What about Bob? Glauber's NFL Blog

10 observations from Patriots training camp. For Eric Mangini's reading pleasure:

* I know Randy Moss is the big acquisition from the off-season, but there's a far less heralded receiver who I think is going to have a big impact on the Patriots. Kind of like another version of Wayne Chrebet. He's Wes Welker, acquired from the Dolphins. He's a little dude, but fast as heck and very shifty in his underneath patterns. Tom Brady found him all over the place during practice last night, and I can see Welker making some big third-down catches in games.

* Brady is a treat to watch, just a calm dude who is accurate on almost every pass he throws, whether it's in 9-on-7 or fade routes in individual drills. And after the occasional miss, you see the temperament that makes him the best money quarterback in the game - he unbuckles his chin strap angrily, looks skyward and then shakes his head. Even in practice, he's a perfectionist. He's taking a few less reps this year in hopes of keeping his arm fresher during the season, which gives backup Matt Cassel a chance to get some action. He looked decent in the morning practice. Former Jets QB Vinny Testaverde is expected to join the team later in training camp.

* Benjamin Watson was unstoppable in both the morning and afternoon practices. With Daniel Graham now playing in Denver, Watson is the only go-to tight end, and he looks terrific.

* Love watching Belichick during practice. Just a cool, calm presence, only barking out instructions when the drills change, but then quietly walking up to players offering instruction on technique or reads. Got a chance to chat with him after the morning session, and he was quite interesting on dealing with losing several people close to him in the last two years.

* Tedy Bruschi is back after contemplating retirement, and the veteran linebacker is a welcome presence in the huddle for a Patriots team looking to make a fourth Super Bowl run in the Bill Belichick era.

* Will be curious to see how Belichick uses newly signed free agent Adalius Thomas from the Ravens. I have a feeling Thomas is gonna line up all over the place, just to confuse teams and give Thomas the versatility to rush the passer or drop back in coverage, whatever the scheme dictates.

* Rodney Harrison is all the way back from a knee sprain that sidelined him late last season. The veteran safety is a workout freak, and he looks like he's still 25. Saw Harrison speak a few times to rookie safety Brandon Meriweather, the Patriots first-round pick who might one day supplant Harrison. That's what veteran leadership is all about - no worries on Harrison's part about Meriweather taking his job, just a veteran who wants the young guy up to speed so they can win games.

* Didn't get a chance to see running back Laurence Maroney, who is still not all the way back from off-season shoulder surgery. He will be a huge factor in how well the Patriots do this season, especially with Corey Dillon no longer with the team. In Maroney's absence, journeyman Sammy Morris got the bulk of the running plays. Solid backup, but nothing more.

* Jabar Gaffney reminded me of why Belichick went nuts in free agency and trades bringing so many receivers in. On a comeback route in the middle of the field, Gaffney didn't come back far enough and the pass was broken up as Gaffney fell to the ground. It was last year's AFC Championship Game all over again.

* Junior Seau is back again, but isn't doing much, nursing an undisclosed injury and wearing a red jersey in practice. Anyone wearing red is off limits to contact.

Jets-Pats on opening day. Can't wait.