Official Patriots Regular Season News Thread

[BradyIsTheMan12]

Discuss and post any Patriots news in this thread.

Go Pats!

[BradyIsTheMan12]

Coach Bill Belichick confirmed Sunday that Ryan Mallett earned the Patriots' No. 2 quarterback job this preseason.
The Pats confirmed as much by waiving Brian Hoyer. "He’s in the on-deck circle," Belichick said of Mallett. "He’s the next guy ... He’s earned that spot now." The 74th overall pick in last year's draft, Mallett went 25-of-48 (52.1 percent) for 211 yards (4.4 YPA), three touchdowns and no interceptions in New England's final three preseason games. He did look composed and talented enough to keep New England's offense moving in the event of a Tom Brady injury.

Rotoworld

[BradyIsTheMan12]

Patriots RG Brian Waters still has not reported to the team.
New England's opener is seven days away. The Pats have been incredibly patient with Waters -- a 35-year-old rumored to be contemplating retirement -- but at some point they're going to have to move on. In their third preseason game, the Patriots started Donald Thomas at right guard with Marcus Cannon at right tackle. Thomas was clearly one of the offensive line's weakest links.

Rotoworld

[bagwell368]

^ the report I read says his name plate is still over hsi locker but that it's cleaned out.

[BradyIsTheMan12]

^ the report I read says his name plate is still over hsi locker but that it's cleaned out.

So, it isn't a done deal then? At this point I'm not expecting him to be on the team, but hopefully he is.

[Patriotsfan97]

Not expecting it either. Thought so at first, but it is not looking great.

[Austeezy]

I'd bet money he'll return tomorrow. September 4th shall be the day.

[Valleyfella]

According to Yardbarker Waters wants to play closer to home with the Texans but the Pats won't release him and are hoping he'll return at some point.

[lolollort]

Rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower now will wear No. 54, the same number Waters wore in 2011. Waters, who made the Pro Bowl last year, remains under contract but doesn't count against the Patriots' roster. He's on the exempt/left team list and is strongly considering retirement.

There has been hope throughout the preseason that Waters eventually would show up and improve the team's guard situation. With less than a week before the season opener, it sure looks like the Patriots will be moving on without him

Source

[subroc]

This is really something. The Patriots won 14 regular season games during the 2010 season. In 2011, the Patriots won 13 regular season games and played in the SB. All this while rebuilding a roster with youth. This is a major achievement for BB.

BTW, here is a short article on his team being young.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...content_stream

[subroc]

A few season predictions. It looks like the Patriots will win their division.

NFL Network Predictions:

http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story/0ap...inner-mvp-more

Fox Sports Predictions:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/N...ns-2012-season

ESPN Network Predictions:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/preview12/sto...edictions-2012

NBC Sports - PFT Division Races and Play-Offs:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...n-predictions/

SI Predictions:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...sct=nfl_t11_a0

[Agar81]

Source: Quarterback Mike Kafka works out for Patriots

-Jeff Howe

Maybe due diligence, or maybe BB has interest in him as a cheap third QB.

[Austeezy]

Most have been giving the Pats, 49ers and Texans as locks to win their division.

[Patriotsfan97]

We don't really have any competitors in our division. Kind of a given.

[bagwell368]

Patriots signed RB Lex Hilliard and waived C Matt Tennant.
Hilliard has been primarily a special teamer throughout his three-year career with the Dolphins. His addition could be a sign that Shane Vereen (foot) is in danger of missing the season opener.