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Brisby To Remain As A Patriot? If you asked any Patriots fan what they thought would happen to WR Vincent Brisby, they would have likely told you that he would be traded immediately. After coach Pete Carroll talked to the media yesterday, it doesn't seem that way. "I'm excited about Vincent coming back," said Carroll, "and hopefully, he's setting his sights on coming in here and being a big factor in our offense. He's going to get a great shot at doing that." Despite a trade demand by Brisby and talk that the Patriots might want to unload the receiver's $1.2 million salary, Carroll said he is looking forward to having Brisby in camp this weekend along with the other veterans. It also seemed that a trade would have been very likely when the Patriots signed WR Brian Stablein from the Colts for 3mil. over 3 years with a $500,000 signing bonus.
"We got Brian because he is a good football player who can help us as a receiver and on special teams," said Carroll. "It's all about competition. You go out there and compete, and the best players will come out of it with bigger roles." With the release of RB/KR Dave Meggett, 2nd year WR Tony Gaitor is getting an oppertunity at the kick returning job. He had an excellent return in a preseason game last year against Denver. It was also said that Tony has the best moves of any receiver in camp, which can really help when he returns the kicks. Extra News & Notes: • WR Brian Stablein is attending the rookie camp instead of the mandatory camp. He won't be able to attend the mandatory camp this Saturday because he's getting married. He had scheduled the wedding while he was still with the Colts, his old team. The Colts camps are on different weekends than the Patriots. • Along with the receivers, the defensive backs have also impressed Carroll. Carroll is very impressed with free agent cornerback Terry Billups of North Carolina.Carroll mentioned that Billups had an exceptional day yesterday and that he shows a very aggressive nature. • Blake Irwin missed the first day of camp because his flight was cancelled. He did fly in and he was able to participate in yesterdays camp. Irwin, a linebacker from New Mexico is also the brother of guard/center Heath Irwin. • Steve Israel, who will receive an award from the Boston Area Pitt Club Monday, will be the only other veteran (along with Stablein) not participating in the mandatory camp. Israel is also recuperating from knee surgery. • Defensive lineman Mike Jones underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee yesterday but will participate in the camp on a limited basis. • Defensive line coach Ray Hamilton is impressed with Greg Spires, the 6-foot-1-inch, 270-pound end from Florida State. Hamilton currently has him in the elephant position, backing up Willie McGinest. • Owner Bob Kraft made his first appearance at minicamp. He didn't talk much about the presentation made to him by Hartford about a new dome stadium. Kraft is listening because there are currently no negotiations going on between the Patriots and Massachusetts officials concerning a stadium in Foxborough. |
