With Brandon Gorin traded to the Cardinals, another product of the Belichick lineman factory heads out into the mix. Despite his NFL experience, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX, Gorin was still fighting for a roster spot. Agent Joe Linta, who represents Gorin, viewed the trade as a win-win situation. "The Patriots were very opportunistic," Linta said. "When Nick Kaczur comes back, Brandon might have had an uphill battle for playing time. Now he's in a situation where he could step in and start." The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss and the Boston Herald's Michael Felger both have the story.

Well the Patriots running game looks set with Maroney, Dillon and Faulk, but will there be a fourth running back on the final 58 man roster? Mike Reiss offers The Boston Globe's Patriots Notebook, including a piece on the friendly competition among Patrick Pass, Patrick Cobbs and Heath Evans.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald explains that nobody's cutting corners - Not Ellis Hobbs. Not Asante Samuel. And certainly not Bill Belichick. Although nobody is expecting perfection of them, Ellis Hobbs and Asante Samuel haven't exactly been weak points on the Patriots defense so far. Samuel has had a pick in each of the first two preseason games, and the duo shut down catch artists Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald last Saturday.

The Herald explains that Willie McGinest has given the Pats permission to let linebacker Junior Seau wear his old number, 55. McGinest admitted he wore it in college at USC because Seau wore it there before him.

Boston Herald writer Michael Felger tracks Asante Samuel's last five interceptions -- one each in the last five games.

The Providence Journal's Tom Curren offers a feature on wideout Bam Childress. Childress had three receptions for 75 yards against the Cardinals.

Also, don't forget to check Mike Reiss' Boston Globe blog, Reiss' Pieces.