Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/03/09

TOP SHOTS

Eric Scalavino reports that Tedy Bruschi wants to keep playing.

"I want to keep playing," he stated matter-of-factly. "You think about it a little more once you get up in years, but it’s still about loving the game and having fun doing it.

"I love being a part of this team and helping contribute any way I can to help them win because winning to me is what it’s all about. Winning feels good. As many games as I can help this team win, that’s my goal."

Chris Gasper and Mike Reiss report on the team's loss of Rodney Harrison, and what it means to veterans Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour.

"I think he should forever be known as a winner, because he helped us win, and he was a big reason why we won," said Bruschi. "When we watch film, I think guys can watch him and remember his example and remember, 'That's the way we got it done with him.' I think that's the right example to follow, that was the right formula - the Harrison formula.

Tim Graham (ESPN) says it's all about protecting Brady this year and the pressure is on the O-Line to step up.

"The offensive line's going to be under the gun," said [Steve] DeOssie, a 12-year veteran who won Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants. "The offensive line becomes more important this year than in any year that I can remember.

"Defenses like to smell blood. If they think that there's a little weakness there, they're going to be coming after Brady."

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

• Ask PFW:  Part I focuses on the Patriots' prospects at linebacker this season, both inside and out.
• Ask PFW: Part II addresses readers' questions that were all over the map.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Steve Buckley focuses on the Brady to Moss connection, saying the fans will have to wait and hope to see it renewed again this fall.  It will always be something special.
• Chris Gasper reports Wilfork was absent from another OTA, Seymour hopes for a new contract and more Patriots news and notes.
• Mike Reiss comments on questions from readers regarding yesterday's OTA.  Here is Part II of his comments.
• John Tomase scoops on Rodney Harrison trading tackles for TV.
• Shalise Manza Young highlights veteran Paris Lenon and his varied NFL career,  who now wants to stay with the Patriots and is not afraid to ask questions and learn.
• Karen Guregian notes Richard Seymour is playing out the last year of his contract, and infers he didn't sound very confident about a new deal working out with the Patriots.
• Mike Reiss answers his weekly reader mailbag, focusing on contracts and backup quarterbacks.
• Jeff Howe asserts Stephen Gostkowski is the reason there isn't anyone around Boston missing Adam Vinatieri.
• Jim Donaldson says it's okay to be optimistic about the 2009 Pats' offense, but we need to be realistic.
• Michael Bieke reports owner Robert Kraft joined Patriots Hall of Famers Andre Tippett, Steve Grogan, and Steve Nelson in Providence for opening ceremonies at the new Classical High School football field.  Kraft advocated on behalf of the school.
• Michael Hurley calls it like this: Mangini institutes 'sophisticated form of hazing.'

LONG SHOTS

• Tim Graham (ESPN) Should Rodney Harrison be in the Hall of Fame?  Damn straight!
• Jimmy Golen, AP (Nat'l Football Post) Harrison mulling NFL future.
• Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) Rodney Harrison heading to NBC.  Should Rodney be headed to Hall of Fame too?
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Ten Best rivalries heading into the 2009 season.  Terrific slide show.
• Albert Breer (Sporting News) Return game: Three stars battling to get back on the field.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Unemployed Ellis could find a gig with Patriots.
• Peter King (SI) Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith set to begin NFL labor talks.  King sees Brady playing in the preseason; notes Brady told him he wants to be out there.
• Solomon Wilcots (NFL.com) NFL Live Chat: "Leigh Bodden is a heck of a football player."
• Michael Silver (Yahoo! Sports) Code of silence seems to hurt players twice.
• John Czarnecki (Fox Sports) Mangini, McDaniels have much to learn. 
• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) The Mangini Road Trip.