George Bussey #75 participates in a drill during the New England Patriots Minicamp at Gillette Stadium May 2, 2009

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TOP SHOTS

Meet the Rookies: George Bussey.

[Louisville offensive line coach Brent]Myers said he often watched as Bussey routinely pancaked his man to the turf while also displaying the athleticism to move to the second level and clear out extra space for the running backs. The Cardinals used an inside-outside zone-blocking scheme and Bussey's power was evident.

Michael Felger encourages Patriots fans to be patient with Tom Brady as he returns to form.

Maybe Brady will round into form quicker [than Peyton Manning]. Maybe he'll be a bit slower. No one knows. But this you can take to the bank: the Pats' early season opponents in 2009 are going to put as much traffic at his feet as they can and make him prove he's cleared that hurdle. The Jets, who ranked seventh in the NFL in sacks last season, will show no mercy in Week 2. The Ravens and their hard-charging defense come calling in Week 4. Then there's a trip to Denver, where Josh McDaniels will attack Brady with reams of inside information. In Week 6 it's a visit by the chippy Titans followed by a long, overseas flight to London in Week 7 to take on Tampa.
 
If Brady is on pace for 50 touchdown passes after that slate, then he is, in fact, a super hero. Get him a cape.

Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Brady return is breath of fresh air for NFL.

Brady provides a welcome breath of fresh air from such negativity [from QBs Jay Cutler, Brett Favre & Michael Vick]. There may be no other NFL superstar as conscious about showing that he is a team player. During Thursday's 24-minute media session, Brady used the word "we" on 76 different occasions along with nine mentions apiece of "us" and "team." Because he didn't want to seem different than his teammates, Brady refused to speak with reporters at a podium or even stand on a riser arranged to give a better view to 20-plus photographers.

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

• Patriots re-sign punter Tom Malone.
• Celebrities For Charity Vince Wilfork is doing his part to help eradicate diabetes by raffling off a BBQ catered by Redbones, plus tickets to Patriots 2009 preseason and regular season home games.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Karen Guregian discusses Brady's strong support of Dr. Neal ElAttrache, notes she will be watching for Wilfork at today's OTA and that tomorrow Rodney Harrison will answer questions about his future during a conference call set up by the Patriots.
• Chris Gasper reports Brady defended his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, in the Los Angeles Times yesterday and more news and notes.
• Mike Reiss lists the Patriots OTA and mini-camp schedule for June.
• Christopher Price notes Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock read "The Blueprint" about the New England Patriots winning organization and modeled his team after it.t.  No surprise they're headed for their second Stanley Cup championship in a row.
• Bob Ryan reports that Troy Brown will be honored by the Sports Museum as one of the best of our best when it comes to New England athletes who have distinguished themselves.
• Aaron Gouveia reports Tom Brady, along with a cavalcade of sports stars and other celebrities, was in Centerville to raise money for the Best Buddies organization.  Here are some photos of the successful event.
  

LONG SHOTS

• Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) NFL offseason winners, losers and awards.  Patriots winners (of course).
• Matt Sohn (Pro Football Weekly) AFC East offseason team reports: Unfinished business.
  
• Mike Florio (Pro Football talk) More evidence of injury shenanigans.  More proof of why that NFL injury study presented to the owners was bogus.
• Vic Carucci (NFL.com) Carucci offers his opinion of what to expect from Tom Brady in his weekly on-line chat.
• Sam Farmer (Los Angeles Times) Tom Brady's doctor says knee recovery exceded expectations.
• Tom Monkovic (New York Times) How to Lose Friends and Irritate People, Eric Mangini edition.
• Bud Shaw (Cleveland Plain Dealer) How is Cleveland Browns' trip for rookies voluntary?
• Mike Florio (Sporting News) 10 Pack: The worst offseason moves.