New England

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: There is intrigue surrounding wideout Deion Branch, who is unhappy with his contract and is expected to hold out during training camp. While he sits, players like free agent acquisition Reche Caldwell (Chargers) and second-round draft choice Chad Jackson (Florida) will have an opportunity to see lots of reps. The Pats used a first-round pick on running back Laurence Maroney (Minnesota), who head coach Bill Belichick and coordinator Josh McDaniels will try to incorporate into an attack that already includes Corey Dillon. With Doug Flutie having retired, 2005 seventh-round pick Matt Cassel is now a Tom Brady injury away from becoming the starter. Much of Belichick's focus will be on an aging defense that had injury problems and didn't feature much of a pass rush or playmaking secondary last season. Belichick must determine whether players like outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and cornerback Ellis Hobbs are ready for full-time starting roles, and whether long-in-the-tooth stars like inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi and strong safety Rodney Harrison can hold up over the course of the season. Also interesting will be the place-kicking battle between veteran Martin Gramatica (Colts) and rookie Stephen Gostkowski, both of whom are battling to replace the departed Adam Vinatieri (Colts)