Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/01/09

TOP SHOTS

Paul Perillo and Andy Hart debate if Tom Brady's return will be record-setting.

But the question here isn’t about good vs. bad – it’s good vs. great. We need to remember that before his record-setting romp through the record books with Randy Moss and Wes Welker in 2007, Brady had never thrown more than 28 touchdown passes in a season. His only true QB contemporary – Peyton Manning – has hit for 31 or more touchdowns just three times in a season, including his own record setting campaign back in 2004.

Mike Reiss highlights the unreliability of an NFL study regrading player injuries.

Owners should forget the flawed study they've been presented by the NFL regarding injury information, and simply talk to players - past and present. Or they should just come clean by saying: We're playing 18 games, we understand players are more at risk to injuries, yet it's a decision we're making based on finances.

Tim Graham (ESPN) wonders are the Patriots approaching a Wilfork in the road?

The monstrous anchor of New England's 3-4 defense didn't participate in any of this week's organized team activities. Nobody knows for sure why Wilfork hasn't attended the voluntary workouts, but it's a safe bet he's unhappy with his contract situation and wants to make sure the Patriots are aware.

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

• Patriots released punter Aaron Perez.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Christopher Price offers a few highlights of Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady’s Q&A with D&C Friday morning.  Here is the complete audio of Brady's call in to WEEI.
• Bill Reynolds reminds us that in spite of the glamour Tom Brady is, at heart, a football player.
• John Chandler says Tom Brady will make his doubters and detractors look like Anthony Smith.
• Mike Petraglia talks about Laurence Maroney's shoulder - and the huge chip it's carrying.
• Shalise Manza Young catches up with a healthy, feeling good, Laurence Maroney.  He doesn't care about being the star back, he just wants to win.
• Dan Duggan reports CB Shawn Springs has been working with 2nd year corners Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley learning the system.
• Jeff Howe says Shawn Crable wants to play and be the guy to fill that void at OLB.
• Glen Farley wonders if LB Shawn Crable will be ready to help the Pats this year after only taking "mental reps" in 2008.
• Rich Garvin notes Laurence Maroney is comfortable being a piece of the offense, instead of the centerpiece.
• Jim Donaldson complains about Vince Wilfork complaining about his contract.
• Karen Guregian mentions Vince Wilfork was back tweeting with his friends, but no talk of the missing OTAs.

LONG SHOTS

• Michael Lombardi (Nat'l Football Post) Diner Morning News: Patriots Offense.
• Seth Wickersham (ESPN Mag) Joke is on Browns, Bills, Raiders: The parody of parity.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Brady, Moss lead AFC East in Madden ratings.
• Jim Trotter (SI) RBs on the rebound: Six rushers poised for big turnaround in 2009.  Fred Taylor included.
• Mike Klis (Denver Post) Broncos become (slow) believers:  New offense one tough lesson.