New England Patriots Links 5/27/10 - Media Day at the OTAs

Karen Guregian reports CB Terrence Wheatley starts his third season in a make-or-break position, but right now he's only concentrating on improving.

"All I can do is go out there and practice hard.’’

"The main thing for this, if you come out here, you want to focus on communication, really a lot of technique stuff,’’ he said. "You’re not trying to look more forward than that — working technique, working communication, trying to get a feel for the new guys, really just fine-tuning your game.

"I can’t do more than get better every day,’’ he said, "and it’s up to the coaches to put me out there, and then when they put me out there, I have to go out there and make plays and earn their trust and respect, and the rest will take care of itself.’’

Andy Hart observes the tight ends at yesterday's practice.

The [Tight End] group looks really versatile. Many of the offensive sets included multiple tight ends, lined up tight, wide and in motion. Gronkowski seems to spend the most time in a three-point stance at the end of the line, while Crumpler and Aaron Hernandez were split a lot. I am very much intrigued by the makeup, versatility and potential of this group in its entirety.

Another note on Hernandez, for whatever the reason, I thought he looked better today than in rookie camp. I thought his speed, athleticism and ability looked more obvious. He caught the ball well. Showed good burst after his receptions and, overall, stood out to me today.

Torry Holt describes his style of play to the media after the workout:

"Smooth," he said with a smile. "Flat-out, smooth. Good hands. Everything comes with smooth."

TEAM TALK

• Andy Hart offers his OTA observations, noting that the workout consisted of group drills, team work and lots of work against scout team cards.  The tempo varied between high-octane non-contact action to walk-through work.
• Erik Scalavino opens his OTA notebook from Wednesday.
• Paul Perillo says the problems Ron Brace had as a rookie were more mental than physical.
• Paul Perillo reports Shawn Crable is optimistic as he heads into what will likely be a crossroads season.
• Andy Hart notes Chad Ochocinco is talking smack already, tweeting about how he'll be "dancing real soon September 12th between 1 n 4pm", the Patriots season opener against the Bengals.
• Patriots Today - Holt, Patten, others benefit from OTAs. (3.05 min. video)
• Patriots Today - High-def upgrades coming to Gillette Stadium. (2. 34 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Tom E. Curran watches the Patriots grind it out in the heat at OTAs on a May day with July weather.
• Mike Reiss offers some observations and quick-hit thoughts from media access to the Patriots’ OTA.
• Mike Reiss includes sound bites and picked-up pieces from Patriots players following the organized team activity at Gillette Stadium.
• Shalise Manza Young notes there were around 56 players participating in the Patriots OTAs yesterday, and 46 media members there to cover the low-key, star-free practice.
• Ian Rapoport sees WR Brandon Tate intent on moving on from his knee injuries and competing for a job.
• Tom E. Curran reports on the Pats' new veterans who are participating at OTAs, Holt, Patten and Crumpler.
• Christopher Price focuses on the plight of Crable, Tate and McKenzie and the curse of the third-round picks.
• Mark Farinella lists the players who were not in attendance at yesterday's OTAs, pretty much anybody who is anybody. (Notable exceptions: Alge Crumpler, David Patten and Torry Holt.)
• Albert Breer missed Wednesday's OTAs as he was covering the league's Spring Meeting. Turns out it was a walkthrough with the Patriots not showing their cards to the media quite yet.
• Karen Guregian says Ron Brace found out the hard way, that college and pro games are two completely different animals.
• Robert Lee details the stiff competition for the Patriots' third receiver slot.
• Mike Reiss touches on the Patriots' defense and missed tackles.
• Albert Breer thinks the combined practices with the Falcons and the Saints could add a physical aspect to camp.
• Mark Farinella isn't too excited about the huge new HD scoreboard, unless it better highlights basic game information rather than commercials and replays.
• Tom E. Curran reports QB Mike Teel is charged up to be in New England.
• Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: Ron Brace called his rookie season 'overwhelming' and 'humbling'; Robert Kraft and Tom Brady both mentioned Brandon Tate as a player to watch this season; Torry Holt offers a scouting report on himself: "Smooth.  Flat out smooth".

NATIONAL NEWS

• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Inside the playbook: Brady to Moss. Breaking down the Pats vs. the Colts' Tampa 2 on the chalkboard.
• Frank Deford (SI) Sports figures are guilty until proven innocent.
• Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) A philosophy for a successful career: Five rules to help young players get the most from their playing years.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Mike Nolan could be Miami's best pickup.
• Barry Jackson (Miami Herald) Mike Nolan's defensive philosophy gets high praise for Miami Dolphins.
• Greg Cote (Miami Herald) NFL goes insane with Super Bowl in New Jersey.
• Ross Tucker (SI) Tabling OT vote was right call, but NFL should take it one step further.
• Judy Battista (NY Times) NFL punting on overtime.
• Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) Don't buy into myth that rookie pass rush flops will improve.