LOCAL SHOTS

• Christopher Price offers his analysis of Thursday's OTA:

  It’s important to remember that this is simply another step in the rehab process, and the quarterback said as much after the workout.  But based on what I saw Thursday afternoon, there’s certainly reason for optimism at this stage of the offseason calendar. He hooked up on some nice throws on a couple of occasions, connecting with Greg Lewis on a reception Brady later called "ridiculous." At one point, he displayed the exuberance of a rookie — early on, he scooped up a ball bag and carried it from one drill to another himself, a thankless job usually reserved for a first-year player.

• Erik Scalavino witnesses a "rusty" Brady returning to practice, but noted that none of the QBs looked sharp in the damp drizzly weather.

• Karen Guregian reports after connecting with his receivers early, Brady began to show some rust by missing some timing throws and under-throwing to Moss.

• Mike Reiss offers five observations from today's OTA with Tom Brady the star attraction.

• Shalise Manza Young notes if there were still doubts about his health, let it be known that Tom Brady and his left knee are a-o.k.

• Mike Reiss says Tom Brady looked like he was still trying to get comfortable on the field. (1.34 minute video)

• Mike Reiss comments on the "media madness" in Foxboro, with the Washington Post, NY Times, ESPN, Foxsports and the NFL Network having reporters and camera crews on site.  Five New England-area stations were there broadcasting live as well.

• Jim Donaldson grumps that "every detail, every tidbit — no matter how insignificant — about the Patriots' superstar celebrity quarterback is news."

• Chris Gasper notes Tom Brady is happy to be back with his teammates, but very critical of his own performance from the last three days.  Plus a quick 1.10 min. video.

• Mike Petraglia elicits comments from Wes Welker and Laurence Maroney about getting their "best player back."

• Michael Hurley says Brady isn't the only story in Foxboro and looks at some other compelling storylines.

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

• Tim Graham (ESPN) Brady elusive on family matters.  Includes this terrific quote from the always quotable Randy Moss:

"Tom Brady is human," Moss said. "Is he allowed to have a life? If the man gets married, the man gets married. If he has a wife, he has a wife. If he starts a family with Gisele, then he starts a family. He's a human, and humans are supposed to live their lives.

"A lot of people don't look at him as a human being. They look at him as God. There's only one god, and that's the man up above.

"I believe Tom Brady is going to lead us down the right path, and I plan on playing my career out with Tom Brady. I love what he brings to the table and I love the way he leads us."

• Greg Bishop (NY Times) With Brady back, the Patriots’ offense is likely to go from very good to scary good.
• Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Makeup test: Brady's back on field but has long way to go.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Don't worry about Brady's arm.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Brady looks normal in first open workout.
• Mike Florio (ProFootball Talk) Despite knee brace, Brady feels "as good as he could possibly feel."  Florio concludes Brady will be back and as effective as ever.
• Calvin Watkins (NFL Fanhouse) Look out league, Tom Brady's back.
• Wendy Nix (ESPN) reports on the media's first look at Tom Brady since his knee surgery.  (3.21 min. video)
• Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) The Scoop on Brady's return.  (1.28 min. video)