ESPN

The Patriots’ first public training camp practice is Thursday, July 29, and with 82 players on the roster, there is plenty to analyze. ESPNBoston.com has picked what it feels are the top eight aspects to monitor. As part of the “Countdown to Camp”, they will be counted down with one each day leading up to the first practice.

No. 7: Young linebackers and their development

Why it’s a top issue: One of the Patriots' main weaknesses in 2009 was a lack of a pass rush: The team blitzed more than 40 percent of the time, ranking them seventh in the NFL, which was a sign that there wasn't enough pressure out of the standard four-man rush. The fourth rusher most often comes from the outside linebacker spot. Furthermore, the heart of the defense is the inside linebacker spot and former undrafted free agent Gary Guyton played 84 percent of the snaps there in 2009, the second highest total of any defender.

Why it might change: From a personnel standpoint, the selection of second-round draft choices Jermaine Cunningham (outside linebacker) and Brandon Spikes (inside linebacker), the return to health of 2009 third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie (inside linebacker), and, to a lesser degree, 2008 third-round draft choice Shawn Crable (third round).

Historical perspective: The inside linebackers are the youngest in Bill Belichick's 11-year tenure. No longer can Belichick count on veterans like Tedy Bruschi, Roman Phifer, Ted Johnson and Junior Seau, which highlights the importance of development. Cunningham is the highest outside linebacker (53rd overall) the Patriots have drafted in Belichick's tenure.

Xs and Os thought: When the Patriots set their initial 53-man roster in 2009, they kept 3 inside linebackers (Jerod Mayo, Guyton, Eric Alexander) and 5 outside linebackers (Tully Banta-Cain, Derrick Burgess, Rob Ninkovich, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods). Special teams contributions are often a factor in that decision-making process.

Looking to the future: How realistic is it to expect immediate pass-rush contributions from Cunningham at outside linebacker? Pat Kirwan of NFL.com examined the topic earlier this year, pointing out that teams relying on rookie pass-rushers should be careful in doing so.

Fun fact: Mayo lives five minutes from Gillette Stadium. "I feel I can get so much better as a football player living near work," he explained.

Camp Countdown:
No. 8 -- Tight ends & the red zone

New England Patriots linebacker -- and newbie U.S. soccer fan -- Eric Alexander was at CBS Scene in Foxborough to watch the Americans' dramatic World Cup victory over Algeria on Wednesday. Revolution announcer Brad Feldman caught up with Alexander after the game:

A look at the Patriots' leaders in special teams tackles (based on coaches' film review), which can highlight the value of some lesser publicized players:

LB Pierre Woods -- 12
LB Eric Alexander -- 9
S Brandon McGowan -- 9
S Pat Chung -- 8
WR Sam Aiken -- 7
CB Kyle Arrington -- 5
S Bret Lockett -- 5
S Brandon Meriweather -- 5
WR Matthew Slater -- 5
LB Rob Ninkovich -- 4
K Stephen Gostkowski -- 4

FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive end Ty Warren, who did not practice Wednesday, upped his workload during Thursday's practice. Warren was listed on the team's participation report as being limited in team drills during the session.

In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.

Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)

Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)

Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)

LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.

On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.

A look at the game-ball winners from the Patriots' 27-21 victory over the Ravens:

Eric Alexander -- Core special teams player made an immediate impact by forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff

Jarvis Green -- With four tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit, he played more snaps than any defensive lineman, lining up at end and moving inside in some passing situations.

Brandon Meriweather -- Safety played every snap, led the team with nine tackles and had two deflected passes.

Logan Mankins -- Starting left guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Sammy Morris -- Running back converted in key short-yardage situation again, rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, and added five catches for 35 yards in a versatile effort

Stephen Neal -- Starting right guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Ty Warren -- Defensive end came up with big third-and-1 stop in the fourth quarter, had two quarterback hits, and continued his overall consistent play.

Mike Wright -- Defensive lineman led a pressure-based attack with a strong interior rush, totaling two sacks and three tackles (one for a loss)

A snapshot look at the players on the Patriots' 45-man game-day roster who were part of core special teams units Sunday against the Ravens:


WR Sam Aiken

LB Eric Alexander

S Pat Chung

LB Rob Ninkovich


Safeties Matthew Slater, Brandon McGowan and James Sanders were part of three special teams units.

The Patriots have been inconsistent on special teams, with some of the more noticeable struggles coming on kickoff returns. Slater, who was part of the kickoff coverage, punt coverage and punt return teams, could provide a spark to a kickoff return unit that has annually been one of the NFL's better groups.