"Each and every offseason bringing so much attention to himself," Harrison said on "The Dan Patrick Show." "It's just really a disappointment to hear that time and time again ... If you've been in the league 13, 14, 15 years or so you know if you want to play. The circus shouldn't have to go on for three to four years.

"It's just a disappointment. Then the media they're just so caught up and in love with Brett Favre ... It's ridiculous because a lot of guys are doing good, positive things in the National Football League and those keep things keep getting overlooked."

-- Even after minicamp ended on June 12, the Patriots continued to linger around Gillette Stadium to finish their offseason workouts before one final rest in anticipation of training camp in July.

"We're finishing up this week," Tedy Bruschi said. "Guys are getting out of town here and there, trying to get some quality time with family and friends, and enjoy themselves a little bit while staying in shape also.

"It's sort of difficult this time of year because it's your last break, but you know you're about to start training camp so you still have to train. It sort of pulls you in both directions."

-- Bill O'Brien appears to be the heir apparent to Josh McDaniels, who left New England to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos.

O'Brien served as the wide receivers coach last year under McDaniels, but is now unofficially running the offense and has been doing so since minicamp. So far, O'Brien is impressed with the offense.

"I think that these guys worked hard to do the things that we've asked them to do this spring," said O'Brien. "It's not just in the spring, it's been since the offseason program started back in February; they've done the things that we've asked them to do and I think there has been improvement. I think it will play off more in training camp, but I'm pleased with where we are right now."

-- Cornerback Shawn Springs is clearly a student of the game. Upon his arrival in New England, Springs brought with him his black book on the NFL's elite receivers.

Springs has kept notes on their tendencies and strengths, which should help as his gears up for his first season with the Patriots.

"I've developed notes on all the receivers. These guys are too good to go out there and not know them," Springs said. "When I played Randy (Moss), I had a game plan against him, or whether it was Marvin Harrison, or going way back to Jimmy Smith, or Chad Johnson. That's one of the things -- I'm a big note taker."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You might eBay my notes and give it to some of these guys." -- CB Shawn Springs when asked if he'd be willing to let a reporter look at the notes he keeps on NFL wide receivers.