New England Patriots Links 12/08/11 - Andre Carter Playing Better Than Ever as he Returns to Washington

by Marima on Dec 8, 2011 10:39 AM EST in New England Patriots Links

Andre Carter has found a happy home here in New England.

Tom Brady responds to a question about one of his past favorite 'open receiver' guys, Jabar Gaffney.

Jab could do everything well. I think that's his versatility, he's got good size, he's got long arms, he's got good speed, he's got good quickness, he plays every position, he's smart. He's just one of those guys that, from the day we got him here, he was just so reliable and dependable because he knew what to do and he did it well. You gain a lot of trust from the quarterback when all those things matchup. I was bummed when he went to Denver and I was bummed when he went to Washington and here we are playing them.

Andre Carter is asked if he's playing better than ever.

"I hope so. I'm just my own worst critic. Every game I analyze and look at what I can do to get better, what techniques and fundamentals can I do to improve my game. That's just how I look at it. I take it one game at a time and just play hard. If things flow with you, great. If not, you just go back to the drawing board."

Bill Belichick talks about how unusual it is for a rookie like Nate Solder to be asked to handle multiple responsibilities.

Yeah, kickoff return, field goal team. Nate has done a lot for us this year. He's been thrown into a lot of different situations. I think to a degree, that's been challenging but again, Nate is a smart kid. He works very hard, he has a good understanding, he has a good football background, he understands concepts well; it's not just memorizing what he does, but he understands what the people around him are doing. We've asked him to do a lot. Like I said, we've thrown him in on the kickoff return here the last few games. He's done a great job with that in terms of understanding it, making adjustments, doing something that he really hasn't done before. Same thing on the field goal team. He's worked hard to do the things we've asked him to do and he has a lot of flexibility as an athlete and as a person.

TEAM TALK

Patriots-Redskins Wednesday Injury Report.
Erik Scalavino offers his notes from Wednesday at Gillette, including a 'thankful' Andre Carter enjoying New England.
Howard Ulman (AP) McDonald overcomes hurdles to start for Patriots.
The New England Patriots announced today that WR Dorin Dickerson has been signed to the practice squad.
Press Conferences: Bill Belichick (18.30 min. video) and Tom Brady (10.30 min. video).
Player Interviews: Nate Jones (3.13 min.), Rob Gronkowski (2.16 min.), Brian Waters (4.23 min.) and Andre Carter (7.15 min.)
Conference Calls Transcript: Andre Carter (transcript), Mike Shanahan (10.59 min.) and Jabar Gaffney (5.09 min.)
Patriots Today - Wednesday's practice report. (1.39 min. video)
Patriots Today - Brady, Pats seek 60-minute effort. (2.18 min. video)
Patriots Today - Carter facing former team. (2.53 min. video)
Patriots Today - Belichick Breakdown. (6.23 min. video)
Locker Room Uncut - Waters, Gronk chat in locker room. (3.22 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

Mike Reiss serves up some quick hits from the media-access period in the Patriots' locker room.
Mike Petraglia discovers Andre Carter has been seeing a lot more double-team coverage from opposing offensive lines.
Ian Rapoport notes signing Andre Carter has been huge for the Patriots. Carter was afraid he was done.
Chris Forsberg hears former Patriot Jabar Gaffney talk about the challenges of being the No. 3 wide receiver.
Karen Guregian points out ex-Patriot WR Jabar Gaffney still hasn't been replaced.
Ron Borges hears from Ronnie Lippett, who analyzed Devin McCourty's play on Sunday and can see his main problem is in his head.
Tom E. Curran notes Washington's promising start lasted just two games.
Mary Paoletti reports the Redskins still have a defense -- lead by bookend partners Orakpo and Kerrigan -- that will try to give Tom Brady fits.
Michael Vega notes the Redskins had two players suspended this week for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Mike Reiss notes Tiquan Underwood was recognized as one of the practice players of the week.
Mike Reiss fills us in on the football journey of Tiquan Underwood.
Christopher Price introduces us to new guy No. 80, Dorin Dickerson, a player who has lined up at WR, TE, LB and KR.
Mike Reiss highlights Bill Belichick's breakdown of a few key plays from the Colts game last Sunday.
Ian Rapoport picks a few soundbites from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick mic'd up for the Colts game.
Jermaine Wiggins and Greg A. Bedard analyze Rob Gronkowski's third touchdown vs. the Colts. (2.36 min. video)
Mike Reiss gives us the story behind the fascinating flex decision.
Mike Reiss updates the penalty watch and notes for the third straight game, the Pats were called for just three accepted penalties.
Mike Reiss points out that with a 10th win, the Patriots would join the 49ers and Colts as the only teams in NFL history to win double-digit games in nine or more consecutive seasons.
Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: The NFL announced Pats-Broncos will not be flexed; Peter King insists Robert Kraft "did not strong-arm" this game to stay off Sunday night; Patriots practiced in full pads for the first time in three weeks; Sources say Dane Fletcher has undergone more than one surgery and is still wearing a hard cast on his hand; A dozen players were limited at practice.
Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: No flex for Pats-Broncos; Tom Brady has been interception-free in their four-game win streak; CB Nate Jones was thrown into the fire, playing nearly every snap at safety after only being signed the Wednesday before the game - and safety isn't even his usual position; Stevan Ridley missed practice for personal reasons, not injury.

NATIONAL NEWS

James Walker (ESPN) Tom Brady -- not Aaron Rodgers -- is MVP.
Sound FX (NFL.com) Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were wired for sound in the Patriots' Week 13 game against the Colts. (4.03 min. video)
John Parolin (ESPN Stats & Information) Three-point stance: Redskins.
Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Patriots-Redskins matchup of the day: RB Roy Helu vs. Patriots defense.
James Walker (ESPN) AFC East coach rankings.
Mike Sando (ESPN) MVP Watch: Three Patriots make his list.
Chris Chase (Yahoo! Sports) How the NFL failed America and kept Tim Tebow off primetime.
Stephen J. Dubner (NFL.com) Freakonomics: Puzzle behind the randomness of injuries.
Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Breaking down the terrible 10: How did the NFLs bottom-feeders sink so low?
Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) Inside the player-agent interviews.

VIEW FROM WASHINGTON D.C.

Rich Campbell and Nick Eilerson (Washington Times) Sustained drives key for Redskins vs. Patriots.
Mike Jones (Washington Post) Redskins areas to monitor in Week 14.
Mike Jones (Washington Post) Mike Shanahan set to face friend, rival Bill Belichick.
Christopher Mudd (Redskins.com) Locklear, Smith to compete at left tackle.
Mike Jones (Washington Post) Mike Sellers ready to assume a larger role in offense.
Rich Campbell (Washington Times) Apologies from Fred Davis, Trent WIlliams are sincere, but 'our whole team feels let down.'
Mike Jones (Washington Post) Mike Shanahan addresses Trent Williams, Fred Davis suspensions.
Christopher Mudd (Redskins.com) Carter finds comfort level in New England.
Mike Jones (Washington Post) Andre Carter happy in new surroundings.

Tweet Comment 33 comments | 1 recs |

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Comments

Personally, I hate when we go against Shanahan.

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 10:53 AM EST reply actions

Bad Broncos memories?

Kind of funny that the Patriots have never won in Washington too. But it seems to be the year for streak-busting so why not win in Washington and Denver?

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 8, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs

I like your attitude.

This game’s on the tube here, so I’m stoked.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

Hear, Hear

why not win in Washington and Denver?

Can I Scream?

by Adam Fox on Dec 8, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, and a rec for the young lady with the great attitude.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

I like that viewpoint.

Why not break the negative streaks while we’re breaking streaks left and right?

Pats Pulpit | Follow @Rich__Hill

by Richard Hill on Dec 8, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

Shanahan and Broncos...hm...

I refuse to remember anything else than a safety in 2003 and a game winning drive led by Mr. Thomas Edward Patrick Brady.

by frogfromthemud on Dec 9, 2011 6:49 AM EST up reply actions

You know I miss Gaffney, too.

As a third receiver, he was solid.

Maybe we can secretly swap Gaffney and Ochocinco when they’re out there this weekend.

Nah, the Pats getting production from a third receiver? Someone is bound to notice. Sigh.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 3:22 PM EST reply actions

I was about to say the exact same thing with Gaffney

He wasn’t specular by any means but he was very solid. Typical patriot player and I sure miss him.

Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?

by cruelangelT on Dec 8, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

Anyone think the Patriots should take Mark Barron in the draft

He does have similar skills to Rodney Harrison and that type of player would really solidify the secondary

New England Patriots: 9-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, and Colts

by freeland1787 on Dec 8, 2011 4:58 PM EST reply actions

I like Barron

and definitely think a safety is in order—or should be. Everyone thought Meriweather would be a Harrison-type player, too, so I’d err on the side of caution considering he’s been involved in some legal messes already.

Can I Scream?

by Adam Fox on Dec 8, 2011 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

he could certainly hit like Harrison

including his teammates

Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?

by cruelangelT on Dec 8, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions

LOL

Ask McCourty.

I think he’s still reeling from the hits from Meriweather. That probably explains his sophomore slump.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

I love the way Barron plays.

A safety who can lay the wood, pay huge dividends in run D, and play solid coverage? Good God, it’s bringing back wonderful memories of Harrison. Hopefully Barron’s stock stays about where it is and doesn’t skyrocket for some reason (like a 4 INT-2 FF BCS Championship game, or something.)

It matters not how strait the gate, nor charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the Master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul.

by BigRussNovak on Dec 9, 2011 6:54 PM EST up reply actions

WHAT'S WRONG WITH MCCOURTY

Ron Borges hears from Ronnie Lippett, who analyzed Devin McCourty’s play on Sunday and can see his main problem is in his head.

What Lippett sees however is a young player regressing from a bad case of information overload, someone trying so hard to play the way he’s being coached that he’s forgotten how to play like Devin McCourty, which, by the way, is how he got here.

it makes sense what Lippett observes

out of all the positions in football, i viewed CB as one of the most mentally intense

if that mentality is disturbed, the performance of a CB will drop in a major way

if one looks at Asomugha, he is going thru same thing but not as severe as mccourty

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 5:15 PM EST reply actions

Ronnie LIppett needs to give McCourty some psychological counseling.
BB should also get a few sessions in what he can do to help.

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

DMC needs to be DMC

He needs to trust his instincts more instead of thinking about what he should do if something happens. That type of thinking is bad for any sport.

New England Patriots: 9-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, and Colts

by freeland1787 on Dec 8, 2011 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

Actually, Wheatley was instinctive his first year.

Then he got injured. Then he was always overthinking and overreacting, then he was sent packing.

Stuff like that can be terminal to a CB.

As my TKD master often says, “Quit thinking and start feeling.”

You can’t out think a punch to the face, it’s all about reaction.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

exactly

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

McCourty needs a cornerback whisperer

the secondary’s version of Brady’s QB guru Tom Matrinez.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 8, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

McCourty is trying to do too much. I think it might have something to do with the safeties a little, since he’s being left on an island essentially and he is forced to try and be perfect. Of course that’s ridiculous to expect out of a young QB even with the year he had last year. DMC last year barely ever got beat long, now it seems like every week.

by lololol on Dec 8, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

has noting to do with it

I don’t see nothing has changed from last year. He was never given much safety help last year because Arrington was the one usually teamed up with safety help.

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

Eh?

Last year all the experience was at the Safety position – Page, Sanders, Meriweather.

Now Devin McCourty is the player with the most experience – one year in the NFL.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Dec 9, 2011 2:49 AM EST up reply actions

like

darius butler….. a lot of CB’s had good rookie season then sucked. I think a lot has to do with coaching.

by patriots1984 on Dec 8, 2011 8:58 PM EST up reply actions

butler was a good enough cb for patriots at slot cb position

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions

Was that before or after he was a healthy scratch, then a cut?

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Dec 9, 2011 2:50 AM EST up reply actions

I think the CB's are thinking to much instead of relying on their instincts.

by patriots1984 on Dec 9, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions

Marc Barron

Yes and absolutely! The two LSU corners one of which will be top 10 and the other is 5’9" so no thank you. Barron would be a nice addition

by richardlight86 on Dec 8, 2011 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Spike back at practice!

First time in awhile. Probably won’t play this weekend, but promising for next week. I’m thinking Chung will be on the field this week, and the D will start to solidify.

by furiousd on Dec 8, 2011 7:05 PM EST reply actions

by prioris on Dec 8, 2011 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

Ka-Chung!

by SlotMachinePlayer on Dec 8, 2011 8:19 PM EST up reply actions

I just want him to get his legs back under him before the playoffs

I can just remember him coming back from the suspension last year and looking reallllllllly slow in the Jets playoff game.

by Oughat on Dec 8, 2011 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

Comments on everything

Davis and Williams are big losses to an already weak offense. Avoiding turnovers might be enough to beat them with ordinary play. I’ve wondered whether Cunningham’s absence has made McCourty’s job more difficult. Very tall he often seemed to be blocking the view in the passing lane on McCourty’s side. Steve Young pointed out the rule changes/interpretations about inhibiting WR’s and roughing the passer has made pass defense much harder. This and the size/speed differential between WR’s and DB’s makes it likely 350-400 yards passing will be the new normal. 3 QB’s may break Marino’s record. Other QB’s are throwing the ball 40-60 times including elite Eli, Stafford and at times McCoy or Bradford. We are still winning and are in line for a playoff bye.

by WRMaurer on Dec 9, 2011 8:59 AM EST reply actions