By Michael Whitmer, Globe Staff FOXBOROUGH -- Center Dan Koppen is taking part in organized team activities for the Patriots this week after missing nearly all of last season with an ankle injury he suffered in the opener. Following a two-hour practice on the fields behind Gillette Stadium, Koppen met with the media, and said it wasn't easy watching as the team advanced to the Super Bowl. "You�ve got to be mentally strong enough to handle that and say injuries happen and move on, but it�s tough to sit there and watch," Koppen said. "To sit around and watch, it makes you have greater appreciation for your job. Being around the guys, it�s good to be back." Koppen broke his left ankle in the opener ... Continue reading →
By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff FOXBOROUGH -- Had our first opportunity to talk to former Colts running back Joseph Addai today since he joined the Patriots and what jumped out is that he appeared very comfortable and comes with a team-first attitude. Here is some of the Q&A with Addai: What's it like playing for the Patriots now? Actually, I�m excited to be a part of the team. It�s a great opportunity for me. I�ve seen them playing over the years, playing against them over the years, so I know I�ve come to a good organization. It�s been smooth and everybody is helping me get acclimated so I�m excited being a Patriot now. I think the future is going to look good. Being the ... Continue reading →
By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff FOXBOROUGH � Here are some observations from today�s practice that was open to the media. Before I begin, a few disclaimers. It is VERY, VERY early, so don�t go flying off the handle about anything. Things will certainly change in time. This is the third practice the Patriots have had. We don�t know what was done the other two, or whether this was a �let�s try a few things� sessions. Also, the Patriots know the media is watching. They might show some things or hide some things accordingly. The media is limited in what we can report. Specifically, we can�t report �on offensive or defensive strategy. This includes describing formations, personnel groups or non-conventional plays.� We also can�t report ... Continue reading →
By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff FOXBOROUGH � Here are some observations from today�s practice that was open to the media. Before I begin, a few disclaimers. It is VERY, VERY early, so don�t go flying off the handle about anything. Things will certainly change in time. This is the third practice the Patriots have had. We don�t know what was done the other two, or whether this was a �let�s try a few things� sessions. Also, the Patriots know the media is watching. They might show some things or hide some things accordingly. The media is limited in what we can report. Specifically, we can�t report �on offensive or defensive strategy. This includes describing formations, personnel groups or non-conventional plays.� We also can�t report ... Continue reading →
By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff FOXBOROUGH -- A few quick notes before we come back in a little bit with a little more detail from the Patriots practice on Thursday. Not present for likely injury/rehab reasons: LG Logan Mankins, RT Sebastian Vollmer, WR Anthony Gonzalez. Not present for reasons unknown: RG Brian Waters, LB Tracy White, TE Daniels Fells. Rookie not present (graduation): WR Jeremy Ebert. Present but rehabbing: TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), WR Matthew Slater (unknown), DT Myron Pryor (shoulder), S Nate Ebner (unknown). The team practiced without jerseys, so some identifications were difficult. Just helmets and no other pads. It was a brisk practice at a very good pace. Most of the drills were for individual positions with ... Continue reading →
