Training camp: Session #5 notes
5:38 PM Sat, Jul 26, 2008 | Permalink | Write the first
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July 20, 2008 - July 26, 2008 ArchivesJuly 26
There's not much to share in regards to this afternoon's session -- it was a walkthrough, with the players in shorts and shirts (no jerseys) for the 75-minute practice. New England's first four camp practices were in full pads, so clearly Bill Belichick was giving his players a break. Newly-signed RB Lamont Jordan was on the field, and he will wear jersey number 32. Jordan spent some time chatting with former Oakland teammate Randy Moss and then spent a while talking with running backs coach Ivan Fears. All 11 of the players on the physically unable to perform list were present as well. At one point, Wes Welker lay on his back to do some abdominal work and Tom Brady upped the difficulty, placing a foot on his stomach to smiles from both players. 
The Patriots have just announced the signing of RB Lamont Jordan. The NFL Network is reporting it as a one-year deal. To make room for him, WR Robert Ortiz was released. Jordan, 29, is a veteran of seven NFL seasons. He was first drafted by the Jets in the second round (49th overall) of the 2001 draft and spent four years in New York. Jordan was a reserve with the Jets but signed a free-agent deal with Oakland before the 2005 season where he became a starter. The Raiders released Jordan on Friday; he reportedly was also considering the Saints as his next landing spot.
NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Patriots have signed free-agent running back Lamont Jordan. Jordan was released by the Raiders yesterday; he had spent the prior three years with Oakland, but as the team drafted Darren McFadden, Jordan became expendable. The Boston Globe is reporting that Jordan is in town for a visit with the Patriots today.
Training camp session number four, the first of today's two practices, is in the books. With no fans (the day is closed to the public due to the New England Country Music Fest inside Gillette), we were able to hear some of the coaches' comments to the players. Though we can't write what they said, it was useful and at times funny to hear what is said. Some notes: ** About 10-12 players took part in a punt-block drill, and the star pupil was Heath Evans; special teams coordinator Brad Seely used Evans as an example of how to do it properly. Rookie Shawn Crable took too rounded of a path toward punter Chris Hansen on his first try, but did better on his second try. ** In 11-on-11 work with the first team, Wesley Britt worked at right tackle and Billy Yates worked at right guard. ** It was not a good morning for Chad Jackson. When he was fielding punts, he dropped one and then had the ball knocked away by a defender on another try, earning him a talking-to. Later, he dropped a long ball from Tom Brady on an otherwise successful trick play. ** Brady started off throwing the ball in 11-on-11 work, but after the team switched direction on the field, Matt Cassel took over with the first-team offense. Rookie Jonathan Wilhite picked off Cassel on one of the pass attempts.
After missing Thursday evening and yesterday's practices, Richard Seymour is back on the field for this morning's session. The Patriots are once again in full pads. We'll offer more updates shortly.
So now we have a reason why OL Gene Mruczkowski wasn't at practice yesterday: the Patriots have just announced that the 28-year old guard/center has retired. Mruczkowski, who came to New England from Purdue as a rookie free agent, played in a career-high 15 games with Miami last season after spending training camp with the Patriots and being one of the final cuts before the regular season. He was brought back to the Pats in June. In all, Mruczkowski played in 18 games with New England. To fill his spot, the Pats re-signed rookie Lavdrim Bauta, who was signed Tuesday and then released Thursday afternoon after Jerod Mayo was officially signed.
July 25
The rains moved out and the heat returned, making it feel more like a training camp practice should. The two-hour session was held in full pads. ** In one of the early drills, Tom Brady tried to make a one-handed catch and when he missed a disappointing "oooh" went up from the fans. Brady, in mock disgust, kicked the ball across the field. ** In one of the drills everyone loves (at least those of us in the media) -- pass blocking, or running back vs. linebacker -- some players shined while others didn't fare so well. Jerod Mayo blew up Kyle Eckel on his first try, but Sammy Morris and Laurence Maroney both did a good job of keeping the rookie contained when they went head-to-head. Tedy Bruschi twice did well against Heath Evans, though Evans won the battle against the other 'backers he faced. Undrafted rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis did not show well in his tries, earning him a stern talking-to from running backs coach Ivan Fears when the drill was over. ** Anthony Clement, who did not fare well in yesterday evening's practice, didn't seem to endear himself to offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia today either. At one point, Clement had to run a lap, though it the slowest lap you've ever seen. ** There were a couple of "trick" plays practiced, one a double-fake and long pass attempt from Tom Brady to Randy Moss, and the other a fake field goal.
The bleachers lining the fields are packed with fans as the Patriots are holding their third training camp session but first to be open to the public. Undrafted rookie RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis is on the field, meaning he has been taken off of the PUP list. In addition to the now 11 players on the PUP list, DL Richard Seymour and G/C Gene Mruczkowski have not been spotted. Seymour also was not in uniform for yesterday evening's practice. TE Marcus Pollard, who was not on the field last night, is on the field today.
Bill Belichick just held his daily press conference; and here are some key points from the chat: Getting Jerod Mayo signed: "It's good to have every player in camp. But we worked with him in the spring, and he learned some things. I'm glad we got him; we had a chance to work him in yesterday (during the team's second session). He didn't really miss much." The benefits of being able to move outside after being inside yesterday: "Well, there's 60 yards in there as opposed to 240-some outside. We did what we could, but things were just a little compressed. It's probably easier for the DBs (indoors) because they don't have to worry about covering a 'go' route." On Chad Jackson's development: "He had a great offseason. His receiving skills have improved, his grasp of the offense is obviously better, he's still a naturally talented athlete. He's off to a good start based on the spring and we're excited to see him out there."
With the rain finally having stopped and the sun making more than a cameo appearance today, Patriots officials have confirmed that today's training camp session will be open to the public. It begins at 2:30 p.m.; parking lots open one hour prior.
July 24
Some observations from the evening session: * Players were again in full pads. * Tom Brady seemed to throw the ball a bit more than he did in the morning. Earlier in the day, Brady addressed his lack of throws: "For me, I don't think it is important to throw twice a day. I want to make sure the reps I take are good reps. Two practices today is good for arm soreness. Some guys do it but for me over the long term it would be beneficial to pace it." * Newly signed offensive tackle Anthony Clement spoke with offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia on a few occasions, asking questions about the specifics of the New England scheme. At one point, Clement got beat and got a dressing-down from the longtime coach. * Scott Pioli looks svelte. Richard Seymour mentioned the personnel boss' weight loss, and when Pioli was on the field in the evening, it was clear that he's dropped several pounds. * Jerod Mayo left the field during 11-on-11 work after pulling up in coverage on Heath Evans. Mayo went to the sideline and it appeared the training staff was tending to a lower leg cramp. * Music is almost always played while the players stretch, but today's choices were a bit strange: in the morning it was Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" while the afternoon was a medley of children's songs starting with "The Wheels on the Bus."
The Patriots have announced the signing of first-round pick Jerod Mayo. The 10th overall pick, out of Tennessee, Mayo can now get down to the business of learning the inside linebacker position. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Since the Patriots needed to make a move to make room for Mayo on the 80-man roster, they released recently signed OL Lavdrim Bauta.
The Patriots inadvertently left S Rodney Harrison off the physically unable to perform list that we posted earlier. Harrison is the 12th man on the list.
Journal photos / Gretchen Ertl
Hey all -- Training camp session number one is officially in the books. Held inside the somewhat cramped (and definitely steamy) quarters of the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse, the players took part in full pads during the two-hour workout. Some observations: ** Tank Williams was working with the linebackers during position drills. The safety, who is 6-foot-2, 223 pounds, had been up with the 'backers during spring workouts, and it looks like he'll still be spending time with that group. Rodney Harrison has been used in a hybrid linebacker role in recent seasons, and it's possible Williams is preparing for something similar. ** In a skeleton line of scrimmage drill in which the ball was snapped and the tight ends took on linebackers, rookie Shawn Crable was taken to task by linebackers coach Matt Patricia after be was beaten by Stephen Spach. Bill Belichick pulled Crable aside to show him what the team wanted, crouching down and driving his hands into Crable's pads a few times while Crable listened attentively. ** Chad Jackson handled all but one of the kickoffs, with fellow receiver C.J. Jones split wide with him and catching one of the kickoffs. ** Rookie Matthew Slater did drills with the receivers at the start of the session but then donned a blue (defense) pinnie and worked at safety during 11-on-11 drills. ** Much maligned for his inability to pull in interceptions last season, Brandon Meriweather came up with one, picking off a ball intended for Ray Ventrone (who continues to work with the receivers). Unfortunately, myself and the reporters around me couldn't tell who threw the ball. ** Benjamin Watson, coming off ankle surgery, was not on the field but Belichick said he is not among those on the PUP list. ** Both Stephen and Brian Belichick were walking the sidelines.
The Patriots announced their camp-opening physically unable to perform list, and it includes 11 players: DL Jarvis Green The team also announced the signing of DT Titus Adams, a former 7th round draft pick of the Jets (2006) out of Nebraska. He has not yet played in an NFL game. More to come.
The Patriots have just announced that due to the weather and field conditions, today's training camp sessions have been moved indoors and thus are not open to the public. Today is the first day of camp for the defending AFC champions. Check Patriots.com for updates, and projosports.com/patsblog for Shalise Manza Young's reports later today from Foxboro.
The Boston Globe reported just after 6 a.m. that the Patriots and first-round pick Jerod Mayo had come to terms on a contract. Mayo is expected on the field this evening for the team's second training camp session.
July 23
The Patriots have just sent out an advisory which says that due to the rain forecast throughout the day tomorrow, one or both of the team's opening training camp sessions may be forced inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse. If that happens, the public will not be allowed to attend. However, we will be there to let you know the goings on. As always, check patriots.com for up-to-the-minute updates.
July 22
New England has announced the signing if CB Terrence Wheatley, the club's second-round draft pick. The 62nd overall selection, Wheatley played at the University of Colorado. The 5-foot-9, 183 pound corner recorded 14 career interceptions, second-most in school history, and 1,350 kick return yards. That leaves signing first-round pick Jerod Mayo as the last bit of business left before camp opens on Thursday morning.
WHITESTOWN, N.Y. (AP) - New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty Tuesday to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold. The 28-year-old Kaczur was ordered to pay $355 in fines and fees by Whitestown Town Justice Stanley Wolanin, who said the drug possession charge will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next six months. The plea deal also requires Kaczur to comply with any type of treatment, monitoring or employee assistance program imposed by the Patriots, Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Grant Garramone said. "We are pleased with this disposition," said Louis Viviani, a Syracuse lawyer who represented Kaczur at Tuesday's 10-minute proceeding. "We don't think it is anything out of the ordinary given the facts and circumstances. Nick is ready to move on. He's happy it's over. He's ready to get started at camp tomorrow," Viviani said. Kaczur, who was accompanied by his wife, had no comment. Garramone also said Kaczur was given no special treatment because of his status as an NFL player. "This disposition is typical of what many people charged with this type offense would receive," said Garramone, adding Kaczur had no criminal history and has a full-time job. "He's being treated in a manner consistent with hundreds of people who have come before him and the hundreds who probably will come after him." Kaczur was originally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. He also was charged with going 76 mph in a 65 mph zone and driving with illegally tinted windows and a bad muffler. According to police reports, Kaczur had 202 OxyContin pills labeled as made in Canada when he was pulled over April 27 by state troopers on the New York Thruway near Utica. OxyContin is a powerful and potentially addictive prescription painkiller that's also sold as a street drug. Kaczur was returning from his hometown of Brantford, Ontario, when he was stopped. Ekasala's attorney has said his client was not the source of the pills police found in Kaczur's truck. Ekasala has pleaded not guilty to three counts of possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, said his attorney, Bernard Grossberg. The Boston Globe has reported that Kaczur wore a wire to help federal agents build their case against Ekasala. Affidavits filed by a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent said a cooperating witness wore a recording device during three drug buys in May in southeastern Massachusetts, but did not identify the witness by name. Both Viviani and Garramone said they had no knowledge of the federal investigation and that it played no part in Tuesday's disposition. The Patriots have said Kaczur remains on the team but has had no comment on any disciplinary action it might take against Kaczur, saying it was an internal matter. Kaczur was drafted by the Patriots in 2005 after playing four years at Toledo, where he was the first player in school history to make the All-Mid American Conference team in four seasons. He has started 35 games for the Patriots over three seasons, but missed the team's final regular season game Dec. 29 with a foot injury. He also was out for several games early in the 2006 season because of a shoulder injury.
FOXBORO (AP) - The New England Patriots have signed offensive lineman Lavdrim Bauta, a free agent who formerly played at Villanova. Bauta spent his final collegiate season with Villanova in 2006 after playing the previous three seasons at Duke. He started 21 games at tackle in his last two seasons. The deal was announced Tuesday.
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The Canadian-born Kaczur was arrested by police who said he was carrying a small amount of the painkiller OxyContin without a prescription when he was stopped for speeding on the New York State Thruway near Utica in late April. The charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail. Authorities say that after his arrest Kaczur helped investigators catch the man accused of supplying him with the drug. The 28-year-old Kaczur was drafted by the Patriots in 2005 out of the University of Toledo. He has started 35 games over three seasons. The Patriots say Kaczur remains on the team and they aren't commenting on any disciplinary action.
July 21
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the list of presenters for this year's class of eight inductees, and former Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett has asked New England owner and chairman Robert Kraft to serve as his presenter. Tippett, who works in a community outreach role with the Patriots currently, and the rest of this year's class will be inducted on Aug. 2; Kraft will also present Tippett with his gold Hall of Fame blazer in a ceremony on Aug. 1.
The Patriots have announced the signing of 10-year veteran tackle Anthony Clement and first-year receiver Chris Dunlap. The 32-year old Clement spent the last two seasons with the rival Jets, starting at right tackle for New York in every game. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound former Louisiana-Lafayette standout was drafted by 36th overall by Arizona in 1998 and spent the next seven seasons with the Cardinals. Clement signed with the 49ers in 2005 before landing with the Jets in '06-'07. Clement became expendable in New York after the Jets shored up their line with Damien Woody and Alan Faneca. It's not clear at this point whether he's being brought in to challenge Nick Kaczur and Ryan O'Callaghan or if he simply provides veteran depth. Dunlap was with the Patriots in training camp last year after being signed as an undrafted rookie; he was cut on Sept. 1.
The Patriots announced the signing of two more rookies today -- third round picks LB Shawn Crable and QB Kevin O'Connell. That leaves first-round pick LB Jerod Mayo and second-round pick CB Terrence Wheatley to get signed before training camp opens on Thursday morning. Crable, the 78th overall pick, is a 6-foot-5, 243 pounder from Michigan who is in the mix at outside linebacker for the Pats; O'Connell, the 94th overall pick, is listed at 6-5, 225 pounds. O'Connell has a big arm, though accuracy seems to be a bit of a problem; his drafting led many to wonder if backup Matt Cassel's job is in jeopardy.
July 20
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck series Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway had at least one famous fan in attendance last night, as the number 81 truck owned by Randy Moss Motorsports made its debut. Moss, who entered into a partnership with longtime truck owner David Dollar earlier this month, was on hand at the track just outside Louisville as his truck, driven by Willie Allen, started 20th and finished 15th. The race at Kentucky Speedway was specifically chosen as the track for Moss Motorsports to make its debut because of its proximity to Moss' hometown of Rand, W. Va. It is about a three-hour drive away. Track vice-president Mark Cassis presented Moss with a custom-made jacket bearing the Kentucky Speedway logo, the Patriots' logo and Moss' new truck number, which is also his own uniform number. In announcing his partnership with Morgan-Dollar earlier this month, Moss stated that he specifically chose the Craftsman Truck series -- the third of NASCAR's top three tiers -- to get into because he wants to work his way up from the lower level, thinking it will help ensure success for his garage going forward. While former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs has had success at NASCAR's top level, other sports stars have struggled to survive in the top-tier Sprint Series.
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