Newspaper Article

No safety net: Hawkins is released

Gasper, Christopher L

2007

Overview

Second-year defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith drew praise from [Belichick] for his performance in Friday night's 27-24 loss to the Titans. Smith started at left end in place of Ty Warren (sprained elbow) and had four tackles, two quarterback hits, and a sack. He played in just three games last year. \"I think Le Kevin Smith has made a jump from last year to this year, in his offseason training, strength and conditioning, quickness, explosion,\" said Belichick. \"I don't think last year I would have expected him to play at a position that he hadn't practiced at very much. He still has a long way to go, but he's improved quite a bit.\" ... Stephen Gostkowski was 10 for 10 on field goals in the preseason until he pushed a 33-yard attempt wide left against Tennessee. Gostkowski rebounded by nailing a 32-yarder before the half. \"There are things we all have to work on. He is certainly in that group,\" said Belichick ... The Patriots' goal-line stand before the intermission, when they stuffed the Titans four times from the 3-yard line, was heartening to Ellis Hobbs. \"We were great in the red area last year, but our goal line was kind of stinking it up, so we knew we needed to really focus on that,\" said Hobbs.

• Publisher: Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC
• Subject: Bissinger, Kyle / Hawkins, Artrell / New England Patriots / Professional football / Williams, Gemara