*Doug Gabriel should see action against the Jets, while rookie teammate Chad Jackson will be a game time decision.  I would not recommend starting either at this point, but make sure you are aware of them as either could emerge Brady's top pass catcher.*We can't emphasize this enough.  Ben Watson will probably end the year in the top 3 of all tight ends.  He will be Tom Brady's primary target.

*Laurence Maroney and Chad Jackson are expected to miss the opening weekend due to injury.

*The Patriots traded for Oakland wide receiver Doug Gabriel.  This says that they don't expect the Branch situation to clear up positively any time soon.  Gabriel is a talented receiver who will contribute this season.  We don't see him cutting into Ben Watson's value, but Reche Caldwell drops quit significantly.  And Tom Brady will not be hurt with another weapon at his disposal.  A good pick up for the Patriots.

*Still no word on the extent of Laurence Maroney's injury.  ESPN is reporting he will miss week 1, but he has been practicing with a knee brace and supposedly running without a limp.

*Deion Branch has filed an emergency grievance against the Pats.  He and his agent are claiming the Patriots are making ridiculous demands of 2 first round picks in exchange for Branch.  The Jets and Seahawks are the interested team.

*Don't put too much into Maroney's knee injury.  The Pats traded Patrick Cobbs to the Steelers yesterday.  If there was any doubt of Maroney's injury, I don't think they'd make this deal.

*Corey Dillon suffered an eye injury in the first quarter of the game against Washington.  He claims it was due to a loose fitting helmet.  Dillon was back at practice and has shown no ill effects.  regardless, we still expect Laurence Maroney to not only steal carries, but possibly start at some point this season.

*The Pats have given Deion Branch one week to work out a contract and trade with another team.  If a team really values him, the Pats could benefit from the trade rather than be dragged down by a holdout.  If no teams are interested, Branch may come crawling back.  Regardless, Ben Watson and Reche Caldwell have benefited from extra reps.

*ALERT* The Patriots have chosen Stephen Gostkowski as their replacement for Adam Vinatieri.  Considering the number of opportunities Gostkowski will no doubt get, his value skyrockets.  Drop Martin Gramatica and add Gostkowski if you're looking for a kicker.

*Look for Tom Brady to utilize his tight ends quite a bit while Deion Branch sits.  Both Ben Watson and Daniel Graham will benefit.

*Talked to our guy in Minnesota this weekend.  The conversation was "I told you so" about Maroney.  The Pats did not just steal him from the Colts, they ensured their running back strength for years to come.  Even in part time duty this year, Maroney may get 7 touchdowns.  He's too good to keep on the bench and probably starts next season.

*Why more aren't considering Vinatieri the top kicker, I'm not sure.  He booted a 53 yarder in the first quarter on Thursday after connecting on a perfect on-sides kick. 

*report is that the Pats and Deion Branch are far apart in negotiations.  Reche Caldwell temporarily steps in as #1 with Chad Jackson still limping.

*Deion Branch has decided to hold out until he is treated more fairly, according to his agent.  Branch is looking for a deal similar to that of Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis.  The Pats are not famous for giving in to contract demands.  This could be bad news for Branch owners, but an open door for Reche Caldwell and rookie Chad Jackson.

*Deion Branch skipped mandatory minicamp.  Word is that he is looking for a contract extension.  A hold out would be bad news for the Pats who are thin at receiver.

http://www.patriots.com/homepage/ - Official Site

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots.bg - news sites

http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=players - roster

http://www.ourlads.com/secure/depthchart.cfm?index1=NE - depth chart

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/stats.htm - stats

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/afc-signings - free agency