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Hanging out with the cool kids

This won't make the Patriots notebook for tomorrow's paper, but it's a funny anecdote from the one and only Ellis Hobbs.

Ellis Hobbs is all about making room at the table for the uncomfortable newcomers.

The charismatic cornerback, himself at just his second training camp, said he’s been trying to help the rookies.

“Most definitely I can help the rookies because I’m fresh off being a rookie. It’s fresh in my mind. I know how they feel, I know what they’re going through mentally and physically; man, it’s an uphill battle. It’s like you’re a nerd trying to get in with the cool kids. We’ve all been here, we’ve been here for a year-plus, and those guys are just coming in, so you have to earn your stripes.”

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Evening update

The evening practice ended on a high note for the players. Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, standing in the end zone with a football already cradled in his left arm, caught a punt from Josh Miller in his right hand. Wilfork had to step backwards and to his right to make the catch, which set off a frenzy among his teammates. The grab meant they had the rest of the night off -- no running, and no more meetings for the day.

Tom Brady did take part in the session, connecting with Reche Caldwell for a couple of open-field throws but also overthrowing both Caldwell and Troy Brown. The Pats did goal-line situations in the final minutes, and in the first scenario -- first and goal at the 2, one minute to go, no timeouts left -- Brady connected with tight end Walter Rasby on fourth down for the TD. In the second -- third and goal at the five, seven seconds left, no timeouts -- the most of the line pulled left and the defense followed, leaving Brown open for the touchdown on the left side.

The players were in pads and shorts.

I made a mistake earlier, calling Rosey Colvin an inside linebacker. He's on the outside. I apologize :)

Have a good night
shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

fun with Rosey

Pats middle linebacker Rosevelt Colvin is one of the more entertaining players to talk to, and yesterday was no different. He used the word "matriculate" when he was talking about the progress of the linebackers and defense. Though he used it improperly, it didn't deter him; Colvin joked he'd have a "word of the day" from now on.

Asked about Cardinals running back Edgerrin James, Colvin talked more about the Miami native's hoops skills than field ability.

"`Edge' is a very good running back. I had an opportunity to play basketball with him about a month ago; he's a decent basketball player. He’s got a decent three-point shot, that makes him a decent baskeball player. Am I better than him? It's a different style of game. Just like if I played running back, I’d probably be more of a downhill runner, he's more of an edge, cut back kind of guy. If he played outside linebacker, I don’t know what he would be. But as far as his basketball game, I think he’s an outside, perimeter guy. I’m more of a Charles Barkley, Grandmama type of guy."

Grandmama, of course, is former Charlotte and New York forward Larry Johnson. Colvin played basketball in high school and averaged 14.4 points and 15 rebounds a game his senior year.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Morning practice

Hey all --

Thought i'd pass along some news and notes from the morning session:

Tom Brady did not practice this morning. Asked in his daily press conference if today was a scheduled rest day for Brady -- he missed two consecutive days earlier in camp, saying that it was a precautionary move because the season is so long -- coach Bill Belichick said that we'd be seeing him "fairly soon," meaning the quarterback would be on the field for the afternoon session, which begins at 5:30. With Brady out, Matt Cassel took the reps with the first team.

Also not on the field for the morning session were: safeties Rodney Harrison and Raymond Ventrone, linebackers Monty Beisel, Tedy Bruschi and Freddie Roach, defensive linemen Richard Seymour, Marquise Hill and LeKevin Smith, receivers Troy Brown, Chad Jackson and John Stone, tight end Ben Watson, fullback Patrick Pass , punter Josh Miller and kicker Martin Gramatica.

The players practiced in full pads.

Willie Andrews -- the rookie defensive back New England drafted in the seventh round who looked like he might get a spot as a kick returner -- opened some eyes as a receiver this morning. Lined up as a receiver on the scout team, Andrews made a couple of nice catches in coverage.

Defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan continues to struggle. The former first-round pick, who started camp on the PUP list because he couldn't pass the physical, clearly still isn't in top shape. He was told to run a lap at one point, and loafed his way around the field, cutting corners all the way. As soon as he finished, he took a knee.

If there's any news after the evening session, we'll let you know.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments 0