Jeff Howe points to edge rusher Eric Moore who just might be the Patriots' most mysterious man as they head into Training Camp.

Why He'll Make the Team
The Patriots don't have any pass-rushing extraordinaires, and Moore might have the ability to continue contributing in that department. In four regular-season games last season, the situational edge rusher tallied 13 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass defense, and he had at least one sack, forced fumble or recovery in each contest. He attributed that to his stint with the UFL's Florida Tuskers, who gave him ample playing time and a chance to find himself on the field. Moore could really benefit now with an opportunity to run through the Patriots' training camp.

Why He Might Not Make the Team
Moore was on the street in December for a reason. Before linking up with New England, the 2005 fifth-round pick from Florida State totaled 18 tackles, no sacks, no forced fumbles, no fumble recoveries and one pass defense in his previous stops with the Giants, Saints, Rams and Panthers. Sure, Moore found it in December, but the concern would be that it was an aberration.

Bottom Line
It does sound like there's some optimism about Moore coming from the Patriots' camp. Realistically, he could continue progressing as a situational player on passing downs. He'll just have to prove that he can endure the rigors of training camp, where Bill Belichick pushes players to get a complete understanding of their makeup, so much more so than any string of practices in December and January.

TEAM TALK

• Andy Hart and Paul Perillo debate what concerns them the most heading into 2011.
• Patriots Today - Myra Kraft remembered (4.53 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Greg A. Bedard says players were not ready to vote but talks were were expected through the weekend.
• Chris Gasper says it's time to put the labor unrest to rest. The players aren't going to get a better deal than this one.
• Ron Borges explains the NFL players’ refusal to rubber stamp the 400-plus page "global settlement’’ NFL owners plopped in their laps Thursday night.
• Tom E. Curran and Paul Perillo talk about life after the lockout for the Patriots. (2.38 min. video)
• Jeff Howe looks at how different the Pats' offensive line would be without Matt Light and Logan Mankins.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Jonathan Comey (Cold Hard Football Facts) Free agent fantastic fits: AFC.
• Brian Billick (Fox Sports) Top free agents: Wide Receivers. Sydney Rice to NE?
• Matt Williamson (ESPN) NFL team-by-team needs.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Teams would be better off avoiding some free agents.
• Gerry Dulac (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) New proposed CBA lightens workloads at NFL training camps.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) New offseason rules carry stiff fines for violations.

LABOR LUNACY

• Judy Battista (NY Times) Labor peace within reach for two NFL leaders.
• AP Report (SI) Lockout continues as players go over owner-approved proposal.
• Albert Breer (NFL.com) Concessions for Brady suit plaintiffs not an issue in labor talks.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Jackson's wise decision comes better late than never.
• Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Reggie Kelly on players: "People have started to cool off."
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) The open items before the league's approval of the labor deal.
• Don Banks (SI) If you thought Thursday was tumultuous, talks headed for wild weekend.
• Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Clock ticking for owners, players remain patient.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Owners care more than players about preseason revenue.
• Len Pasquarelli (CBS Sports) Smith's ultimatum about owners' books ultimately fruitless.