TOP SHOTS
John Cockrell's Friday Out-Takes lists the Top Ten Things We're Less Sick Of Than Brett Favre:
2. JAMES HARRISON and his bizarre theory on White House visits: "If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, they would've invited Arizona if they had won." Also as far as James is concerned: Friendly's would only make him a Fribble if he gave them money, and the Celts would've played LeBron in the Conference Finals had they scored more points than the Magic in Game 7. It boggles the mind, this man's jack-ass capacity. On the other hand, we appreciate him inspiring a future Out-Takes featurette, "As Far as James Harrison is Concerned..." Look for it.
Christopher Price reports Tully Banta-Cain is excited to be back with the Patriots.
“I know that Vrabel played a big role in this defense, so with him being gone, there is an opening,” Banta-Cain said. “Whether that means I’m going to fill it or whoever, that’s to be determined. But I think that’s what motivating a lot of the guys here -- hey, there’s a great chance to step in and continue to help the team win.”
Albert Breer relays some advice from Carson Palmer to Tom Brady: "Be prepared for the mental obstacles."
"I would just tell him to be prepared for the mental obstacles when he gets back on the practice field -- and the game field," Palmer said. "You have to get over being uneasy about people being down around your feet and get over feeling like you need to step out of the way to protect yourself."
More Shots after the jump...
TEAM SHOTS
LOCAL SHOTS
- Karen Guregian catches up with Vinny Ciurciu, Brandon McGowan, and the defensive backs.
- Shalise Manza Young scoops on Terrence Wheatley's injury from last season and how he's doing now.
- Mike Reiss focuses on Shawn Crable from this week's OTAs including a quick video.
- Michael Hurley says it's exciting to imagine a full-speed Laurence Maroney in a Patriots uniform this season.
- Globe 10.0 Bob Ryan and Dan "The Patriots are arrogant. Can we all agree? They think they're smarter than everyone else." Shaughnessy debate whether the Patriots would sign Michael Vick.
- Ron Borges quotes from the Bible to make his argument that Michael Vick has been punished enough already. Compares Vick's case with Leonard Little who killed a woman while drunk driving.
- Bill Burt asserts the Patriots would be the perfect fit for ex-con Michael Vick.
- Christopher Price offers an analysis of what Derrick Burgess could do for New England according to Mike Tanier and Brian Baldinger.
- Mike Reiss offers the transcript of Thursday's online chat. Great insight here as usual.
- Chad Finn discusses the John Gruden replacement of Tony Kornheiser, saying Gruden will most likely last until he gets his next coaching gig.
- Wire Services NFL Notebook: Donte Stallworth may get reduced sentence, Michael Vick returns home, and Brett Favre is still retired.
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Thomas Grillo reports the state hopes to score big with Patriots scratch tickets.
LONG SHOTS
- Ross Tucker (SI) On Injury reports, teams often leave players to twist in the wind.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Report: Cowboys dangling Greg Ellis to Patriots.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) A preseason ranking of AFC East receivers.
- David White (SFGate.com) Raiders coach Tom Cable shoots down Burgess talk.
- Damon Hack (SI) Tired of Favre-Vick fiascos, football fans eagerly anticipate September. Amen brother.
- NFL.com Interactive NFL fan rankings lets the fans rank all 32 NFL teams.