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http://www.patriots.com/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=32801&pcid=44&special_section=tc2008
7/24/08
Pats hit ground running; morning notes
By Paul Perillo, Patriots Football Weekly
Bill Belichick opened his ninth training camp in New England with a physical practice that featured plenty of work on the running game. With last year's devasating Super Bowl loss in the rear view mirror, the Patriots appear set to keep the past behind them.
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With the emphasis on the ground game, Tom Brady found himself observing much of the morning action. Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez handled the majority of the snaps and each looked good when given the opportunity to throw. But it was Laurence Maroney who shined on offense, darting through holes and hitting the line quickly and decisively.
When asked if he was looking for a breakout year for himself, the always-smiling running back turned the tables on his questioner by asking the same thing. After the reporter replied “yes” he simply responded “me too.”
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Who’s hot – Jason Webster
With Hobbs on the mend and Asante Samuel off to Philadelphia, the Patriots opened camp with neither of their starting corners from a year ago. Webster, a free agent addition from Buffalo, occupied one spot opposite fellow free agent addition Fernando Bryant and looked good. He made a nice breakup of a pass intended for Randy Moss on a deep out early in practice and generally was tight to his man when the ball came his way.
Who’s not – Anthony Clement
The veteran tackle signed just before camp and looked a bit rusty. He drew the ire of offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia a couple of times and later lost track of the snap count as the rest of the linemen broke off the first sound. It was only one practice but his first impression was not a good one.
Play of the day
During one-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs, corner Antwain Spann read an out route perfectly and jumped in front of Sam Aiken.
He appeared poised to pick off Cassel’s pass, but Aiken somehow maneuvered himself into position, outfought Spann for the ball and ripped it away – all while keeping his feet in bounds for the catch.
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