Patriots: New Players Bring New Excitement
Friday, July 29, 2011
It’s all anyone wants to talk about.
You’ll have to excuse most of the New England Patriots – including coach Bill Belichick – if they seem a little “short” with their comments from training camp. Media, fans – maybe everyone – only want to know about the newcomers to the roster. Only, they’re not yet on the field.
“Albert (Haynesworth) and Chad (Ochocinco), they’re still not complete yet,” Belichick reported as camp opened Friday morning, almost as a pre-emptive strike to the inevitable questions sure to come. “As it relates to Albert and Chad, any comments on them at this point would be premature. We’re in the process of it. They’re not officially on our team, and until they are, I don’t feel it’s appropriate to talk about it as if they are.”
Bummer.
But all things in good time, perhaps. The Patriots did officially announce Ochocinco's addition to the roster in the afternoon, thought to be in exchange for two future later round draft choices, and the deal for Haynesworth did become official Friday night. It’s just the second full day of training camp at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and there’s still quite a bit of excitement surrounding the moves to bring in two veteran players who unquestionably have talent – and undeniably bring some baggage along with it. Ochocinco was present on the practice field Friday morning, but could not yet actively participate in practicing without a signed agreement in place. Haynesworth was not seen on the field, yet several reports had him arriving in New England Thursday night. For the players on the field Thursday, there was more instruction, walk-throughs, discussions, more training.
Just no active Albert or Chad, yet.
“I’ve known Chad for a long time, I’ve watched him for a long time,” quarterback Tom Brady said after the morning practice session, which included one-on-one discussion time with Ochocinco during the walk-through. “He brings a lot of energy to the team. He’s been a very prolific receiver. He’s had a bunch of production over the years, and hopefully he can come in here and find a role on this team, as we’re all trying to do.
“I know he’s excited,” Brady added. “I talked to him earlier, he’s excited to be out here, and I think he’s excited to be a part of a new team. Like I said, everyone’s just searching for a role for themselves – Chad, myself, Wes (Welker), Deion (Branch), all of us are trying to figure out what we can do to help this team win.” Ochocinco didn't speak with anyone after he left the field, but he did offer this via his Twitter account Friday afternoon - "It's 1 thing to jump and be able to land on 2 feet but I had no idea I was landing in Heaven. Hope all is well on this good Friday."
The process over the next few days, especially with new rules in place that limits newly signed players until the official league year begins on August 4, will go slowly. Once these players, veteran or otherwise, can get onto the field in an active role, the pace will pick up. And so will the sense of urgency to the coming season.
“We’re all excited to be playing football together again,” Brady explained. “As coach said yesterday, we just need to put some good practices together. It’s a long process, a long season, a long camp. Coach talks about having a real short-term focus, and I think that there’s quite a few new, young players and veteran players that all need to get on the same page. That’s what we’re working to do.”
The page that includes Albert and Chad…will remain empty for now. But it shouldn’t be long before they’re both included.
Training Camp Notes
Quarterback and 4th-round draft pick Ryan Mallett made his on-field debut at practice Friday morning, after coming to terms on his new contract. At 6-7, his presence in the backfield will be noticeable, whenever he gets into action. The Arkansas rookie threw for almost 3900 yards and 32 touchdowns with the Razorbacks in 2010, with more than 8300 career passing yards…
Mallett’s signing leaves only offensive linemen Nate Solder, cornerback Ras-I Dowling and running back Shane Vereen as the unsigned rookie draft choices remaining, and thus not practicing. Marcus Cannon, the 5th round selection from TCU, who has recently undergone treatment for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, also officially signed his contract Friday. “We have been in touch with Marcus, yes,” Belichick said, “I don’t have any update on his physical condition, but we have been in contact with him…”
Where are they? Offensive lineman Logan Mankins (franchise tag) and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (restricted free agent) are not yet on the field due to CBA transition rules. Cornerback Kyle Arrington (exclusive-rights free agent) agreed to a two-year deal Friday night, and should be on the field next week. Tight end Aaron Hernandez (active/Physically Unable to Perform list) was present but not in uniform for practice, while active/PUP defensive linemen Ron Brace, Brandon Deaderick, and Ty Warren all took part in the walkthrough. Safety James Sanders and rookie offensive lineman Mike Berry (active/Non-Football Injury list) were both participants in the walkthrough session. Tight end Alge Crumpler, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur and defensive linemen Myron Pryor and Marcus Stroud were not seen on the practice field…
In the cases of Stroud and Crumpler, there was a reason for not taking part...as the Patriots announced Friday afternoon the official release of linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, along with Stroud (a free agent defensive end pick-up from Buffalo), Crumpler, cornerback Tony Carter, tackle Nick Kaczur, defensive end Ty Warren and rookie free agent linebacker Ryan Coulson from Nevada. In Warren's case, he is still recovering from off-season hip surgery and a hamstring injury. There is a published report in Fort Worth, TX that there may be some interest from the Dallas Cowboys, however, he could re-sign with the Pats, pending the restructuring of his contract.
Brady on his previous experience (a BIG pre-season hit he took two years ago) with Albert Haynesworth: “I saw him this morning and I told him, ‘I still haven’t forgiven you for that.’ He said he’s got a lot of friends up here and they’ve given him a lot of grief over the years. He’s a big guy and there’s a lot of competition at the d-line position. Like I said, Chad’s in the same situation, hopefully he (Haynesworth) can come in and fill a role, be a big part of the success of this team. I think that’s what we’re all trying to do…"
Training Camp Schedule
Saturday: 8:30 am - 11:00 am single practice only
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Patriots Experience open
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It