Bears WR Brandon Marshall revealed his chemistry with Jay Cutler was largely due to improvisation. The same tactics could see him return to the Pro Bowl.

When teams had their first chance on Sunday to claim young talent around the league on waivers — the day after 53-man rosters are set, and players with less than four years of pro experience subject to the process — it was no surprise to see Patriots players most in demand. Even so, the raw numbers were still somewhat shocking.

What coaches Bill Belichick and Jim Caldwell lack in on-screen charisma, they really show their acting chops when submitting a weekly practice report. Of course, the mind games are at a fever pitch when the hottest NFL rivalry of the past 10 years gets renewed on Sunday.

Have the Patriots given up on the 2010 season with the trade of Randy Moss?

Wes Welker returned from his knee injury sooner than many expected, but it doesn’t mean he is the same receiver who hauled in 346 receptions for the Patriots the last three seasons.

Although I didn’t use my tickets to Overreaction Theater, acknowledging that it is presesaon, here are some first half observations and quick thoughts from the football game between the Rams and Patriots.

To show second-year receivers Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate the passion he’s displayed during his career, all Torry Holt’s got to do is show the young guys his left hand and the funky, deformed middle finger he’s been hauling in touchdowns with.

Patriots QB Tom Brady put a lot of value in the addition of veteran receivers David Patten and Torry Holt.

The Patriots declared RB Sammy Morris out of Sunday night’s game against the Colts after originally listing him as questionable with a knee injury.

Patriots RB Sammy Morris is out of the International Series game against the Buccaneers because of a knee injury, so Laurence Maroney is expected to start.

The Patriots activated veteran OL Mark LeVoir from the physically unable to perform list and rookie WR Brandon Tate from the non-football injury list, providing depth at key positions entering the International Series game against the Buccaneers.

Defensive end Ty Warren is among five Patriots players to open training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Also included on the list is LB Shawn Crable, offensive linemen Mark LeVoir and Rich Ohrnberger, and DL Darryl Richard.

The team also placed CB Shawn Springs and WR Brandon Tate on the active non-football injury list.

Representatives from 28 NFL teams attended the University of North Carolina Pro Day, including four wide receiver coaches. Jets WRs coach Henry Ellard, who has been making the rounds at these pro days, was of course one of the coaches in attendance.