New England Patriots Links 5/08/12 - Nate Solder Expected to be Tested Early at Left Tackle

Field Yates reports Nate Solder will most likely fill the void left by retired LT Matt Light.

"He’s done a great job for us," left guard Logan Mankins said of Solder. "Last year we were very impressed with Nate, and I think he’s only going to get better this year. He better get better, because that’s we want him to do and expect of him. He’s putting in the work right now to get on the road to getting better and being a very good tackle."

For Solder, that could mean many memorable bouts against players like Coples, Williams and Wake, much like those with Dwight Freeney and other previous AFC East foes that Light reflected on during his retirement ceremony on Monday.

With early season games against teams such as Denver, Baltimore and Buffalo that boast talented pass rushing defenses, it may not be long before Solder has his chance to prove he’s up for the full-time task.

Mark Daniels notes Dante Scarnecchia wasn't so quick to anoint Nate Solder as Matt Light's replacement.

"Eleven-year starter, that’s always hard to replace. But we’re playing games in September, and they count. We have to replace him," Scarnecchia said. "Basically, that’s it. It is what it is, like Bill always says. He’s a great guy, he’s going to be tough to replace. We’ve lost guys out of here before, and we have guys we think can do a good job for us."

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino details the hour-long retirement ceremony for Matt Light at The Hall at Patriot Place Monday morning.
• Matt Light career highlights. (3.02 min. video)
• At the Podium: Robert Kraft (8.04 min. video) and Bill Belichick (9.45 min. video) on Matt Light.
• Patriots Today - Light turns off after 11 seasons. (4.42 min. video)
• Patriots Today - The impact of Light's retirement. (3.16 min. video)
• Patriots Today - "Science of Sports" Science Fair. (2.24 min. video)
• Patriots Roster Report - This edition discusses all of the latest transactions and rumors surrounding the Patriots. (16.24 min. program)

LOCAL LINKS

• Julian Benbow reflects on Matt Light, who was lauded by all yesterday at the Hall.
• Stephen Braid notes Matt Light stepped aside for family reasons, and to be more of a guiding presence in his children's lives.
• Mike Reiss reports Matt Light hopes his successful battle with Crohn's disease will inspire others. He never wanted to use it as an excuse. Wow.
• Karen Guregian says the team will miss Light for his locker room pranks and lighthearted antics as much as for his protection of Tom Brady during games.
• Mike Rodak posts the full transcript of Matt Light's retirement speech.
• Field Yates posts some highlights from Matt Light's Q&A with the media.
• Christopher Price notes Matt Light's teammates knew he was going to call it a career, and gets their reaction to his retirement.
• Greg A. Bedard hears from O-Line coach Dante Scarnecchia as he reflects on one of his prized pupils.
• Christopher Price offers a collection of quotes from former teammates and coaches about Matt Light.
• Mike Rodak posts the transcripts of comments from Robert Kraft and Bill Belichcik on Matt Light.
• Tom E. Curran examines the difficulty of transitioning to life without football, as Matt Light ends his career.
• Dan Snapp writes a terrific piece on how the 2001 draft had everyone scratching their heads over Belichick selecting Richard Seymour and Matt Light.
• Ryan Hannable reports Jeff Howe will be the new Patriots beat reporter for the Boston Herald, replacing Ian Rapoport who recently moved to the NFL Network.
• Dan Duggan looks at where will Chandler Jones fit in the Patriots defense.
• CSNNE reports Tiquan Underwood was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Ian Rapoport (NFL.com) Looking back at the unlikely career of Patriots LT Matt Light, Tom Brady's bodyguard.
• Bucky Brooks and Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Chiefs ace 2012 NFL Draft.
• James Walker (ESPN) AFC East: Four little questions.
• Dane Brugler (CBS Sports) 2009 NFL Draft revisited. Pats earn a C+
  
• Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Look back at the first-round picks of the 2011 NFL Draft, and who lived up to their hype. Nate Solder has so far.
  
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Cris Carter: "I can't blame the NFL for every issue that every former player has."
• Gregg Doyel (CBS Sports) NFL players choose to play, so choosing to watch isn't fans' fault.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Talk of 18-game season should go away, permanently.
• Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) NFL isn't in danger of dying soon, but you can hear whispers.
• Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Fujita, Hargrove and Smith file 'reservation of rights' with league.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) All four players suspended for bounties have appealed.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Hargrove says Williams, Vitt told him to "just play dumb."