TEAM TALK
- Andy Hart points out Tom Brady doesn't have a lot of experience connecting with the targets he's been working with during OTA practices.
- Andy Hart tells us Shane Vereen will have a chance for a bigger role on the offense in 2013 and Stevan Ridley thinks he'll make the most of it.
- Andy Hart reports agent Drew Rosenhaus is downplaying the severity of the back injury that will require Rob Gronkowski to undergo surgery next month.
- Paul Perillo notes that after sitting around for almost a year, TE Jake Ballard is excited to wear a Patriots uniform.
- Patriots Today - Role of leader suits Ninkovich. (2.49 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Mankins keeps grinding. (2.39 min. video)
- PFW In Progress - The latest Patriots OTA practice and news on Rob Gronkowski. (2 hour program)
LOCAL LINKS
- Jeff Howe tells us the art of disguise is reappearing in Belichick's defense.
- Luke Hughes says the Patriots' team-building approach at OTAs is its gateway to winning.
- Field Yates reports the Buffalo Bills hired former Jets coordinator Mike Pettine to overhaul their defense with Tom Brady in mind.
- Nick Underhill takes a look at how Brady struggled against pressure last season.
- Mike Reiss explains why Rob Gronkowski is waiting until mid June for his back surgery.
- Field Yates reports Gronkowski's agent told a Miami sports radio station Thursday that Gronk's upcoming back surgery is minor.
- Michael Felger, Ron Borges and Gary Tanguay actually make sense, agreeing that the Patriots should not regret drafting Gronkowski. (4.56 min. video)
- Jeff Howe finds Brandon Spikes training at Bommarito Performance in Florida for the second year in a row. Spikes had his best season in '12, so it's hard to argue with the results.
- Mike Reiss highlights Jerod Mayo's guest spot on SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he touches on Spikes' absence from OTAs and more.
- Mike Reiss posts the transcript of his weekly online chat. /Terrific insight here as usual.
- Mike Reiss offers some extras from his weekly Patriots chat: Dane Fletcher has been the top option at middle LB with Spikes absent.
- Nick Underhill answers reader questions from his mailbag, mostly concerning what fans should expect from Gronkowski this season.
- Field Yates notes the Patriots worked out veteran DT Spencer Johnson on Thursday.
- Erin Smith tells us why pranksters looking for a laugh should never, ever mess with the NFL.
NATIONAL NEWS
- James Walker (ESPN) AFC East over/under: Patriots.
- Steve Palazzolo (Pro Football Focus) Examining pressure: QB play.
- Adam Schein (NFL.com) NFL's most indispensable defensive players. Vince Wilfork makes this list.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Celebrating Lombardi's 100th: Top NFL coaches by the decade.
- Video (ESPN) Closer look at Parcells coaching tree. (1.29 min. video)
- Jay Skurski (Buffalo News) Bills buying into Pettine's philosophy on defense. "They’ll keep that perfect [practice] record intact until Sept. 8, when the New England Patriots visit Ralph Wilson Stadium for the season opener."
- Peter Schrager (Fox Sports) NFL tries to make Reaper less grim.
- Chris Burke (SI) Which ’12 draft picks are poised to break out?
- Curtis Crabtree (ProFootballTalk) Dwight Freeney accuses owners of collusion during free agency.