The Sun Chronicle writes that for a brief while Saturday, Patriots' fans can try to score tickets for the upcoming 10-game season at Gillette Stadium. A limited number of tickets, approximately 2,000 per game, will go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday via the Ticketmaster service.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal writes that San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith yesterday predicted that wide receiver Reche Caldwell, acquired by the Patriots this offseason, will have an impact in New England. "That organization really knows how to get packages together for particular players and get the most out of people," Smith said. "I've seen it time and time again. They bring a player in that hasn't had success and give him specific instruction that lets the player know what he needs to do to succeed. It's like individual lesson plans.Wade Phillips (the Chargers' defensive coordinator) does that here. (Patriots head coach Bill Belichick) gets most of the credit for his emphasis on defense, but he gets the most out of players on defense and offense." Curran also notes that there is a terrific two-part interview with Pats quarterback Tom Brady on WCVB-TV Web site in which Brady watches an interview of himself conducted in 2000 and reacts to what he said then. The site is www.thebostonchannel.com/sports.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald offers an article on Patriots fullback Patrick Pass. Tomase writes that Pass is coming off an odd 2005 season. He set career highs in basically every category and emerged as a viable alternative at lead running back when Corey Dillon was out injured. But just when he seemed ready to break out, a pulled hamstring and the return of chronic turf toe curtailed Pass' momentum. "I did some pretty good things when I was healthy," Pass said. "But when I look back at the times when I wasn't as healthy, I'm trying to eliminate some of those things that kept me off the field." Pass took care of the turf toe problem this offseason by undergoing surgery. The condition had plagued him since high school. When healthy, Pass plays a physical style. One memorable moment came against the Colts in the 2004 playoffs, when instead of stepping out of bounds after catching a first-down pass, he turned upfield and plowed an Indianapolis defensive back. That's the kind of attitude Pass needs to take into training camp.
Donna Goodison of the Boston Herald reports that Reebok has signed Patriots running back Laurence Maroney, Patriots top pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. Reebok says the former University of Minnesota Gopher has the potential to become one of the best running backs in the NFL. "We believe he is the 'steal of the draft,' and we could not be happier to have him in our hometown market," said John Lynch, Reebok's vice president of sports marketing.
In gossip news, the Boston Herald's "Inside Track" writes that New England Patriots' Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour, Lonie Paxton, Dan Koppen and maybe even Tom Brady and Matt Light - are expected to be ringside for the World Championship Boxing at the TD Banknorth Garden tomorrow night.
The Reading Advocate reports that the Patriots honored nearly fifty local students at Gillette Stadium last week, all of whom are the recipients of college scholarships from the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and Fidelity Investments. The students, who hail from across New England, were presented awards by Myra Kraft, wife of Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. Patriots players Jarvis Green and Randall Gay were also on hand to congratulate the honorees and sign autographs. "The Patriots organization and the Kraft family are thrilled to recognize this dedicated and talented group of students," said Rena Clark, New England Patriots Vice President of Community Affairs and Corporate Philanthropy. "In partnership with Fidelity Investments, we are delighted to be able to help fund their college educations."
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss also offers his latest Patriots mailbag.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
