Thursday Links: Kraft promises to do everything he can; Matt Chatham; QB Transition and more
It's a relatively slow day for Patriots-related stories; here are a few that Pats fans may be interested in taking a look at.
Robert Kraft spoke with CSNNE's Tom Curran, stating that "I promise I will do everything I can do; it would be criminal if we don't have football here on Sundays" and that we Have To Find A Way To Get The Players Back In.
Also on the topic of labor negotiations, the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard says Judge Nelson Is On The Clock.
The Boston Herald's Donna Goodison catches up with former Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham; the Ex-Patriots Player Starts Crepe Restaurant Concept.
The rest of the Patriots' coverage at the Herald is focused on quarterbacks. Karen Guregian asks if Iowa quarterback Ricki Stanzi is Tom Brady Redux? Ian Rapoport feels that for the Pats the No. 7 Need: Quarterback and that replacing a legend is a Touchy Transition and that there is a Plan Needed For Tom Brady Successor.
The Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young says the Son Has been Able To Sign, Dad's deeds don't dog Ingram Jr. with a look at the Alabama running back, and also profiles J.J. Watt of Wisconsin. Monique Walker's Getting A Foot In The Door looks at special team prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
WEEI's Christopher Price writes that the Patriots Continue To Check Out Draft Possibilities, Including Doug Hogue, Rich Lapham, and John Gianninoto. Mike Reiss of espnBoston notes that Tyron Smith visits Pats and looks at how he may fill a need at offensive tackle. Michael Lombardi of NFL.com Envisions A Lot Of Belichick Trades.
Not Patriots related but on the topic of football in Foxboro, Mark Blaudschun of the Boston Globe writes about Robert Kraft's role in UMass moving up to the FBS and hosting games at Gillette On College Football. It's interesting to note that UMass will play rent free at Gillette; Kraft will share in future revenues - and also bank on more traffic and revenues at Patriot Place.
Just wrapping up now is a lengthy interview on 98.5 with Drew Bledsoe, talking about his relationship with Tom Brady among other things. I assume the audio on demand will be available soon, and will update with a link when that happens.
Who are the five worst NFL owners? X's and O's give their top five; do you agree or disagree?
There's been quite a bit of discussion by out of town fans about the Patriots schedule, how many games will be available at home, and whether or not the Sunday Ticket will be worth it for those displaced fans this year. I'll be taking a detailed look at that next.
