The NFL released its 2011 schedule, which
features games against NFC East opponents for the Patriots. Their bye
week is Oct. 23. Following that, they have a difficult stretch in which
they travel to Pittsburgh, host the Giants, play at New York against
the Jets, then return home to face the Chiefs followed by another trip
to Philadelphia before the return home to take on Indianapolis.
--Draft prospect Mark Ingram of Alabama informed
followers on his Twitter account that he was heading to Boston,
indicating an official visit and workout with the Patriots.
Ingram might be the pick of choice for New England considering
Belichick's relationship with Alabama coach Nick Saban. The main
concern is Ingram's surgically-repaired knee, which is something the
Patriots more than likely inquired about during their visit.
--The Patriots recently announced their three
finalists for the team's Hall of Fame: DL Houston Antwine, QB Drew
Bledsoe and coach Bill Parcells. Members of the media selected the
finalists. This is the first year of eligibility for Bledsoe and
Parcells and the third year Antwine has been a finalist. Fans vote on
who ultimately makes it into the Hall.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't really think I had a whole
lot to do with that but I think the one thing I would say that was
helpful, we were able to put, during the course of my time there - Drew
Bledsoe, Troy Brown, Tedy Bruschi, Curtis Martin, Adam Vinatieri, Terry Glenn - we were able to put those players on the team to go with (Ben)
Coates and (Bruce) Armstrong and (Maurice) Hurst. That was the
beginning of some personnel continuity and some of those kids have gone
on to be some of the great players in Patriots history so I do take
some pride in that." -- Former NFL coach Bill Parcells on his induction
into the Patriots Hall of Fame and his role in helping rebuild the
franchise.
PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER:
OG Logan Mankins.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--DT Marcus Stroud: FA Bills; $3.46M/2 yrs,
$150,000 SB/$200,000 RB.
PLAYERS LOST
--OG Stephen Neal (retired).
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