Belichick Controls the Defense
The New England Patriots defense has a new helping hand this offseason, head coach Bill Belichick. This offseason the patriots released 4 year defensive coordinator Dean Pees and have not officially named a replacement. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Belichick might play the role of defensive coordinator this coming season.
Observers at the Patriots workout saw a head coach who seeded locked in on the defensive players, trying to teach a younger New England squad. The Patriots finished last year with the 11th ranked defense in the NFL.
[picappgallerysingle id="2185059"]
Yesterday, the Patriots agreed to terms with 3rd round draft pick, receiver Taylor Price.
[picappgallerysingle id="2936210"]
Patriots OL Logan Mankins has now joined the ranks of restricted free agents who will be skipping voluntary workouts this spring.
The Patriots and Saints will meet up to hold joint practices prior to their first preseason game on August 12th. This will be the second joint practice of the preseason, as the Patriots are scheduled to hold a practice with the Atlanta Falcons the next week.
Judge to Jets fan-Sorry, You Lose
The last legal case regarding the New England Patriots and Spygate came to a close on Wednesday last week with an appeals panel upholding a judge’s prior decision. A New York Jets season ticket fan and lawyer, Carl Mayer sued for 185 million dollars in relief for Jets fans claiming his suit was a consumer fraud suit.
Patriots retain Burgess
The New England Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess on Friday according to league sources. Burgess was acquired by the Pats prior to last season in a trade with the Oakland raiders. The Patriots sent a third and fourth round picks to Oakland in exchange for Burgess.
Burgess is entering his 10th season in the NFL. The 6’2″ 260 pound defensive end has recorded 55 career sacks and 6 forced fumbles. Burgess has been voted to the Pro Bowl twice in his career.
Will Hernandez become the next Ben Coates for Pats?
The New England Patriots had a serious need at the tight end position heading into the draft and they landed a player who has the potential to become great. Many scouts had projected University of Florida TE Aaron Hernandez as one of the top at his position heading into the draft two weeks ago. However, his stock plummeted once the draft started surrounding reports that he failed many drug tests while in Gainesville.
Patriots Mini-Camp News and Notes
News and Notes from around Patriots mini-camp today.
Ohio University WR and #90 0verall selection in last week’s draft Taylor Price appeared to be running good routes and pass catching ability. Price is known as a hard working receiver who honed his skills by staying after practice in college to improve his abilities. Though he played in offenses which didn’t allow him to showcase pass catching abilities, he is known as an excellent blocker.
Oklahoma State QB and #250 selection in the draft Zac Robinson, has only been practicing as QB so far. It was speculated that Robinson might be moved to wide receiver or safety, but is currently practicing only as a quarterback. Media reports state that Robinson looked poor on Friday struggling with throws.
Coach Bill Belichick was reportedly asked several different times about TE Aaron Hernandez’s drug test while at the University of Florida and basically blew off reporters regarding that issue. The Patriots appear to be using TE Rob Gronkowski as the in-line tight end and reports state he looks very slow and out of place. Hernandez is being utilized in a variety of alignments and appears to be catching the ball extreamly well.
