BearsVsPatriots_1stHalf (by BestGames TB)

It will be a light day here on the blog today as I’m going to second happiest place on earth (aka Disneyland). 

Here’s our latest B/R piece, not quite the Hoodie epic, but taking inventory of the latest developments as we start the long, cold period of the offseason.

The void is upon us with the end of minicamp and OTAs, there will be no new Patriots news to discuss in the next weeks. Instead it will be a re-hash of everything we’ve talked about this offseason, and how well the Pats have filled their holes in free agency and the draft.

There’s no question, the Patriots’ defense is in position to build off of two seasons that saw them slightly more successful on the field than on the stat sheet (we all know which one really matters), while on offense they’re taking a step back to hopefully take two big steps forward by the end of the season.

For the first time since 2007, the offense will truly be an unknown until the first snap of the regular season. Personally, I kind of enjoy that. 

Until the numerous position battle articles start rolling in, here’s the best of the last week.

Cutting off the Sleeves: The History of Bill Belichick and his Hoodie —> extremely proud of this one, must-read if I do say so myself.

A Brief Appreciation Of Bill Belichick « CBS Boston —> Enjoyable read from Mike Hurley

The 5 Games that will determine the Patriots’ fate —> Another one from yours truly.

PatsProp & Frenz Podcast —> New show, lots of Tebow talk, click at own risk. There’s a Colts troll that calls in too, but I was nice to him.

Amendola and Brady finding some synergy —> Good news for the Pats offense.

Momentum Builders from OTAs —> Don’t get too excited but Ras-I is on there.

Tim Tebow’s Last Chance —> The only Tebow article from last week worth reading.

Offense looked crisp today. Brady again displayed nice chemistry with Amendola.

— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) June 12, 2013

CBs Kyle Arrington, Aqib Talib & Ras-I Dowling with pass breakups. Defense has looked to be ahead of offense. Practice ends with INT.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 12, 2013

Rookie free-agent WR Kenbrell Thompkins continues to get reps alongside Amendola and Jenkins in top group.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 12, 2013

Big practice for Adrian Wilson. He intercepted a pass on a trick play and dove to break up a Ryan Mallett pass on the goal line.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe)

June 11, 2013

Brady was ecstatic (no hyperbole) with a route adjustment Amendola made that led to a quick completion.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 11, 2013

Photo: Tim Tebow makes a statement to reporters and doesn’t take questions. pic.twitter.com/cWuzshoiRb

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 11, 2013

Brady completed 10-of13 passes in 11-on-11s. Mallett was 4-of-9. Tebow was 4-of-7 in opportunity time.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 11, 2013

Get ready for the internet to blow up…

Just filed to ESPN: The Patriots are signing QB Tim Tebow and expect him to be in minicamp tomorrow

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) June 10, 2013

I can’t say I’m that surprised, because I truly think the Pats will use Tebow smartly. Josh McDaniels traded up to draft him in the first round because he saw something in him. 

Now it’s a pretty good bet he’s not competing at the quarterback position, but as a fullback/tight end/special teams guy, I have no doubt Tebow can contribute in a variety of ways.

Get ready, the 2013 Patriots just got even more interesting…

Patriots Weight Room Records Chart

(via Bum Theory)

No better way to start the week off than with an awesome new Brady video!

Tom Brady 007 ► Skyfall » ᴴᴰ 1080p (by YOURKiNGISHEAR)

C’mon Pats planet, you never disappoint with great questions, let’s hear them this week. We’ll take any and everything… historical questions, questions about the blog, personal Pats experiences, whatevs. You ask it. I’ll answer it.

And my question for you:

Who is the returning veteran you think will make a big jump this year? And you can’t say Ras-I Dowling, just because.