Practice peek

Hey all --

As if on cue, it began snowing as soon as the media was let onto the field for the Patriots' practice session. Even though it was freezing, it was actually kind of like being in a snow globe.

There were two absences today -- G Billy Yates and DL Mike Wright.

As for the black jerseys, there were several: Chad Jackson, Chad Brown, Matt Cassel, Ray Ventrone, Ryan O'Callaghan, and Tim Mixon.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 12:15 PM | Permalink

Thursday wrap

Hey all --

On a rainy Thursday, things were pretty subdued here at Gillette as well.

Bill Belichick began his press conference by saying that the "more I look at Dallas, the better they look," in all facets of the game.

The coach was asked about Cowboys' running back Marion Barber, who shared carries at Minnesota with Pats' back Laurence Maroney. Belichick said it was easy to see how the Gophers were so successful with the Barber-Maroney tandem running the ball.

Though New England has turned the ball over just three times this season, Belichick isn't completely happy with the team's ball security:

"The numbers are OK, but I think we can do a better job with ball security. I really do," he said. "Guys don't secure it as well as they could." And if that's not corrected now, it could be a problem later.

Belichick also seemed pleased with the development of first-round draft pick Brandon Meriweather, whom he said has gotten better on a per-play basis, both in practice and in games.

In the locker room, backup quarterback Matt Cassel filmed a short bit for ESPN, working off yesterday's Kenny Mayne skit premise about Tom Brady's weekly appearance on the injury report.

Cassel, looking dejected, said "every week they give me hope, and every week they take it away," and threw a water bottle to the floor in disgust.

Pretty funny.

And new practice squad cornerback Tim Mixon backed up former Cal teammate Ryan O'Callaghan's claim that Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch was fibbing when he said the offensive lineman's nickname was "Big Baby."

"I don't remember that one," said Mixon, who was signed earlier this week. O'Callaghan so wanted to defend his good name -- or nickname -- that he led two reporters over to Mixon's locker to have him dispel Lynch's story.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 12:04 PM | Permalink