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http://www.patriots.com/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=26498&pcid=44&special_section=tc2007
7/29/07
Meriweather shines; morning notes
by Paul Perillo, Patriots Football Weekly
Rookie Brandon Meriweather is making a strong first impression thus far in training camp. The first-round pick out of Miami has not let his slow start due to a contract holdup deter him in any way.
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Roll call
Kyle Brady was added to the list of players missing practice, joining Rashad Baker (back), Garrett Mills and Chad Scott (left leg). Also, Kareem Brown (reported suspension) continues to miss valuable practice time while Asante Samuel remains unsigned. There were no changes to the group of seven that opened camp on PUP.
Who’s hot
Brandon Meriweather – The rookie is making a strong first impression in the Patriots secondary. Lining up at corner during most drills, the first-round pick has shown quickness, athleticism and good anticipation in his first days as a pro.
Who’s not
Stephen Gostkowski – As is the normal custom, the Patriots closed out practice with some field goal work but Gostkowski was not his usual sharp self. He missed 2-of-5 from short range with Matt Cassel holding before bouncing back with Josh Miller, making all four. Earlier, during a kick return drill, he sent one sailing out of bounds.
Play of the day
Brady looked deep for Jabar Gaffney but came up empty when Tory James made the pick.
James showed terrific ball skills on the play, running right with Gaffney before reacting to the ball and making a fine over the shoulder catch.
Morning notes
The six defensive backs that were on the field in the dime package for the two-minute drill were Meriweather, Ellis Hobbs, Randall Gay, Eugene Wilson, James Sanders and Rodney Harrison. … The Patriots worked on kick returns with Hobbs and Willie Andrews paired together, Sammy Morris and Welker with the next group while Laurence Maroney and Bam Childress finished the drill. … Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops was on hand for the second straight day and addressed the team after practice. … Randy Moss almost destroyed a ball boy on the sideline while trying to catch a deep out from Brady. Moss raced to the sideline and had the ball go off his fingers before bracing himself for a collision with the unsuspecting ball boy. … Kevin Faulk got bumped around on one play while carrying the ball when he tried to make a jump cut and was met in midair by defensive lineman Rashad Moore, bouncing the running back to the ground. … Rookie seventh-round pick Oscar Lua continues to get a lot of reps calling the defense in the middle with the second group. … While still preferring not to spend much time talking about his personal life, Brady did confirm that he has yet to become a father.