shifted his attention to helping those with disabilities. The Republican's Larry Phung reports that Colvin made an appearance at CVS on Belmont Avenue in Springfield to help raise money for Easter Seals. The linebacker, who is entering his eighth season in the NFL, signed autographs, posed for pictures and talked to fans, all for free.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports that Deion Branch's agent, Jason Chayut, said the wide receiver will not be in attendance when training camp opens tomorrow, and that he's prepared to face daily $14,000 fines for as long as it takes to get something done.
Glen Farley of the* Enterprise* offers a look at why the Patriots are anxious to recover from what they called a subpar (by their standards) season. It all starts anew for the Patriots Friday morning at 9 when they are scheduled to step out on the fields located behind Gillette Stadium for their initial practice of the summer of 2006.
The double tight end offense may not be new, but today's tight end is. Bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic than the stars of prior decades -- "Guys who used to play power forward now play tight end," notes 49ers GM Scot McCloughan -- today's tight ends can change a game, particularly on a team like the Patriots, who boast standouts in Ben Watson and Daniel Graham. The *Boston Herald *staff offers its take on how this will affect the Patriots.
Tom E. Curran of the Providence Journal offers his take on the widely-publicized Deion Branch situation. Does Deion Branch deserves to make more money than the $1 million or so he's on the books to make in 2006? Yup. Do his employers, the New England Patriots, know that their wide receiver needs a significant bump? Yup. So what's the holdup and why is Branch reportedly going to hold out when training camp begins tomorrow? Because his agent, Jason Chayut, is killing him.
The *Telegraph's *Tom King enlightens readers that it has been just over six months since that unseasonably warm January Saturday night in Denver where members of the New England Patriots and their fans dealt with the emotional reality that they weren't going to be in the Super Bowl. All eyes looked ahead to the steamy July days when training camp and a new quest would begin. Well, it's here.
Michael Parente of the Woonsocket Call discusses that after losing veteran Rodney Harrison to a season-ending knee injury last September, the New England Patriots auditioned a handful of players to fill the void at strong safety.
