Speaking for the first time since missing last week's preseason game against Philadelphia, Patriots quarterback Tom Bradytold WEEI 850 AM on Monday that he will be in the lineup for Week 1 regardless of whether or not he suits up for Thursday's exhibition game at the Meadowlands.
“Whether I play, or don’t play, I’d be ready no matter what,” said Brady in a piece in today's Boston Herald.
The Boston Globe also chimed in on Brady's status, in addition to detailing wide receiver Chad Jackson's performance against the Eagles in which in he caught his first career touchdown pass at Gillette Stadium.
“I was real excited about that. It gave me a lot of confidence to go out there and show that I can make plays and help this offense progress,” Jackson told the Globe.
Also, the Patriots are putting the finishing touches on piecing together their nickel and dime packages on defense, which will most likely feature newcomer John Lynchand fellow safety James Sanders.
“It’s something we’ve been working at, and it was a test for us to put it in a game situation and see how it went. We still have areas we have to improve on, but it went pretty well the first time out,” Sanders told the Globe.
With roster cuts looming on the horizon, versatile wide receiver Ray Ventronecontinues to make his push for more playing time. The former safety-turned-wideout had a breakthrough performance against the Eagles and has value because of his ability to play on special teams, too.
“I think it’s good to be able to play more than one position. There aren’t too many guys that just play one position on our team, and I think the more you can do the better,” Ventrone told the Providence Journal.
Speaking of players on the bubble, head coach Bill Belichickspoke glowingly about Matt Gutierrez, praising the former De La Salle quarterback for his tremendous work ethic.
“I think a kid that comes out of that program, if you know anything about that program, they need to be pretty hard workers, pretty dependable and pretty consistent. Or they probably wouldn't be able to play there,” Belichick told the New Bedford Standard-Times.
Belichick also talked about the difficult decisions he faces when it comes time to make roster cuts. The first wave is due today at 4 p.m., followed by the final cuts on Saturday. Thursday will be the last opportunity for fringe players to make a good impression.
“You know, this is a tight week, short week, busy week, but hopefully a productive one and one where we can take advantage of opportunities to make our team better,” Belichick told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
Quick hits
The Patriots continue to make headlines nationwide, with the* Las Vegas Review-Journal *suggesting the Patriots aren't in panic mode yet because they haven't had their full team on the field.
*The Denver Post* mailbag suggests the reason the Patriots signed Lynch is because his former team, the Broncos, is on their schedule this season.
In fantasy football news, *CBS Sportsline *advises team owners to take a chance on wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who could have a big season now that Donte Stallworth is in Cleveland.
Also, former Patriot Dan Klecko is making a name for himself with the Eagles.
“They said I was too small to be a nose tackle up in New England. I just put it out of my mind and go play,” Klecko told the* Philadelphia Daily News*.
