TEAM TALK
- Andy Hart joins the media for some observations from the practice fields at Gillette: The bulk of the work focused on the passing game on both sides of the ball.
- Andy Hart passes along the NFL Network report that Rob Gronkowski will have back surgery next month.
- Erik Scalavino notes that despite his veteran status, Tommy Kelly insists he's fighting for a job on New England's D, just like everyone else.
- Patriots Today - Setting the scene at OTAs. (1.36 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Vets vying for jobs. (2.54 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Ballard sets sights on '13. (3.33 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Christopher Price notes consistency and continuity are the watchwords for the Patriots offensive linemen this year.
- Mike Reiss gives us an early report from yesterday's OTA. The session was notable for it's pace and focus on the deep passing game.
- Mike Reiss serves up a few leftover thoughts from the Patriots' practice on Wednesday: Hybrid players on D open options; and more.
- Jeff Howe posts his observations from Wednesday's practice, noting a change-up on defense.
- Field Yates passes along his observations from practice: Tempo picked up; Drop-back passing game focus; Dobson up and down; and much more.
- Christopher Price notes WRs Aaron Dobson and Mike Jenkins stood out with nice catches in offensive drills, and more from yesterday's practice.
- Nick Underhill tells us what stood out to him yesterday: Play of the day: Danny Amendola took off down the sidelines and went up and over Alfonzo Dennard to make a catch deep down the sideline.
- Mike Reiss reveals which Patriots are making an impact at OTAs, talks with DL Marcus Forston and answers your Twitter questions. (4.03 min. video)
- Zuri Berry and Ben Volin go over the practice during OTAs with an eye on who was missing, why they were missing, and who stuck out. (3.34 min. video)
- Field Yates notes TE Jake Ballard told reporters he 'absolutely' feels like a Patriot.
- Tom E. Curran talks about Jake Ballard's 'crazy' journey to New England and how he feels about being a Patriot one year after being claimed.
- Jeff Howe sees a heftier Stevan Ridley, who has added muscle weight this offseason, while maintaining speed, agility and endurance.
- Doug Kyed notes Stevan Ridley says the running backs are motivating each other while competing during OTAs.
- Mike Reiss says so far it looks like Tommy Kelly will be alongside Vince Wilfork in the 4-3 defense.
- Shalise Manza Young likes how Tommy Kelly brings durability to the defensive line.
- Christopher Price reports Tommy Kelly feels good about Belichick believing in him, but is first concerned with just making the team.
- Karen Guregian writes about how Chandler Jones has worked to get stronger, quicker and improve his handwork, and how Belichick has been using him in practice.
- Luke Hughes looks at the shift from student to teacher for Rob Ninkovich, who finds himself a leader on defense mentoring the young guys.
- Mike Reiss reports Zoltan Mesko was a guest on 98.5 talking about how competition keeps him on his toes.
- Mike Reiss gives us his initial reaction to Rob Gronkowski's impending back surgery.
- Jeff Howe details Gronkowski's scheduled back surgery, and the expected timeline for return.
- Nick Underhill reports Bill Polian now feels vindicated that his Colts passed on drafting Rob Gronkowski in 2010.
- Field Yates and Mike Reiss take a closer look at the contracts signed by rookies Josh Boyce (fourth round) and Michael Buchanan (seventh round).
- Christopher Price sees the team-building and management parallels between the Spurs and Patriots.
- Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: TE Jake Ballard has gone from a luxury to a necessity because of surgical procedures to Hernandez and Gronkowski; Rob Ninkovich has come a long way since being the 80th man on the roster in 2009; DL Tommy Kelly has learned no player can get comfortable during OTAs.
- Erik Frenz counts down the top 25 players in the AFC East: No. 3 Patriots DT Vince Wilfork.
NATIONAL NEWS
- James Walker (ESPN) Patriots TE Jake Ballard must stay ready.
- Don Banks (SI) Overhaul needed: Five teams with completely new looks at a position. New England receivers.
- Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) Rob Gronkowski's latest surgery a concern for Patriots.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Rob Gronkowski needs back surgery, likely to miss start of camp.
- Stephania Bell (ESPN) Will Gronk start the season on time? (1.32 min. video)
- NFL Live (ESPN) Mangini: Pats can adjust without Gronk. (2.54 min. video)
- Laces out (Fox Sports) Here's everything you'll ever need to know about the Gronk.
- Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Checkdown: Why the running game still matters in today's NFL.
- Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) Emerging fitness, social and digital trends associated with NFL players and their teams.
- Brent Schrotenboer (USA Today) To tax or not? The NFL's relationship with the IRS.