Mark Farinella reports Andre Carter is big on results, not stats.

"I think that when you play this game, it's always great to be multidimensional whether it's stopping the run or getting after the passer," he said. "That's something I've always prided myself at being able to do since I've started to play this sport. And I've just continued to build my game from then on."

"It was all about opportunity," he said. "When coach Belichick called me and said he knew my potential, I was all for it. It wasn't a question of 3-4 or 4-3 he just knew as far as my work ethic, as far as my talent and what I can contribute, I think those aspects played a big part in my coming here."

"It was just a matter of knowing the system and getting my football legs back," he said. "It took a minute when I first came in the first week, I really didn't take that many reps. And I know the coaches were just slowly trying to progress me into the system. Now it's just a day-to-day process and I'm just very grateful to have the opportunity to come here and work hard."

Ian Rapoport notes Shaun Ellis wasn't unfamiliar with what he saw in front of him in his first practice as a Patriot.

"There were no surprises," said Ellis, who played for the Jets from 2000 to 2010. "I’ve kind of been through it before. I was born into this family with (Bill) Parcells, being drafted by him and going through that period my rookie year. And then going through it with (Eric) Mangini. I’m getting back into the swing of things."

After watching his linemates dominate each of the past two preseason games up front... "It made me want to be a part of it that much more," Ellis said. "We have a lot of guys that can stop the run and also get after the quarterback. A lot of talent. Just want to contribute the best way I can."

Erik Scalavino reports James Ihedigbo is excited to join the Patriots.

"Wherever they need me to play. I'm just going to go out and bring my intensity, my energy, and the way this game is designed to be played, fast and physical, to this defense," Ihedigbo told reporters after his first workout with his new team.

TEAM TALK

• The New England Patriots signed TE Garrett Mills and released S Bret Lockett and OL Zach Roth.

LOCAL LINKS

• Kevin McNamara says the Patriots' restocked defensive line could be the envy of the NFL.
• Karen Guregian talks about Bill Belichick 'unleashing the beast' on defense, and Willie McGinest's surprised reaction when he saw it.
• Greg A. Bedard gives a final breakdown of how the Patriots performed in their 31-14 victory over the Buccaneers last Thursday.
• Christopher Price forecasts the final 53.
• Jim Donaldson tells Patriots fans to calm down, the true measure of the team will come in January.
• Amalie Benjamin admits Albert Haynesworth's talent is undeniable, but she questions whether he can keep himself in line.
• Dan Shaughnessy mocks anyone who thinks Albert Haynesworth can change his ways.
• Shalise Manza Young notes Kyle Love vows never to stop working to earn his spot.
• Christopher Price catches up with Kyle Love, who as certainly done a lot to give the coaches a reason to keep him
• Jeff Howe reports Andre Carter doesn't believe he played well against the Buccaneers, despite his strong showing.
• Mike Petraglia says that for Andre Carter, success for a D-lineman is all about the reps.
• Monique Walker reports Andre Carter is his own worst critic, and he's eager to improve his play.
• Mike Reiss assesses the Patriots' D-line. With Ellis back and Haynesworth close, the rich keep getting richer.
• Mike Reiss takes a look at the snaps played by Patriots defenders in the second preseason game and analyzes what it means.
• Ron Borges shines the spotlight on new Patriot safety James Ihedigbo, and his family's tireless work for struggling kids from Africa.
• Nicole Auerbach tells us Patriots TE Will Yeatman played more lacrosse in college than football.
• Mike Rodak reports the Patriots have re-signed TE Garrett Mills, last with the team in 2007, and released S Bret Lockett and OL Zach Roth.
• Mike Reiss reports the Patriots signed six-year veteran LB Ricky Brown, the former Boston College product who worked out for them Friday.
• Steve Buckley writes about the laundry switching between the Patriots and the Jets, adding to what we love to hate about this rivalry
• Karen Guregian thinks Vince Wilfork will be able to weather the University of Miami booster scandal with his reputation intact.
• Mike Reiss offers some quick-hit weekend thoughts from the Pats and around the NFL.
• Monique Walker Patriots Notebook: Shaun Ellis is cleared to practice; Albert Haynesworth made an appearance at practice bud did not participate; James Ihedigbo says playing for the Patriots was a childhood dream; Patriots signed LB Ricky Brown yesterday.
• Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: James Ihedigbo was always a Patriots fan, even if he couldn't acknowledge it as a member of the Jets for the past three seasons; Kyle Love won't give up and will do whatever it takes to stay around; Ricky Brown was signed yesterday and could help while Dane Fletcher recovers from a thumb injury; Nate Solder has been taking snaps at guard, and his versatility could put him on the 46-man game-day roster; Patriots have one more pre-season game before the roster needs to be cut from 90 down to 80.
• Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Patriots get back TE Garrett Mills, who they lost to the Vikings back in 2007 when Childress claimed him from waivers; Dane Fletcher was injured in Tampa, a tough setback for a guy who was really improving; Patriots are back to work today, prepping for their preseason game against the Lions; Pats had a scout at former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor's workout Saturday.
• Shalise Manza Young highlights Tom Brady talking about Belichick, Ochocinco and the paparazzi in his weekly WEEI interview.
• Tom Brady was a guest on the Dennis & Callahan show this morning. (24 min. audio)
• CSNNE reports Dane Fletcher's injured thumb has required a cast.
• Jeff Howe reports 36 Patriots missed at least one practice due to injury at training camp.
• Laurel J. Sweet writes Albert Haynesworth's trial kicks off tomorrow in The District of Columbia's Superior Court. If convicted, he could get six months behind bars for the misdemeanor sex abuse charge.
• Kerry Byrne of Cold Hard Football Facts talks defensive passer rating on WEEI.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Dan Shaughnessy (SI) Belichick, Patriots look like they're back ... with a vengeance.
• Michael Silver (Yahoo! Sports) Patriots' Kraft carries heavy heart this season.
• Dan Pompei (Nat'l Football Post) NFP Sunday blitz: A new frontier in scouting, best unsigned players and more.
• Peter King (SI) MMQB: With two weeks of preseason games down, the plot thickens.
• Michael McCann (SI) Concussion lawsuit could cost NFL, whether decided in or out of court.
• Bob Kravitz (Indy Star) Colts backup plan at quarterback is lacking.