New England Patriots Links 7/05/12 - Mallett Conditioned For Success; Carpenter Ready For High Expectations

Jeff Howe reports Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino is impressed with Ryan Mallett's conditioning level after his first year in the NFL.

"He’s really down in weight," Petrino said. "He looks in great shape. He looks like he’s keeping himself in great shape because he still comes around here quite a bit. Obviously, I think he’s matured a ton, and I think that happened a lot while he was here. I think his upside is going to be very, very high. He’s just got to hang in there and keep learning, keep learning from the best and some day when you get your shot, you’ve got to make it work."

"From everything I hear, he’s getting better and better, working his tail off and doing all the right things," Petrino said. "I’m sure that’s going to pay off for him."

". . . I think he just needs to keep learning, doing everything they tell him, and I think his potential is he’s going to be a starter and a real good player. That’s my belief."

Chris Miles (Eagle-Gazette) Former LHS, Ohio State standout Carpenter happy with where he's at in NFL, life.

"It's a great opportunity to get a chance to play on a winning football team and for an organization that has done so well over the last decade," Carpenter said.

"Each season is different," he said. "Rosters turn over a lot, but the expectations in New England are always high."

"A few other teams were interested, but New England was the team that showed the most interest and coach Belichick is one of the best coaches in football," he said. "I'm excited to have to opportunity to play there."

"We'll see how it goes," he said. "I got a chance to work hard and show what I'm capable of doing. Hopefully, my play will speak for itself."

LOCAL LINKS

• Jeff Howe examines the team position by position and tackles the Wide Receiver position.
• Jeff Howe breaks down the Patriots roster at the running back/fullback position.
• Jeff Howe highlights the RB/FB position and focuses on the superlatives.
• Field Yates scouts the Patriots roster: 3-4 defensive ends.
• Mike Rodak analyzes players on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012: DT Marcus Forston.
• Boston.com takes a close look at the Patriots opponents in the upcoming season: New York Jets.
• Mike Rodak notes Scouts, Inc.'s Gary Horton lists two NE duos on his list of dynamic duos in the NFL: Gronkowski & Hernandez, and Brady & Welker.
• Mike Reiss serves up some leftovers from his weekly mailbag.
• Ricky Doyle lists the top 10 most Patriotic moments in American sports history.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Gronkowskis working to keep kids off drugs.
• Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) Top NFL comeback candidates for 2012. Devin McCourty makes this list, (as does Chad Ochocinco).
• Marcellus Wiley (ESPN) Patriots' primed for Super Bowl run. (1 minute clip)
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) NFL will let stadium crowd see same replays as officials.
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) Report: Owners planning to have players miked up.
• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Rich McKay: Expanded review added one second to games.
• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) NFL willing to relax noise rules to create stadium atmosphere.
• Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) Acts of Valor: The 4th of July means freedom and appreciation for all those who protect it.
• Mike Wilkening (Pro Football Weekly) Benson best of role-playing UFAs available.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Vilma gets same judge for his new case.
• John DeShazier (Times-Picayune) Suspended NFL players leave us wondering what might have been - if the players actually participated in the appeals process instead of waging a war.