Patriots news for the week of 7/14

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Patriots | No Starter at DT Yet - from www.KFFL.com
Mon, 14 Jul 2003 12:27:22 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports that the New England Patriots really do not have a starter at defensive tackle yet. The depth chart features second-year DT Jarvis Green and rookie DT Dan Klecko. Other options at tackle would be rookie DT Ethan Kelley and DT Ken Kocher.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Replacements at CB? - from www.KFFL.com
Mon, 14 Jul 2003 12:20:10 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports that New England Patriots CB Tyrone Poole and rookie CB Eugene Wilson are the top two candidates in line to try to wrest the starting left cornerback job from CB Otis Smith, who turns 38 in October.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Coaches Return to Foxboro - from www.KFFL.com
Mon, 14 Jul 2003 21:24:35 -0700

According to Michael Felger of the Boston Herald, New England Patriots coaches returned to Foxboro on Monday, July 14, and players will begin coming in later this week, even though the first day of training camp isn't until Wednesday, July 23 at Gillette Stadium.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Conaty Will Be Important Backup - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 06:24:48 -0700

The Boston Globe reports New England Patriots C Bill Conaty was signed to be a backup, but could fill in as a starter if someone gets injured.

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Patriots | Klecko Signed - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:55:24 -0700

The New England Patriots have announced the official signing of rookie DT Dan Klecko to a contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Klecko was one of the team's fourth-round selections this year

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Samuel Signed - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:56:07 -0700

The New England Patriots have announced the official signing of rookie CB Asante Samuel to a contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Samuel was one of the team's fourth-round selections this year.

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Patriots | Kelley Signed - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:56:51 -0700

The New England Patriots have announced the official signing of rookie DT Ethan Kelley to a contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Kelley was the team's seventh-round selection this year.

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Patriots | Warren Working Out - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:19:18 -0700

The Boston Herald reports that New England Patriots first-round pick DT Ty Warren, who remains unsigned, has been working out in Foxboro recently. The Patriots' rookies will report to Foxboro on Wednesday, July 16, for a week of orientation and conditioning. Unsigned draft picks are still able to participate, although anyone not under contract will have to leave the team when camp starts July 23.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Brady Improving Mobility, Pocket Awareness - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:20:24 -0700

The Boston Herald reports that New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has continued to work on his leg strength to improve his mobility and sturdiness in the pocket. For the first time in two years, Brady has a full-time position coach to help him, as the Patriots brought in John Hufnagel to relieve HC Bill Belichick and OC Charlie Weis of those duties.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Davey Has Opportunity For Backup QB Spot - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:20:51 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports that New England Patriots QB Rohan Davey will be given the opportunity to wrest the backup job from veteran QB Damon Huard. However, Felger reports that Davey did not perform well during the spring camps, so he still has a ways to go to unseat Huard

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Lyle On Roster Bubble - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:37:33 -0700

Andy Hart, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots DL Rick Lyle has an uphill battle for a roster spot this year and could become expendable due to the younger, cheaper alternatives on the team

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Patriots | Warren To Play DE - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:38:33 -0700

Updating previous reports, Andy Hart, of Patriots.com, reports the speculation that New England Patriots first-round pick DT Ty Warren would be the team's starting nose tackle has been a bit premature. Head coach Bill Belichick gave Warren practice repetitions at nose tackle and defensive end during minicamp and would prefer to utilize his skills at defensive end this year.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Pleasant's Role To Diminish - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 12:39:28 -0700

Andy Hart, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots DE Anthony Pleasant will see his role diminished this season after starting 11-of-14 games in 2002. Pleasant will serve as a backup and a mentor to the younger defensive line prospects this year.

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Patriots | Mitchell Signed - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 19:15:25 -0700

The New England Patriots have signed OL Corey Mitchell (University of Massachusetts), according to Patriots.com. Mitchell played with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe this past season

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Patriots | Harris Signed - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 19:11:56 -0700

The New England Patriots have signed DL Brad Harris (Pittsburg State), according to Patriots.com. Harris played with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe this past season, registering 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

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Patriots | Milanese Released - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 19:01:39 -0700

The New England Patriots have released WR Rob Milanese (Penn), according to Patriots.com.

[The_Philster]

First in a series taking a position-by-position look at the Pats as they head into training camp July 23.

When it comes to the depth chart, the only intrigue at quarterback during Patriots training camp will be at the No. 2 spot, where young Rohan Davey will be given the opportunity to wrest the job from veteran Damon Huard.

That competition figures to be spirited, but in terms of importance to the team, it pales in comparison to the battles starter Tom Brady will continue to wage this summer. Battles with perception, expectations and himself....

more (http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats07162003.htm)

[The_Philster]

Second in a series taking a position-by-position look at the Pats as they head into training camp July 23.

Forget everything else about the five-year, $21 million contract Antowain Smith signed with the Patriots in March 2002. The following is all you need to know about his future with the team:

The Pats have seven days following the end of this season to pay Smith a $500,000 option bonus to pick up his 2004 salary ($2.4 million) and extend the contract. If the Pats don't exercise the option, Smith becomes a free agent....

more (http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats07172003.htm)

[The_Philster]

Linebacker makes smooth transition
Men famously bend at the mercy of age and money and women, so no wonder that Ted Johnson -- following a landmark birthday in December, a contract extension in February, and a wedding in June -- is thinking like never before.



Previously, Johnson would spend his offseasons visiting friends everywhere from Texas to Colorado to Arizona. He'd train in extreme conditions, opting for the heat and the mountains over an air-conditioned gym. He'd pack his golf clubs, rent a car, and live out of the trunk.

''Now,'' Johnson says, ''I'm slowing down.''..

more (http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/198/sports/Johnson_finds_middle_ground+.shtml)

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Patriots | Warren Negotiations Update - from www.KFFL.com
Thu, 17 Jul 2003 02:40:42 -0700

Tom Curran, of the Providence Journal, reports New England Patriots rookie DL Ty Warren, a first-round draft selection, is expected to be signed in time for the start of training camp on Wednesday, July 23. Talks between the two sides are expected to heat up over the next few days. Warren's agent, Kennard Maguire, said they're in the beginning stages of talks. Establishing the amount of guaranteed money appears to be the biggest hurdle the two sides will need to cover.

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Patriots | Warren Battling to Start - from www.KFFL.com
Thu, 17 Jul 2003 02:42:47 -0700

Tom Curran, of the Providence Journal, reports New England Patriots DL Ty Warren appears to be headed for the right DE position in the team's 3-4 alignment. However, training camp will determine whether or not he'll be a starter or a backup.

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Patriots | Plans for Faulk - from www.KFFL.com
Thu, 17 Jul 2003 06:28:37 -0700

Updating previous reports, the Boston Herald reports New England Patriots RB Kevin Faulk will mostly be used this season in screens, draw plays, and swing passes.

[The_Philster]

A year on sideline blessing in disguise
His ACL snapped, and for all Antwoine Womack knew, his hopes of a pro career snapped, too. Even in January 2002 when he suffered the left knee injury at the end of his college career, Womack -- now a Patriots running back -- knew a torn anterior cruciate ligament didn't just put his speed, quickness, and power in jeopardy. It put his livelihood in jeopardy.



So after a season of rehab, setbacks, and doubts, Womack calls the injury a blessing. ''Yup, a blessing,'' says Womack, repeating the statement for effect. He knows it sounds crazy, especially to someone who hasn't had 18 months to sort out the meaning of his journey back to health, someone who hasn't spent 18 months rationalizing, why did this happen?

Well, Womack's needed some time, but he thinks he's got an answer....

more (http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/199/sports/Womack_has_a_leg_up+.shtml)

[The_Philster]

Third in a series taking a position-by-position look at the Pats as they head into training camp July 23.


Sometimes statistics are bent and manipulated to prove a point.

Other times they just speak for themselves.

Consider the Patriots' passing game in 2002. The Pats did not complete a single pass that went for over 50 yards. They had just one completion longer than 40 yards over the final 14 games. Neither starting wide receiver, Troy Brown nor David Patten, had a reception of more than 20 yards over the final month. Patriots receivers averaged 10.1 yards per catch in 2002, a figure that tied the team for dead last in the NFL....

more (http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats07182003.htm)

[The_Philster]

Fourth in a series taking a position-by-position look at the Pats as they head into training camp Wednesday.

When Bill Belichick took over the Patriots' football operations in January 2000, one of the items at the top of his list was to rebuild the offensive line, which over the previous few seasons had fallen into a pathetic state due to age, bad contracts and poor personnel decisions.

Belichick promised change, but he also warned that it typically takes at least 2-3 years for a line to come together and reach its potential. In other words - check back in a few years for an accurate status report..
more (http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats07192003.htm)

[The_Philster]

The New England Patriots and first-round choice Ty Warren reached agreement on a six-year deal, including escalators, which could be worth as much as $21 million.

A signing bonus and a 2004 option bonus that totals more than $6 million also are included in the deal. His base salary and bonuses total more than $7 million.

Warren is projected to be a starting defensive end in the Patriots' 3-4 defense. He was the 13th player selected in the draft in what was considered the best defensive-line draft in recent NFL history.
..more (http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/misc/1583036.html)

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Patriots | Smith Used In Short-Yardage - from www.KFFL.com
Sat, 19 Jul 2003 09:58:16 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports for the Sporting News that New England Patriots RB Antowain Smith is expected to be the team's short-yardage back this year. Smith will be utilized primarily between the tackles and in goal-line situations.

[BillsFever]

Patriots | Warren Agrees to Six-year Pact - from www.KFFL.com
Sat, 19 Jul 2003 20:09:53 -0700

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports New England Patriots rookie DE Ty Warren, the team's first-round draft selection, has agreed to a six-year deal that could be worth as much as $21 million. The deal also includes a signing bonus and 2004 option bonus that total more than $6 million. Base salaries in the deal total more than $7 million. There are also around $7 million in escalators in the deal, which are mostly obtainable through playing time incentives and the remainder coming through Pro Bowl appearances.

[The_Philster]

Fifth in a series taking a position-by-position look at the Pats as they head into training camp Wednesday.

The list of items the Patriots must address to once again be a championship contender is substantial. And in order of importance, there should be no question what's atop the list.

Stopping the run.

The events of the past few years have proven that the Pats can conceivably get away with everything else that ails them. Teams have been able to compensate for a marginal running game, absence of a downfield passing attack or a lack of speed....

more (http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats07202003.htm)

[The_Philster]

FOXBOROUGH -- When you're an undrafted rookie in the NFL, you do as the singer says. You cherish the day. More so than your veteran colleagues, you approach each day at work as if it were your last, because by the end of it, it very well could be. You tell those teammates close to you exactly how you feel about them, because none of you is promised tomorrow. In fact, as Rob Milanese learned last week, you aren't even promised today. Wednesday the Patriots released Milanese, a 5-foot-9-inch, 179-pound receiver from Penn. That meant fellow undrafted rookie receiver Kerry Watkins had to look for someone else to ride shotgun with to and from Gillette Stadium. ''And Rob had just driven up [from New Jersey] the night before,'' Watkins said.



The cold, hard truth of the matter is that on a team with veterans Troy Brown, David Patten, Dedric Ward, and second-round picks Deion Branch (2002) and Bethel Johnson (2003) at wideout, Watkins, a 5-10, 190-pounder out of Georgia Tech, may be told to hit the road himself before the end of training camp, which opens Wednesday. Watkins isn't alone. Each day over the next month, rookies such as Scott Farley, Shawn Mayer, Jason Hunt, Chad Lee, Jasen Esposito, and Joe Schey, as well as hundreds more of their undrafted brethren across the league, will wake up in a strange bed in a reality that has them competing for no more than two handfuls of jobs with a roomful of hungry players (literally) trying to eat. They'll often annoy more-secure veterans with their practice intensity, as they hope to become the next Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia, Wayne Chrebet, or even the next Sean Morey, the former Brown receiver who at one time seemed to collect contracts and pink slips from the Patriots....

more (http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/201/sports/Some_Patriots_fighting_to_be_spot_players+.shtml)