FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Cleaning out the Patriots notebook...
1. In sharing Albert Haynesworth thoughts with Sirius XM NFL Radio on Tuesday, Bill Belichick said, "He's obviously a talented player, a player that I think is motivated to play well." Haynesworth wasn't always motivated in Washington. Belichick is counting on a new environment producing different results.
2. Logan Mankins' alma mater, Fresno State, has installed new FieldTurf surface at its home stadium. As one of Fresno's most distinguished alumni, Mankins put his weight behind the project. On Twitter, "Zacharia Sutton" passes along this photo which shows "Mankins family" on the side of the field.
3.Veteran defensive end Andre Carter described his thoughts on pass-rushing by saying "it's a mindset", and previously had talked about his pass-rush based-role and how it was "put your hand in the dirt and go." He said he sees great potential and talent with what is currently assembled in New England.
4. On Tuesday, Carter was questioned by reporters about his relationship with Albert Haynesworth. He had strong words for Haynesworth when they were teammates with the Redskins the last two years, saying he had never seen a player prioritize his own position over the team's overall scheme. Carter said that is all behind them. "Our relationship has always been positive, no matter what, whether it was here or there," Carter said. "That's a thing in the past. This is now. We're Patriots now." Carter said they spoke on his first day in town. "It's a new season for us and we're excited to get things going," he said.
5. Veteran defensive lineman Gerard Warren wore No. 92 last season for the Patriots, but that is now donned by Haynesworth. He's back in No. 62. He said returning to the Patriots was his first choice because of his positive experience in 2010, which included playing alongside Vince Wilfork. Like Shaun Ellis, Warren has played in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, so his versatility is a plus. With all the defensive linemen in camp, he said, "You just have to take the best of each one of us and mold and gel it all together, and put it on the field and see how it works out." When it comes to all the defensive linemen in camp, Warren said he experienced a similar situation one year when he was with Denver (2005-2006).