A Brady Cameo

Just when Patriots Nation was holding their breath and the rest of the NFL was pumping their fist, out comes Tom Brady to join the team at practice.

Granted, that was all the media learned. What they saw was Brady stretch, a little light throwing, and Tom handing off to the running backs. His level of participation when practice really got started is unknown.

Sounds like the latest word on Brady playing is  around 50/50. I'm starting to think he better sit this one out because he won't be safe in the pocket.

Both LT Matt Light and RG Stephen Neal were not seen at today's practice. Reserves Ryan O'Callaghan, Billy Yates and Russ Hochstein also didn't make an appearance. That means another patchwork O-line for Friday night's game.

It's so bad right now that New England worked out former Baltimore Ravens C/G Matt Flynn. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad if the two late free agent O-line signees, Anthony Clement and Barry Stokes, weren't placed on injured reserve for the year.

I do remember being surprised that the Patriots didn't draft an O-lineman in this year's draft. It was the first time since 2004 that a full-time blocker wasn't selected by the team. I'm not saying it was a mistake not to pick one in '08. It's not the Patriots' fault if the likes of T Clint Oldenburg, T Corey Hilliard, or G Dan Stevenson aren't NFL-caliber prospects. They were drafted in either the sixth or seventh round. No guarantees at that point.

The '08 Draft was deep along the O-line, but getting younger at LB was more important. I won't argue that and I'm satisfied with the rookies' play thus far.

But after two games, the O-line has been the weakest link so far. I guess that's why they drafted a mobile quarterback in Kevin O'Connell. At least he can run for his life.