Patriots Links 7/10/09 - Belichick is Jon Bon Jovi's Role Model

Joe Brescia (NY Times) Jon Bon Jovi recently pointed to Bill Belichick as his role model for drafting players for the Arena Football League team he owns, Philadelphia Soul.

"One of the things I hang my hat on as a sports owner is that I’m looking for men of character," he said.  "Not characters. I want role models for our kids, who are also great athletes. Like Phil Simms. When he led the Giants, he was my kind of guy. Bill Belichick is my kind of guy."

Jeff Howe notes this will be Brady's first year as a starter without Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels was the team’s quarterbacks coach for the last five seasons and was also the offensive coordinator from 2006-08, so he and Brady had a strong bond together. With McDaniels now out of the picture, the Patriots promoted Bill O'Brien to quarterbacks coach, and it is believed O’Brien will call the offensive plays from the sideline.

"Josh and I had a great relationship," Brady said. "That’s part of the NFL. Things change every year. There’s 13 new head coaches, and he’s one of them. I really hope that we find ways to move on without him. We’ve started that process. It doesn’t stop for anybody around here. You leave, and somebody else fills your spot and you’re anxious for the opportunity. We’ve got to work hard to get up to speed on everything. The coaches that are in that role are really doing that."

LOCAL SHOTS

• Patriots Today: This episode takes a look at all the recent happenings - Robert Kraft visits London and several players pitch in at youth football camps in the final month of the offseason.  (15 min. video).
• Jeff Howe tells Roger Goodell not to be the guy who alienates an American fan base that has helped transform the NFL into the nation’s most exciting team sport, by even thinking about playing a Super Bowl to London.
• Erik Scalavino focuses on defensive lineman Jarvis Green, his commitment to his Louisiana roots and his restaurant that provides food and jobs to his hometown.
• Jeff Howe notes this will be Brady's first year as a starter without Josh McDaniels.
• Chris Gasper reports that Wes Welker recently changed his agent to David Dunn of Athletes First, the same agent employed by Matt Cassel.
  

LONG SHOTS

• Don Banks (SI) Five sizzling storylines to watch in each division as camp begins.  "Not to overstate this, but the outcome of the entire 2009 NFL season could hinge on the state of Tom Brady's surgically repaired left knee."
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Top 5 Wide Receivers in the game today.  Of course Randy Moss is on the list, but the picture of his phenomenal catch against the Jets last year with no time left is always worth another look.
• Matt Sohn (Pro Football Weekly) Patriots, aging linebackers not rushing reunion.
• Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) Best 35-and-over players.  Number nine, Tedy Bruschi.
• Maryrose (Behind The Steel Curtain) The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses in Pittsburgh Steeler History:  Number 5 - 2001season: Patriots 24, Steelers 17.  Except for all of the credit going to "Divine Intervention", it's a nice trip down memory lane. 
• Robert Boland (NFP) Preseason coaching carousel.
• Peter King (SI) NFL Thrill List: all-time bests at quickening the pulse and evoking a visceral response from those fortunate enough to have witnessed their artistry.
• Brad Stevens (KCTV) Scott Pioli on Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and changing the culture.  (10 min. video).

On still talking to Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick: 'Oh yeah, yeah. With Bill and Bill, they're unique relationships. Parcells, Belichick…Parcells is my father-in-law, friend and we work in the same business so it's a unique relationship. When it became a father-in-law, son-in-law relationship it changed. But it changed for the better. So we talk quite often.' Even though they're competitors: 'He still wants me to succeed."

On Bill Belichick: 'With Belichick, we stay in touch. The important relationships in this business transcend what you do on the field. It's like players and coaches. There's relationships…with Belichick we worked together for 17 years and we were friends prior to that.'"