In today's news blitz the focus is on Patriots mini-camp which began yesterday. This mini-camp is the only mandatory full-squad practice before trainining camp. Through the first day of practice, several storylines are already unfolding.

Richard Seymour was noticeably absent from the first day of mini-camp practice. Belichick noted during his press conference that Seymour's absence was "Unexcused". Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe, Michael Felger of the Boston Herald, Tom Curran of the Providence Journal, Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant and Mark Farinella of the Sun Chronicle all offer stories on Seymour's holdout from mini-camp and report that his absense may be because of a contract dispute.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald, Tom Curran of the Providence Journal and Jeromome Solomon of the Boston Globe offer notes on yesterday's practice. Felger's article also takes a look at the revamped lineup at inside linebacker, which included free agent additions Chad Brown and Monty Beisel. Tom Curran's article also notes that Tom Brady will play a bigger role managing the offense now that Charlie Weis has departed.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers an additional article on the Patriots depth at quarterback and reports that the Patriots backup quarterback position is still up for grabs.

Mark Farinella of the Sun Chronicle offers an article on Patriots linebacker Chad Brown, who offers up his opinion on the status of Tedy Bruschi. "You don't come to meetings and you don't lift weights if you're not going to try to keep playing,'' said Brown.

Michael Smith of ESPN.com writes that the Patriots are still the team to beat. Smith's article explores the Patriots offseason moves and biggest question marks.

Mike Reiss of the MetroWest Daily News offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes.