New England Patriots Links 6/03/10 - Welker Being Welker; Moss Being Moss

Randy Moss answers how many questions from the media after practice?  "Y'all got three!"

Any first impressions?

"Everything is good. It’s a fresh start, it’s a new year. Everybody’s coming in very enthusiastic and ready to get this thing going. The only thing I can say is that I’m ready to come to work."

How do you like the balance of veterans and rookies brought in?

"I like everything. I like all the additions. The younger guys look good, the older vets looked good. I think that [coach] Bill [Belichick] has really emphasized that this is a new year so we’re going to get back to basics and do the things the right way. I’m very excited for this season, not just for me but for the whole team, just to see how far we can go."

Were you excited to see Wes Welker back on the field?

"It’s very impressive to me. I’m a big fan of Welker’s [from] way before he came here, back when he was in Miami, so I can’t wait to have him back on the field whenever that day comes. The sky’s the limit, so we’ll see what happens."

Andy Hart offers his OTA observations, including just how good Moss looks.

–Moss looked great on the practice fields. As is always the case, he was the best player, best athlete at the workout. He made everything look easy. Caught everything I saw thrown his way and beat Leigh Bodden in group work for a nice side lines, hands-only reception from Brian Hoyer. Veteran newcomer Torry Holt said last week that he’s "Smooth." That may be true. If so, I’d call Moss "Smoother."

–Did I mention how smooth Moss looked? He may be focused on his off-field business opportunities sand marketing, but you couldn’t tell based on how good he looked on the field on Wednesday. Dude is like Frosted Flakes…..GRRRRReat!

Erik Scalavino points to some notes worth mentioning from yesterday's OTA.

Defensive back Bret Lockett may have had the play of the day. During 7-on-7 drills with the offense, Lockett made a great adjustment to pick off a deep pass by backup QB Brian Hoyer. The ball was intended for 2009 practice squad receiver Darnell Jenkins, who appeared to be in a better position than Lockett to catch the under-thrown pass. The two looked to be battling for a rebound in basketball, with Jenkins getting the inside position. Lockett, however, timed his jump perfectly and reached over Jenkins’ head to rip the ball right out of Jenkins’ hands. Lockett stayed on his feet and returned the INT to the opposite side of the field for about 15 yards before the play was blown dead.

TEAM TALK

• Paul Perillo catches up with Fred Taylor at Gillette. "I feel good. I've trained well, I've eaten well and I've tried to take care of myself so we'll see how it goes."
• Paul Perillo says CB Darius Butler is excited to have Devin McCourty on the team, and feels much more comfortable entering his second year than he did as a rookie.
• Patriots Today - Yes, that's Welker on the field. (2.26 min. video) And he's looking gooood.
• Patriots Today - Remembering Mosi Tatupu. (2.43 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Karen Guregian reports once again, Wes Welker defies the odds with OTA return. It's what he's done his entire career: prove people wrong.
• Mike Reiss offers his observations from the Pat's OTAs yesterday.
• Mike Reiss lists some leftover quick-hits from practice.
• Albert Breer offers his observations from Wednesday's Patriots practice.
• Tedy Bruschi, on ESPN's "NFL Live" touched on Wes Welker's appearance on the practice field.
• Ian Rapoport asks players if the team can work on improving missed tackles during OTAs.
• Mark Farinella says the sky's the limit for Moss and the Patriots.
• Shalise Manza Young says Brady is quiet on his contract and doesn't address any 'disconnect' between him and Robert Kraft. She cites the 30% rule as a major stumbling block to the negotiations.
• Danny Picard says Laurence Maroney feels he is getting close to having that one big year.
• Albert Breer reports Bill Belichick will be riding his bike in this weekend's Best Buddies Challenge, opting for the 50-mile route from Plymouth to the Cape.
• Mark Farinella notes Vince Wilfork is on the Celtics bandwagon; thinks defense will be the key to winning.  Doesn't surprise me.
• Mike Reiss breaks down Derrick Burgess' contract.
• Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Laurence Maroney heads into the final year of his first NFL contract with high hopes; Tom Brady is the Patriots most significant contractual priority; Leigh Bodden is embracing his role as the senior man on the corner; Vince Wilfork was excited at being back out on the field, racing from drill to drill in a full sprint; Pat Chung wore a limited-contract red jersey, sporting a splint on his right wrist.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Aaron Wilson (Nat'l Football Post) Welker making progress.
• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Pats should get the best out of Randy Moss in 2010.
• Josh Alper (NFL Fanhouse) Wes Welker makes surprise appearance at Patriots OTA.
• Shutdown Corner (Yahoo! Sports) Woman allegedly was a big fan of Reggie Wayne's credit card.