New England Patriots Links 8/03/09 - Vince Redd Cut, Rob Ninkovich, Jamar Love signed

Shalise Manza Young makes note of Bill Belichick entering his 35th NFL season and 10th with the Patriots, and how he still has a passion for the game.

Belichick may not readily be classified as a "player’s coach," but Wes Welker has figured out a trick to stay on his good side.

"My perception was that he was definitely a [tough] guy and kind of on you all the time. He’s definitely that," Welker said. "He can be very easygoing, too. As long as you prove to him that you handle your business and you work hard and you take care of everything you need to take care of, then he’s a lot more easygoing with you. You just have to continue to do those things and make sure that he trusts you, then things are usually a lot smoother with him."

Ian Rapoport asserts Joey Galloway is a good catch for Pats.

"Joey’s had a lot of production in this league," Belichick said. "He played both inside and outside at Tampa. He’s also a good player with the ball in his hands, run after catch and some return skills earlier. He’s got good versatility. He’s able to run good routes underneath, run good vertical routes and play inside and outside."

If Galloway presents the Pats with some options, Belichick may be able to take fewer receivers to a game. That’s a plus.

TRAINING CAMP OBSERVATIONS

• Patriots Today - Players pushing through Training Camp, roster adjustments, thoughts from players on how their bodies are holding up during the lengthy practices.  (9:40 min video)
• Patriots Football Weekly Training Camp blog:  Check out all the entries from the PFW staff with their notes and comments from camp, it's worth the trip.
• Mike Reiss offers his Day 5 musings.
• Shalise Manza Young: Camp session # 7 - attendance and notes.  Red Zone work, hard emphasis on fundamentals.
• Christopher Price has a few quick notes from Sunday afternoon's "EXTREMELY low intensity" walkthrough.
• Christopher Price lists some notes from Day 4 of Training Camp.  The highlight of the morning session was the annual "Pig Drill" at the start of practice. That’s where rookies are forced to slop through the mud in pursuit of the pigskin.
• Mike Reiss offers Day 3 musings from Saturday's camp, with notes about Ron Brace, kickoff return work, Belichick coaching through the drills, defensive backs and the Mike Vrabel void.
• Mark Farinella presents his 2009 Training Camp audio blog/slide show taped live at Gillette Stadium.  Neat little "Give us this day our daily Bill" feature, offering a daily dose of the always quotable Bill Belichick.  Tape 3 and Tape 2.

TEAM SHOTS

• The Patriots announced the signing of LB Rob Ninkovich and DB Jamar Love Sunday.  Additionally, the Patriots released LB Vince Redd.
• Andy Hart details the rookies getting hosed during Training Camp.
• Erik Scalavino discusses Troy Brown's unexpected appearance at Training Camp, livening up the day.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Bill Belichick's August 2nd Press Conference Transcript + video link.
• Christopher Price wonders if 2009 will mark the end of the line - the Defensive Line trio of Wilfork, Seymour and Warren all entering the last year of their contracts.
• Mike Reiss offers an analysis of the release of LB Vince Redd.
• Ian Rapoport shares an early Tom Brady interview with Sirius Radio's Mad Dog.
• Chris Gasper notes that the Patriots’ motivation for looking at Lemon might just be to challenge O'Connell, rather than about any reservations they may have of him.
• Mike Reiss Patriots Notebook:  The possible addition of Cleo Lemon, Jerod Mayo's dedication to making bigger plays this season, Shawn Springs return to practice and Mike Shanahan visiting Gillette Stadium as a guest.
• Ben Collins reports rookie Patrick Chung hopes to be known for his good hands as well as for his hard hits.
• Mike Reiss and Chris Gasper note how Randy Moss has helped smooth the transition for Joey Galloway, plus more from their Patriots Notebook.
• Julian Benbow catches up with Jarvis Green, who is determined to make an impact this year - especially on quarterbacks.
• Shalise Manza Young notes CB Shawn Springs feels like a rookie again.
• Karen Guregian looks hard at the Patriots OLB situation, in light of the release of Vince Redd and pickup of Rob Ninkovich, and concludes they still need a pass rusher.
• Mike Petraglia notes Belichick's praise of special teams coach Scott O'Brien, saying there's no one else Belichick would rather have in charge.
• Jeff Howe focuses on special-teamer Ray Ventrone.
• Mark Farinella says Fred Taylor is relishing his role as team's elder statesman.
• Ron Borges weighs in with his thoughts on Wilfork throwing his pearls before swine, playing hard and in good faith while the Patriots do nothing to show their appreciation.  Gee, I didn't know Borges was privvy to their negotiations.
• Mike Reiss reports Vince Wilfork is doing the right thing for himself and his family, playing out his contract and trying to win support through his dedication and hard work.
  

LONG SHOTS

• Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Belichick's play-fake with Vick ingenious.  The puppet-master is pulling the strings.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) AFC East quote marks.
• Don Banks (SI) Chief's Cassel at ease with role as face of franchise.