Brady to rest arm, but toasts Taylor's exit

July, 24, 2008
Jul 24
4:37
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By Tim Graham

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

 
 Photo by Evan Pinkus/Getty Images
 Tom Brady was happy to see Jason Taylor traded out of the division.

Tom Brady will turn 31 next week. He's coming off an ankle injury. He's not indestructible.

Even a superstar has limitations.

Although the New England Patriots quarterback claimed he felt like he was 21 years old again, he didn't throw when training camp opened Thursday morning in the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse. The Patriots have another practice scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

"For me, throwing twice a day, I don't think it's as important as making sure the reps I take are good reps," Brady told reporters after the morning session. "Two practices a day is good for arm soreness is what's it's good for.

"Some guys do it, but for me, over the long term, it would be beneficial to pace it."

Brady's inactivity Thursday morning allowed reserves Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell to get additional reps. The more throws the merrier for those guys, who are auditioning for the top backup position. And one of them won't make the roster at all.

Brady noted the injured ankle that put him in a walking boot and limited him in the Super Bowl "feels great."

But to hear Brady tell it, what feels even better is not having to face Jason Taylor twice a year anymore.

The Miami Dolphins traded Taylor to the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Taylor, the NFL's active sacks leader (if Simeon Rice is done playing) has turfed Brady more than any other quarterback.

"[Patriots left tackle Matt] Light and I popped a cold beer when I saw that transaction," Brady said. "We were the two most excited players in the NFL. ... We were hugging each other. It was awesome."

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