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New England Patriots Links 8/10/11 - Gerard Warren: 'Belichick Is A Man Of His Word'

By Marima

Monique Walker reports Gerard Warren is ecstatic to be back in New England, and he tells us why.

“[Belichick is] a man of his word.  A lot of times when you get that message, ‘Don’t call us, we’ll call you,’ you have to think long and hard,’’ said Warren. “But he told me if it was possible for me to be back that he would give me a call. And he honored his word and gave me a call.’’

“Last year was a great experience,’’ said Warren, 33, who played in 16 games in 2010 and registered 28 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. “It didn’t finish the way we wanted it to, but I know the purpose and the direction that this team wants to go, and I want to be a part of it again.’’

With so many defensive linemen on the roster, Warren said, “only the strong will survive.’’

When asked if any other teams approached him, the 11th-year veteran said he told his agent, “Call me after you talk to New England.’’

“I felt like I had a few more years left in me, and I wanted to be here in New England, and fortunately, through God’s blessings, it worked out that way,’’ he said.

Ian Rapoport tells us how practice went Tuesday, including the annual rookie slip 'n 'slide drill.

– The focus was on situations, with the Pats running through various game-like deals and seeing how everyone reacted. Belichick would yell out a situation and the players would hurry and get into position. There was a lot of two-minute drill, for instance. Anything to get ready for Thursday. ...

Christopher Price describes the scene at Tuesday's shorts and shells practice.

--Without Light in the mix, Nate Solder continued to get good reps at the left tackle spot (and appeared to mix it up with defensive end Mark Anderson at one point in what could be termed a very minor dustup), although it appeared to be a good rotation at the position, with Sebastian Vollmer flip-fliopping from right to left and back again throughout the practice. Vollmer’s versatility could play a big role in the development of this offensive line throughout the season — he has serious experience on the left side, having played there as a rookie when Light went down — and could really be an valuable piece if there are personnel questions at either tackle spot in 2011. ...

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Ian Rapoport reports Gerard Warren had faith the Patriots would call, and Belichick proved to be a man of his word.
  • A. Sherrod Blakely reports Gerard Warren wanted to return to the Patriots in part because of the "unfinished business" of last year and to play with Wilfork again.
  • Chris Gasper says this year Belichick is all in, similar to 2007.
  • Ian Rapoport hears Chad Ochocinco say he wants to stay with a fan for the first 2-3 weeks of the season, until he gets himself acclimated and finds a place.
  • Tom E. Curran notes Chad Ochocinco's assimilation to "heaven" is going pretty good.
  • Ian Rapoport says Chad Ochocinco has been learning on the fly, studiously learning the playbook and nuances of a new QB and a new offense.
  • Danny Picard points out that Aaron Hernandez has been hauling in Tom Brady passes all over the place, since Gronkowski left the field in Monday's practice.
  • Mike Reiss gives us his practice 14 observations: DL Andre Carter has been eased into action.
  • Jeff Howe tells us who missed practice yesterday and updates us on the injury situation.
  • A. Sherrod Blakely shifts the focus to the high number of wide receivers at camp, creating a deep and strong competition.
  • Mike Reiss shares some insight while cleaning out his Patriots notebook.
  • Jeff Howe thinks Bill Belichick is using ball boys to mess with the QBs to keep them sharp, and 19 other Patriots thoughts.
  • Mike Reiss highlights nine quick-hits from Bill Belichick's news conference Tuesday.
  • Karen Guregian updates us on Albert Haynesworth's progress. Belichick says the defensive lineman is "getting some treatment" and "working really hard".
  • Mike Reiss and Mike Rodak predict how the Patriots' roster will look come September 12.
  • Ian Rapoport notes the Patriots will honor Myra Kraft with a jersey patch this season.
  • Mike Reiss notes Bill Belichick was a guest on Sirius XM NFL Radio yesterday, and the head coach mentioned a shift in LB/DL numbers this year.
  • Mike Reiss and Rich Cimini give their takes on how DE Shaun Ellis ended up a Patriot instead of a Jet, and what this move means. (1.38 min. video)
  • CSNNE posts a video of Tom Brady hosing down the rookies Tuesday.  (26 second clip)
  • Ian Rapoport posts Tom Brady's new Under Armour commercial, with Ray Lewis and Cam Newton. (1.02 min. video)
  • Tom E. Curran notes the league's plan to do game-day blood testing for HGH won't be a big hit with players.
  • Mike Reiss reports a couple of roster moves: The Patriots claimed OL Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals and waived injured S Ross Ventrone.
  • Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Patriots dedicate 2011 season to Myra Kraft; Gerard Warren told his agent he only wanted to play for NE; Belichick actually provides injury updates; Yesterday's practice focused on various situational drills to prepare for the first preseason game; Nate Solder might jump into the fire and start at left guard tomorrow night.
  • WEEI highlights Randy Cross' guest appearance with Dale Arnold and Rob Bradford this morning. Cross picks the Jets to win the AFC East and the Steelers to win the AFC.

NATIONAL NEWS

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