Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 5/20/09

TOP SHOTS

Andy Hart answers reader questions, mostly about the linebacker position.

Even if Burgess ends up a Patriots he’ll have to transition to linebacker and he’ll have to be a part of an overall committee approach on the outside. Pierre Woods needs to prove he’s ready to step up and probably will need to prove worthy of a starting job. Shawn Crable – who has all the physical tools – needs to prove himself valuable on the field. Adalius Thomas needs to stay healthy. All those things probably have to happen if the Patriots current perceived weakness is going to end up a contributing part of a championship-caliber defense. It’s not impossible and it’s still early in the process, but at this point in May it does seem like a lot to ask for.

Mark Farinella explains why he's not expecting to see Brady perform at the Patriots' OTAs, and why that's okay.

I could be wrong - wouldn't be the first time, and certainly won't be the last - but the combination of the words "Brady" and "media" usually results in a circus that may not be exactly what Bill Belichick wants to accomplish with this first OTA. Or Brady, for that matter. It would not surprise me if Brady had already accomplished what Belichick wanted from him before today's media-present session, and was either sequestered in the training room or not even on the premises.

Albert Breer (Sporting News) Tom Brady is "full go" in Patriots practices.

According to a source close to Brady, the quarterback has "no restrictions at all" as a result of his reconstructed left knee and is "more than excited" about his progress.

"Everybody's excited for Tom's return," said Moss, who set an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches in his one full season with Brady. "And what (better) way to welcome him back than a Monday Night Football game?"

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

• Ask PFW - Part I: Dolphin envy?
• Ask PFW - Part II: Fans on the defensive.
• Patriots Now! OTAs begin.  3 min. video.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Christopher Price reports there were 50 Patriots in attendance for the second of twelve OTAs, this week is geared towards veteran newcomers and rookies.
• Karen Guregian says the Pats' interest in Raider Derrick Burgess dates back 4 weeks and still no decision is imminent.
• Mike Reiss answers his wide-ranging reader mailbag.
• Mike Reiss notes the NFL spring meeting wraps up today, and one area owners are expected to address is the waiver process in the offseason.
• Mike Reiss points out the exemplary work from commissioner Roger Goodell on helping the NFL resolve its feud with Comcast.
• Jeff Howe revisits the Pats' worst moments from 2008.
• Kirk Minihane says Brett Favre should take a lesson from The Marvelous One.
• Michael Hurley lists the Top Ten New England sports characters.

LONG SHOTS

• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Who are the Franchise QBs?
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Top Ten NFL rivalries going into the 2009 season. Pats are listed three times, vs Colts, Jets and Dolphins.
• Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) Addition by inaction? some teams are crossing their fingers.
• Dan Graziano (NFL Fanhouse) NFL owners continue to debate expanding regular season.
• USA Today NFL power rankings.  Pats 2nd behind Steelers.
• Peter King (SI) MMQB Mail: Gruden's move upsets NFL Network, readers take on Vick.
• Phil Taylor (SI) Monday Night Football should stop hunting for three-man magic.
• John Czarnecki (Fox Sports) Bug-buck coaches are pricing selves out of NFL.
• Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) Tisdale's teachings.  Life after football.