Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/11/09

by Marima on Jun 11, 2009 9:48 AM EDT in New England Patriots News

Patriots receiver Randy Moss gets ready to haul in a pass in Foxborough on Wednesday.

MANDATORY MINI-CAMP, Day 1

Andy Hart reports from Gillette after watching the team practice.

Terrence Wheatley had a solid workout, finding his way to the ball on a couple different occasions. The second-year former second-round pick had an interception in one team drill that may have ended in a pick-six score in game action. Later in the workout he had great positioning on a deep ball and probably should have hauled in another pick but at least battled for the ball and knocked it away.

Christopher Price shares his observations from camp.

It seemed like — and [maybe] it’s just me — but there was a lot of work done in the hurry-up offense, both in individual groups (among backs and wide receivers) and as a collective offensive unit. Tom Brady appeared to be moving fluidly and without problems, and I counted at least two times where he didn’t see a receiver open downfield and decided to tuck the ball away and start running. In that same hurry up series, Randy Moss made a nice catch over the middle when Shawn Springs slipped and fell.

Tim Graham brought ESPN's injury expert Stephania Bell to the Patriots mini-camp, and she was impressed by Brady's recovery.

Bell got her first glimpse since Brady's left knee crumpled last year on opening day. What she saw exceeded her already high expectations.

"The thing that's most impressive to me is how fluid he looks, that three-step drop, his motion, transitioning from the drop to throwing across his body," said Bell, a physical therapist who specializes in athletes and performing artists. "There's no hitch. There's no halting. It's all very smooth."

"There's a lot of rotation going through that lower extremity," Bell said. "Your knee bears a lot of stress when you put that kind of rotation on the leg because the hip rotates easily, the ankle rotates easily, but the knee as a structure isn't meant to rotate a lot. Therefore, it's going to be placed under a lot stress.

"He didn't exhibit any ill effects from that at all. He looked very, very smooth. He's throwing in a normal way. He's throwing across his body, stepping into it, planting his leg."

MINI-CAMP - Day 1

Mike Reiss offers five observations from yesterday's mini-camp.
Erik Scalavino reports Wilfork was present for mini-camp; Wednesday practice notes.
Mike Reiss offers the transcript of Bill Belichick's Q & A with the media.
Shalise Manza Young lists the 13 players not spotted in attendence.
Mike Reiss breaks down the tight end position following yesterday's practice. (1.22 min. video)

VINCE WILFORK

Michael Hurley gives us The skinny on Vinny: Wilfork too valuable to let go.
Chris Gasper recaps Wilfork's arrival at mini-camp, and feels it doesn't seem as if the sides are closer to any agreement. (2.14 min. video)
Shalise Manza Young notes Vince Wilfork looked fit on the field and was warmly greeted by teammates.
Chris Gasper reports on Wilfork's presence at camp.
Karen Guregian notes Wilfork was enjoying himself on the field, joking around with his teammates, and said it was 50-50 on how the negotiations could go.
John Tomase says Wilfork is doing the right thing by attending mandatory mini-camp, and the Patriots should do everything in their power to extend Wilfork's contract.
Mark Farinella feels Vince Wilfork had two choices: Make a point and lose up to $500,000 of his salary, or swallow his pride and possibly gain a few important allies in the process. Wilfork chose wisely.
Mike Reiss says both owner Robert Kraft and Wilfork know these negotiations are not personal.
Christopher Price offers the complete transcript of Vince Wilfork's Q & A with the press. Part I and Part II.