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Albert Breer notes Robert Kraft is confident a Brady deal will get done, but the two sides are not working with a timetable or a deadline.
"We’re very lucky to have him as our quarterback and we want him to be our quarterback for a long time into the future," Kraft said. "Everything he represents is pretty special. He’s a winner. We’re privileged to have him a part of the New England Patriots organization."
Mike Reiss reveals what he'll be watching in upcoming OTAs. Here are just a couple:
Who are the rookie error repeaters? As former Patriots linebacker and current ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi has previously said, one thing a Bill Belichick-coached player does not want to be labeled as is an "error repeater." The rookies received an introduction to the playbook in their minicamp April 30/May 1, and this week marks the first time they are back on the field since that time, so coaches will be gauging which rookies studied their playbook during their time away.
Brandon Tate’s progress. The second-year receiver could be a big part of the team’s plans at receiver and in the return game, and Wednesday should provide a better barometer as to how far he’s progressed since being placed on injured reserve (knee) in November after playing in two games. Is Tate a full participant in drills? Is he still working his way back into shape?
TEAM TALK
- Vote for the 2010 Patriots Hall of Fame Enshrinee. Voting ends Monday, May 31st.
- Patriots Today - Campers get hands-on coaching from Welker. (2.49 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Albert Breer notes Robert Kraft was pleased the Big Apple won the vote to host the Super Bowl in 2014. He thinks football should be played out in the elements.
- Albert Breer says the vote opened the door for more northern Super Bowl venues, but Kraft doesn't think it will happen for New England.
- Ian Rapoport lists what he'll be watching for today at OTAs when the media gets its first look at the rookies and newbies.
- Tom E. Curran talks Pats OTAs on Comcast Sports Tonight with Michael Holley and Michael Felger. (5.21 min. video)
- Mike Reiss notes Matt Williamson of ESPN's Scouts Inc. likes the Patriots' WR and TE situation, with Aaron Hernandez as an X-factor.
- Christopher Price notes Patriots first-round pick Devin McCourty agreed to a three-year deal with Nike.
- Mike Reiss offers the details on the Pats, Saints joint practices.
- Albert Breer offers an explanation for why the Patriots will work with the Saints and Falcons this summer.
- Mark Farinella writes about the Saints coming to Foxboro to practice with the Patriots in August, and remembers the ones from years ago at Bryant University.
- Mike Reiss looks at the Patriots' roster, sorting it by contract length.
- Christopher Price updates us on the Patriots draft class signing information.
- Mike Reiss answers his weekly reader mailbag, heavy on projections this time around.
- Ian Rapoport posts a video clip of Wes Welker, Tully Banta-Cain and Julian Edelman answering questions from campers - When was the last time they cried, what they love the most about football, etc... pretty cool.
- Ian Rapoport notes Taylor Price wanted to get a deal done quickly so he could move forward and be ready to get to work.
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Karen Guregian profiles Dan Connolly's older brother Patrick, an award-winning high-end chef, and how to fill up an offensive lineman.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Even minus Welker, Pats WRs impressive.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Bruschi: Patriots must pay Mankins.
- James Varney (TImes-Picayune) Saints to have practices with Patriots.
- Steve Sabol (NFL.com) Let the elements help prove which team is a true champion.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Jets thrilled, Fins miffed by 2014 verdict.
- Joe Posnanski (SI) For one year, at least, the champs will have to come out and play.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Who will shine brightest in the AFC East?
- Peter King (SI) MMQB Mailbag: Court decision will not jumpstart labor talk with union.
- Jim Trotter (SI) Players won't warm to chilly bowl.
- Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) Steroid suspensions and integrity of the league.