Wednesday's New England Patriots Links 1/22/14 - What Brady Wants to Say but Can't

Here are this morning's top stories:

BOSTON GLOBE:

Patriots facing key decisions for next season - Shalise Manza Young - Manza Young takes a position-by-position looks at the contract situations of note for quite a few players along with pondering who may stay or go this offseason.

Assistant coach Pepper Johnson leaving Patriots - Shalise Manza Young - Manza Young files her notebook this morning, which leads off with a note on linebackers coach Pepper Johnson, who announced yesterday he won't be returning next season.

Broncos were far better than the Patriots - Ben Volin - Volin looks back at Sunday's loss and writes the Patriots didn't belong on the same field as the Broncos in Sunday's AFC Championship game.

Bill Belichick obviously hates Wes Welker - Dan Shaughnessy - Shaughnessy writes that after taking Aqib Talib out with a pick play block, Belichick hates the former Patriots receiver more than ever.

BOSTON HERALD:

Roster dissection: Breaking down the Pats - Jeff Howe - Howe goes through each position and talks about the priorities New England should have with each one, along with some additional analysis.

Logan Ryan relishes rookie season - Mark Daniels - Daniels has a good article this morning on Ryan, who spent years as a youth dreaming about playing in the NFL and made the most of his opportunities during his rookie season.

Notebook: Pats part with Pepper Johnson - Jeff Howe - Howe files his notebook this morning and leads off with a note on Johnson leaving, as well as noting that New England's entire eight-man practice squad is under contract for next season.

Borges: Bill Belichick's game deflects blame - Ron Borges - Borges has a snarky column this morning about how he feels his anger at Welker's hit was to deflect New England's poor defense.

WEEI:

Key upcoming dates on calendar for Patriots fans to keep in mind - Christopher Price - Price has a list of important dates on the league calender during the months ahead, outlining what fans may want to watch for this offseason.

New England Patriots enter another offseason seeking offensive weapons - Nick Underhill - Underhill writes that things were too thin for the Patriots Sunday and now they'll have to address their offensive weapons again this offseason.

Brady replaced by Chiefs' Smith for Pro Bowl - Jerry Spar - Spar writes that after bowing out of the Pro Bowl, Tom Brady's absence allowed Kansas City's Alex Smith to take his place.

ESPN BOSTON:

Revisiting our bold Patriots predictions - Mike Reiss & Field Yates - Reiss and Yates revisit their preseason predictions and see how close they were to being right about each one.

Pats sign Forston to future deal - Field Yates - Yates writes that Patriots defensive lineman Marcus Forston signed his reserve/future deal.

What Brady wants to say but can't - Jackie MacMullan - MacMullan has a great column and ponders what Tom Brady is really thinking after their season came to an end on Sunday.

Weekly Patriots mail is delivered - Mike Reiss - Reiss files his mailbag, which is loaded with good stuff as he talks about many issues, including the future of Aqib Talib.

LOWELL SUN:

Super Bowl result may influence future of the Patriots - David Pevear - Pevear writes that this year's Super Bowl could have an affect on how heavily the Patriots load up on defense for next season.

ATTLEBORO SUN CHRONICLE:

FARINELLA: Belichick's shot at Welker off target - Mark Farinella- Farinella is surprised that Belichick made his thoughts on Welker public after the coach called the receiver's hit on Aqib Talib "one of the worst plays" he's seen.

Milford Daily News:

Megliola: Pats' days as true contender may be done - Lenny Megliola - Megliola writes that after all the Mea culpas that were flying all over the place after Sunday's loss, he wonders if the Patriots championship days are over.