As we progress through Training Camp, I will attempt to summarize the interesting points from the various news sources out there.  For more detailed information, I will always include links to the full stories at the bottom of these entries.

Nick Kaczur is practicing.  As you may recall, he appeared on the PUP at the beginning of TC.  OL was a thin position this summer with injuries, so it's encouraging to see some of the guys coming back.  You may recall, Nick was involved in the illegal use of Oxycontin and subsequently complied with a sting of the dealer.  Kaczur has plea bargained down to a speeding charge and must comply with any drug treatment programs the Patriots decide are necessary.  Think what you will - star athletes getting star treatment.  He's back.  We need him.

5 out of 6 TC practices have been full pads.  There's no easing into preparation for the gang; Belichick is making them earn every break they get and is pushing them from the start.  It's a fine line, though.  Coaches worry about wearing out their players or the injuries associated with full pad practices vs. getting them ready for the long hall of an NFL season.  That's why Belichick's the coach; I think he's got it down by now.

WR Robert Ortiz was released to make room for FA RB LaMont Jordan.  In my story Training Camp Shootout: Wide Reciever, I predicted this would happen given his limited roles with previous teams and mostly NFL Europa experience.  I'm a bit confused by the move to pickup LaMont given we already have 5 running backs (Morris, Faulk, Maroney, Evans, Green-Ellis) and 4 are vets.  It could indicate Belichick intends to strengthen the running game significantly and feels the need to have more RBs to rotate in and out.  At 5-10 230 lbs, LaMont is a bull, so he could also see action as a blocking back or in third down situations, similar to a Kevin Faulk role.

Here's an interesting tidbit from Reiss's blog regarding filling gaps by the defense:

This practice was especially physical for the front seven of the defense, specifically in how gaps are filled in the running game. Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour comprised the 3-man line, with Adalius Thomas and Pierre Woods at outside linebacker and Tedy Bruschi and Tank Williams at inside linebacker.

Hmm... I thought Tank was a safety.  I guess you never know with BB.  At 6-2 223 lbs, he's big, but not what I'd call a classic ILB size-wise.  Maybe it's an attempt to teach Tank all facets of the Patriots' defense.  Maybe Tank is a multi-faceted player and will be used all over the field.  I'm keeping an eye on this guy.  I was happy when they brought him on board and I'm liking the move more and more.

And, one final thought related to running backs: our OL was dominated in the SB, where it mattered most.  5 sacks and 9 hits on Brady had a significant impact on the outcome of that game.  The Giants correctly assumed we'd try an aerial assault and loaded up on pass rushers.  This year, however, I believe Belichick plans to run the ball down opponent's throats.  As soon as he sees defensive run stoppers replaced with pass rushers, the RB freight train will begin.  Yet another weapon in the arsenal - try to defend the run?  Loft it to Moss, Welker, or Gaffney.  Try to defend the pass - Morris, Faulk, Maroney, Jordan, Evans.  Make defenses worry about too many things and they're spread to thin.