Monique Walker reports that this season, the line faces its biggest shakeup since ’06.
We obviously have to be pretty consistent up front,’’ [Matt] Light said. “There has to be a lot of continuity between the guys up there. This system lends itself to guys that maybe aren’t the starting guy to be able to sit back and really take a lot of mental reps. We’re getting there. It’s just taking a little while. We have a lot of moving parts, and guys stepping up and playing different positions and doing different things. We’ll keep working at it and hopefully we’ll be a little bit more consistent down the road.’’
The Patriots have attempted to add depth by bringing in a few offensive linemen. They have signed Eric Ghiaciuc and Brian Simmons, and yesterday they added Quinn Ojinnaka after acquiring him in a trade with the Falcons for undisclosed draft picks.
Mike Rodak breaks down Monday's practice beginning with who did, and who didn't, take part.
Half-dozen players return. Six players who either did not practice or did not make the trip to Atlanta were in uniform on Monday afternoon. Linebackers Tully Banta-Cain, Gary Guyton, Thomas Williams, and Dane Fletcher; defensive lineman Damione Lewis; cornerback Leigh Bodden; and offensive lineman George Bussey all made their returns to the practice field.
Edelman among those absent. Wide receiver Julian Edelman, who played in Thursday’s preseason game in Atlanta, was not seen on the practice fields. Also absent were defensive lineman Kade Weston, wide receiver Matthew Slater, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, and safeties Bret Lockett and Josh Barrett.
Manish Mehta (NY Daily News) Rex Ryan: "I don't like Tom Brady. I respect him, but I don't like him."
“He already knows that we hate the Patriots… so what’s the difference?” Ryan said after today’s practice. “My brother’s got a couple Super Bowl rings. He loves Tom Brady. But I don’t have them, so I don’t like Tom Brady. I respect him, but I don’t like him.”
TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino shares a mix of good and bad news from Monday's Patriots practice.
- The Patriots acquired offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, re-signed DB Ross Ventrone and released DB Terrence Johnson and seventh-round draft pick DL Kade Weston.
- Bill Belichick Press Conference - 8/23/10 (14.53 min. video) Plus transcript.
- Patriots Today - Monday status report. (3.13 min. video)
- Locker Room Uncut - Bodden, Light and more. (3.25 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Karen Guregian says the Patriots latest trade for OL Quinn Ojinnaka smacks of desperation.
- Christopher Price reports that despite changes to the O-Line, Matt Light has faith that once the regular season rolls around, these "trained pigs" will be just fine.
- Karen Guregian notes Matt Light isn't worried about regaining consistency on the line amidst the shuffling.
- Ian Rapoport tells us Logan Mankins is fully prepared to sit out the entire 2010 season in hope that with a new CBA, he'll be a free agent in 2011.
- Tom E. Curran talks Logan Mankins and breaks down the Patriots-Rams match-up.
- Albert Breer points out Preseason Week 3 takes on added importance.
- Tom E. Curran notes Tom Brady will get a long look at what a $78 million quarterback looks like on Thursday, with rookie Sam Bradford starting for the Rams.
- Mike Reiss highlights Bill Belichick's Q&A with the media prior to Monday's practice.
- Ian Rapoport tells us what happened at the Patriots indoor practice Monday.
- Danny Picard highlights Monday's indoor practice that featured Leigh Bodden's return after suffering a knee injury early on in training camp.
- Christopher Price offers his Monday practice report.
- Albert Breer checks in from inside the bubble, noting Rob Gronkowski stole the show yesterday.
- Mike Reiss sees the competition heating up at CB and ILB.
- Ian Rapoport talks about the awkward situation when starters miss time with an injury and someone else takes their spot, similar to Guyton and Spikes.
- Paul Kenyon writes Gary Guyton will have to fight for playing time.
- Mark Farinella says having three veterans back at practice is a very positive sign.
- Mike Reiss focuses on the Pats' defensive pecking order after two preseason games.
- Jeff Howe asserts the Jets on 'Hard Knocks' offer the Patriots too much motivation to avoid.
- Ian Rapoport reports Patriots players pleaded ignorance when asked if they watched 'Hard Knocks'
- Jill Seward notes the NY Jets really don't care if Tom Brady hates them. In fact, they expect it.
- Kirk Minihane says it's time to embrace the Jets - and the hate.
- Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Bodden (knee), Guyton (hamstring) and Banta-Cain (right ankle) all practiced at full capacity; Kade Weston was waived and will go on IR (internal injury) if he passes through waivers; Matt Patricia coached Ojinnaka at Syracuse.
- Mike Reiss looks at the Patriots and the 2008 draft.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Rodney Harrison says Jets will start 0-2.
- Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) New England Patriots look to put past behind them.
- Jim Thomas (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) Bradford might start Thursday for Rams.
- NFL.com Rookie Performers: Preseason Week 2. Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski featured. (2.28 min. video)
- Matt Williamson, Scouts Inc. (ESPN) Impact of smaller nose tackles on their 3-4 defenses.
- Dan Arkush (Pro Football Weekly) NFL's 10 most interesting men.