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Patriots.com News Blitz - 2/1/2012

The Patriots return to practice after crazy Media Day. Health questions are answered as more come up. It’s all inside today’s edition of the Patriots.com News Blitz.

Greg A Bedard of the Boston Globe writes about multiple Patriots' health concerns that were the topic of conversation on Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. With offensive tackle Matt Light dealing with the flu; the Patriots received good news when offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia revealed that offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer would be active for Super Bowl XLVI. The Patriots also informed rookie running back Stevan Ridley that he would be active for the game.

SI.com writes about the media circus that is known as Media Day. As always the day was filled with breaking news and crazy questions. From a spelling question to Wes Welker on how to spell Belichick to what is your favorite Madonna song, many players were in awe of the day. "This is crazy, man. It's crazy," said Patriots safety Patrick Chung. "I've never seen anything like this ever."

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald writes about the most famous ankle in Indianapolis, the left ankle of Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski was seen with no walking boot on for the first time since spraining that ankle in the AFC Championship yester day at Media Day. "I want to be out there with my team, that's the goal," the 6-foot-6, 265-pounder said. "To be able to play, to give everything I have. The answer is just to listen to the trainers, rehab every day so that when it comes down to it, I'm out there with the team. I'm feeling better every day. And that's a positive sign."

Mike Rodak of ESPNBoston.com writes about the excitement being shown by multiple Patriots players as they prepare for Super Bowl XLVI. "I've played it over and over in my head. So many times," linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "I've even thought about it when I was a kid, and dreaming about the Super Bowl. And now it's finally here."

Alex Marves of FoxSports.com writes about how Bill Belichick is approaching Super Bowl XLVI compared to Super Bowl XLII. In 2007 Belichick was short with the media. This year Belichick has been described as fun, happy and funny. Not adjectives you often hear coming out of a Belichick press conference. Belichick even has cracked jokes about previous playoff failures. "I never had too much hospitality here until I went for it on fourth-and-2," cracked Belichick, referring to an ill-fated coaching decision that greatly contributed to a 2009 loss against the Colts. "Since then, I've been greeted in a lot more friendly manner than I was in the past."

Dan Ventura of the Boston Herald writes about Chad Ochocinco's Media Day. The wide receiver did not get his own podium at Media Day but did not seem bothered as he delivered a humble interview with the media. "Who needs a podium?" Ochocinco said. "I have 3 million followers on Twitter. All it takes is one click of a button to reach all of them."

Michael Whitmer of the Boston Globe writes about Tom Brady being able to deflect the madness that is Media Day. The quarterback took part in his fifth Media Day yesterday and was asked questions by former players, current players, a teammate, a costumed Nickelodeon superhero, kids skipping school, journalists from around the world, and friends from back home. "To be in this game one time is a pretty unbelievable experience,'' Brady said. "To think this is my fifth time, my fifth Media Day and fifth Super Bowl is pretty incredible.''

Phil Perry of CSNNE.com writes about Stephen Gostkowski as he waits for his first opportunity to kick in the Super Bowl. Gostkowski was part of the Patriots Super Bowl XLII team but did not get the opportunity to kick a field goal. "If they send me out there, they send me out there," Gostkowski said. "It's not my job to question what the best coach in football [decides]. If they decide to send me out there, I'll jog out there try to make the kick and go right back to the sidelines. I don't live in the past. Whatever happens, happens. I'm just hoping to come through for the team this week."

Jackie MacMullan of ESPNBoston.com writes about Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Scarnecchia is in his 30th year coaching in the NFL and is considered by some to be one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL. This season the Patriots have used four centers (Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell and Nick McDonald), played two rookies (Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon) and dealt with injuries to Matt Light, Logan Mankins and others. "On any other team, losing a guy like Koppen would be a huge problem," former Patriots lineman Stephen Neal said. "And then losing his backup too? For a lot of teams, that would have been it. But with Dante, it doesn't matter whether it's a plumber off the street. He's going to teach you and coach you and work you, so when your time comes you're ready."

Mike Cole of NESN.com writes about some Patriots players having fun at Media Day at the expense of Rob Gronkowski. People like Brandon Deaderick, Gary Guyton, Ross Ventrone, Shane Vereen and Marcus Cannon gave their best impressions of Gronkowski's "Yo Soy Fiesta" comment made to ESPN Deportes.

ESPNBoston.com writes about recent comments from former Patriots linebacker and current ESPN analyst Teddy Bruschi's comments about Rob Gronkowski. When asked about Gronkowski, Bruschi said, "He's young. ... The younger you are, the quicker you heal. So is it possible that he could play? Yes." 

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