TOP SHOTS

Paul Perillo says Gary Guyton will be an important part of the 2009 Pats defense.

His speed and athleticism are necessary ingredients in the Patriots sub packages and he’ll likely be asked to serve in that capacity once again. He has the ability to cover backs out of the backfield and his speed allows him to get from sideline to sideline in the underneath zones, an area where the team has suffered over the past couple of seasons. A year of experience under his belt should give him a lift and allow him to further his role this season. I see him as a possible starter inside next to Jerod Mayo, but more likely he’ll see his playing time in passing situations.

Gary Guyton tackles 49ers QB J.T. O'Sullivan during an October 5, 2008 matchup at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Shalise Manza Young says the media portion of Thursday's OTA at Gillette will have a circus-like feel.

Brady back under center, comfort for Moss and Welker, a healthy and speedy Joey Galloway in the mix, and a backfield of Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and the seemingly ageless Kevin Faulk — step right up folks. It's the show you've all been waiting for.

Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Thinks the Pats’ offense will be the best in the league next season — and nearly unstoppable.

Along with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, there isn’t an offense that’s more prepared to score points in ’09 than the Patriots. Sure, Moss is using the media to hype his own team and his talent, but I find it hard to argue with him when I look at their roster, and believe Brady will be back slinging the football around the field.

This offense, as Moss says, is loaded. 

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

• Patriots release OL Damane Duckett and TE Brad Listori.
• Ask PFW:  No one likes Mike - Part I and Part II.
• Andy Hart discusses Peter King's article about Tom Brady.
• Andy Hart talks about the ESPN Power Rankings, and his surprise at some of the numbers.
• Patriots and USPS team up for passport event.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Mike Reiss offers his highlights of Peter King's interview with Tom Brady.
• Karen Guregian notes Brady will have to get used to wearing a knee brace while playing.
• Mike Reiss looks at the recent linebacker visits, and who might be the better fit for their system.
• Mike Reiss revisits the fascinating Cassel trade three months later.
• Mark Farinella is encouraged by the return of Brady and his obvious excitement at getting back on the field.
• Dan Shaughnessy pokes fun at Brady for popping up everywhere in the media all of a sudden and for doing normal everyman things with his family.  
• Mike Reiss answers his reader mailbag, and this week it's all about Tom Brady (and Michael Vick, too.)
• Dan Guttenplan speculates about which professional athletes could make it in another sport.
• John Beattie lists the Top 10 goosebump moments in Boston sports history.

LONG SHOTS

• ESPN Video: Wendi Nix reports on Tom Brady's return to the practice field. (1.20 min.)
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Moss says LeBron would be better than Gates, and ranks himself as "one of the greatest players to ever play this game."
• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) The impact players: AFC East.
• Jason Whitlock (KC Star) I'm starting to get cold feet about Cassel.
• Peter King (SI) New Supreme Court nominee has NFL ties; More on Vick.
• John Mullins (SI) Ranking the best backfields in the NFL.  New England Patriots ranked 4th behind Chargers, Giants and Cowboys.
• ESPN NFL Power Rankings for May 2009 and how the voters voted.  Pats at number 2.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) AFC East Power Rankings.
• Tom Monkovic (NY Times) 2009 NFL Strength of Schedule (It's overrated).
• Ryan Winn (Bleacher Report) Top 10 candidates for 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.  Joey Galloway is number 9 and Tom Brady is number 1.
• Judy Battista (NY Times) Adds up the toll of a longer season and downplays flawed NFL injury study.
• Judy Battista (NY Times) Mindful of violence, NFL rules out the wedge formation.
• Chris Chase (Yahoo! Sports) Peyton Manning isn't happy with Colts management.