Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Belichick on Carter's potential impact: 'We'll see'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In an attempt to slow the leaks of an injury-riddled defensive front, the New England Patriots signed veteran defensive end Andre Carter.

The team officially announced the transaction Wednesday, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't letting the cart get ahead of the horse regarding Carter's potential impact.

“We have a lot of respect for Andre," Belichick told reporters Wednesday, via ESPN Boston. "He’s a hard-working guy who has given us great leadership in the past. He’s a good teammate; everyone loves Andre.

"In the end, it still comes down to performance on the field and all that. We’ll see.”

The Patriots lost defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, the anchor of their defense, for the season two weeks ago, and fellow defensive lineman Tommy Kelly missed last week's loss to the New York Jets to injury.

While Carter is a defensive end, the 34-year-old provides a veteran presence to a group in need of leadership, and he'll give the Patriots a little flexibility with starting ends Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich.

Carter had a career year in 2011 with the Patriots, tallying 10 sacks and two forced fumbles en route to a Pro Bowl berth, but he struggled with the Oakland Raiders last year and didn't make it to Oakland's 2013 regular season roster.

Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily