Jeff Howe reports Kyle Arrington was introduced to the crowd at North Attleboro Middle School as the NFL's reigning interception leader.
"You really don’t think about it too much," Arrington said. "It’s definitely a blessing, not trying to downplay it at all. But even with OTAs and minicamp next week, you’re still trying to work to get better. Last year, it doesn’t matter what any of us did. We didn’t reach our goal. The goal and the focus, the key now, individually, we’re all just trying to do better and work on what the coaches are asking of us then come back strong as a team."
"Year in and year out, you look back and see the things you did good during the year, things you should work on, and that’s how I would look at it. That’s how I would go into it this year. We all did some good things. We all could individually work on a few things to do better. That’s what it’s (about). Thankfully, having this time of year with the OTAs and minicamp next week, you have the opportunity to work on it."
Field Yates notes Donald Thomas could earn some additional reps this offseason and he's focused on putting himself in the best position to succeed.
"I’ve just got to go out there and compete and play every day. I just focus on myself, do what I can do, whatever is asked of me," Thomas said. "It happens all the time in football, you can’t worry about that, you just gotta go out there and compete."
Jeff Howe notes Devin McCourty says there's a continuous emphasis on practicing within the guidelines of the new CBA at Gillette Stadium.
"I think it kind of always is," McCourty said. "There’s a lot of different rules, not just in the offseason but during the season. It’s talked about. This is what we’ve got to do to stay within the guidelines, and that’s what we do. Do whatever we’re capable of doing at this time. Take advantage of that. Right now, it’s non-contact, so we’re working on a lot of things within the game of football that are non-contact. For us, a lot of things we’re just trying to get better fundamentally, so that’s what we’re focusing on, just trying to get better with our fundamentals and try to cross over when it becomes contact."
TEAM TALK
- Paul Perillo reports 2011 sixth-round pick Markell Carter has been released.
- Paul Perillo reports Joe Andruzzi brought in two cancer patients and their families to Gillette Stadium yesterday to meet some players.
LOCAL LINKS
- Field Yates analyzes the Patriots' release of LB/DE Markell Carter.
- Field Yates assesses what remains of the Patriots front seven after the release of Markell Carter, and how the Patriots will operate defensively this season.
- Zuri Berry evaluates the Patriots roster, focusing on the Running Backs after the departure of BenJarvus Green Ellis and the uncertain future of dynastic veteran Kevin Faulk.
- Field Yates gives his take on the new 2 tight end trend that looks to be a staple in 2012.
- Christopher Price takes a closer look at some of the Patriots' biggest rivals: The Baltimore Ravens.
- Field Yates looks at the marketability of backup QB Brian Hoyer.
- Mary Paoletti breaks down the 2012 Patriots free agency dealings.
- Nick O'Malley reports Deion Branch made sure to fit in an autism charity event - even after team meetings ran a bit late - because it's important to him.
- Christopher Price marvels at Joe Andruzzi's legacy, for his on-field play, his work as a strength & conditioning coach, and the active role he takes with his foundation.
- Jeff Howe reports Zoltan Mesko's European vacation included a trip to Paris and a riot in Barcelona.
- NESN posts a video of Zoltan Mesko showing off some dance moves. (2.20 min. video)
- Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: Devin McCourty says they all practice within the limitations of the new CBA; Kevin Faulk reveals he fumbled the ball nine times in his first two seasons so the coaching staff gave him a ball to carry around at all times and to protect it as if it were his child; McCourty, Kyle Arrington and Donald Thomas preached the importance of summer reading to students at North Attleboro Middle School yesterday; The media will be allowed to watch a third OTA session today; Mandatory minicamp will begin next week before a one and a half month summer break.
NATIONAL NEWS
- James Walker (ESPN) Patriots: Backup QB plan.
- Clifton Brown (Sporting News) NFL rankings: TE Rob Gronkowski tops among big-time playmakers.
- Matthew Serra (GQ magazine) Tom Brady on hair: "You cut it, it grows back."
- Anthony Sulla-Heffinger (NY Post) Brady brings UGGs to Midtown, Patriots locker room.
- Pat Kirwan (CBS Sports) Secondary penalties not called as often as you might think.
- Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) 5 mistakes most rookies will make.
- Michael Silver (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Roman Harper, Jo-Lonn Dunbar earned cash incentives for hits during Saints playoff win.
- Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Roger Goodell will hear Saints 'bounty' appeals June 18.
- Michael Rosenberg (SI) Vilma faces tough task against the most powerful man in sports.