Karen Guregian notes Tedy Bruschi is set to retire today.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Bruschi just knew it was time to let go. He knew at age 36, already having suffered a stroke, with 13 pro seasons under his belt, he couldn’t contribute to the team in a matter that was suitable to him.

So he met with coach Bill Belichick late yesterday afternoon and went out on his own terms.

"In terms of adjustments, changing your game, I don’t know if it’s possible. Either you can play football or you can’t," Bruschi said last February. "For 12 years, I’ve just been trying to find a way . . . any way I possibly can to use my ability to contribute and make plays for the team to help them win.

"I’ve always relied on my knowledge of the system, the way I feel comfortable playing in the system, finding my place and putting myself in good positions. When I watch myself on film, I self-evaluate. I look at myself and I say, ‘Am I still contributing? Am I still doing the things I think help this team win?’ And to me, the answer has been, all the way for 12 years in my career, yes."

Mike Reiss notes Tom Brady is expecting to play in the season-opener against the Bills but acknowledged there is a chance he might not.

 "What does it matter? We don’t play for two weeks, so the reality is that no matter what I say – how confident I am – we’re just going to have to wait until September 14, or hopefully this Thursday if Coach lets us play. Traditionally, he doesn’t let [me] play in this game. If he wants me to play, I’ll play. For me to make a bunch of predictions on something that is two weeks away, I don’t understand what the point is of that."

Peter King (SI) offers this quote from Florida QB Tim Tebow, when asked by Pete Thamel (NY Times) who he turned to for advice when he was making his decision whether to come back for his senior year at Florida.

"I talked to Bill Belichick. He said whatever is the best decision for you. It's not like it's going to hurt you to go back. The same teams that want you now are going to want you later. He was talking both sides of the fence with me. Just from knowing him, he was able to talk to me like a friend, and because he's so close with coach [Urban] Meyer."

TEAM TIDBITS

• Erik Scalavino Questions about Brady's shoulder linger.
• Bill Belichick Saturday Conference Call Transcript plus 16.10 min. audio.
• Game Notes: Patriots over Redskins.
• Patriots Today: Analysis from win over Redskins, plus more.  (9.49 min. video)
  

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss offers some of his initial thoughts after hearing Tedy Bruschi will announce his retirement.
• Mike Reiss talks about Tedy Bruschi's impending retirement this morning, his impact on the team and his desire to only ever wear a Patriots uniform.
• Christopher Price adds his voice to those praising Tedy Bruschi as a special guy.
• Michael Hurley says Bruschi is leaving a lasting legacy in New England as a true Patriot.
• Shalise Manza Young wrote a terrific tribute to Tedy Bruschi, printed Feb. 2, 2008.  Well worth reading again.
• Christopher Price offers some highlights of Tom Brady's weekly Monday morning call-in to the Dennis & Callahan show on WEEI. 
• Jessica Isner writes a source close to the team says there's "no reason for hysteria" regarding Brady's shoulder because "there are not any concerns at this time."
• Mike Reiss looks at the shake-up at QB with Andrew Walter now the top backup behind Brady, and analyzes the Patriots decision to waive QB Kevin O'Connell.
• Karen Guregian reports waived QB Kevin O'Connell failed to progress enough in his second year.
• Karen Guregian notes tomorrow marks the first round of NFL -mandated roster cuts, and takes her own stab at who stays and who goes.
• Christopher Price talks about S James Sanders as the leader of this generation of DBs.
• Mike Reiss and Chris Gasper note Pepper Johnson's passion; Mike Martz wants to get back into coaching, and his thoughts on the Patriots' explosive offense; Michael Vick still has fans in Atlanta; and more NFL news and bits.
• Shalise Manza Young says the fight for a roster spot can lead to mistakes for young players.
• Mark Farinella reports former Mansfield High School standout  WR Brett McDermott is finally on the offensive stat sheet for the Indianapolis Colts, catching his first pass from Curtis Painter against the Lions.
  

NATIONAL NEWS

• Adam Schefter (ESPN) reports Patriots people he talked to are "not overly concerned" about Brady's shoulder.  (3.04 min. video)  Also, Matt Cassel leg injury update.
• Dan Steinberg (Washington Post) Haynesworth describes his hit on Brady.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Bruschi to leave on his own terms.
• Peter King (SI) MMQB: Cutler's Mile-High return; Tedy Bruschi retires; Tom Brady seems to be okay - better than Matt Cassel; Belichick as advisor to Tim Tebow, and more
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Patriots' decision to cut O'Connell peculiar.
• NFL Network Bruschi set to retire.  (1.22 min. video)
• Jason La Canfora (NFL.com) Patriots could still get something for O'Connell.
• Jason La Canfora (NFL.com) Patriots considering adding veteran QB, have expressed interest in A.J. Feeley.
• Michael Lombardi (Nat'l Football Post) says,  "Many people feel the Eagles will deal A.J. Feeley, in large part because he’s due to make $1.3 million and Michael Vick $1.6 million. Two backup quarterbacks getting $2.9 million along with a second-round draft pick is a large investment. There’s no need to carry two high-priced backup QBs as long as Kevin Kolb is healthy."