Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe offers analysis of the Branch holdout. According to Reiss, three experts on the case believe Branch will have difficulty proving that the Patriots were not within their rights in dealing with him."As I understand it,his complaint is that the Patriots weren't treating him fairly after they made this offer that he could shop himself to other teams. That could be true, but it's hard to see where he has a contract right that has been violated. If anyone, he is the one violating his obligation to fulfill his contract," said Roger Abrams, a Richardson Professor of Law at Northeastern.
The story folows up on another by *The Boston Globe*. In the story printed on Saturday, Ron Borges reported that Branch filed two grievances against the team not long after the Patriots refuesd to accept trade offers from the Seahawks or Jets.
On Sunday, Jackie MacMullen of The Boston Globe offered a feature on Mike Vrabel, perhaps one of the most versatile veterans on the Patriots roster.
Boston Herald writer John Tomase reports on the strength of the Patriots offensive line. Provided everyone's healthy, potential All-Pros dot the line, from center Dan Koppen to guards Stephen Neal and Logan Mankins. Matt Light is an experienced left tackle who started three Super Bowls while rookie Ryan O'Callaghan impressed throughout camp with his strength and footwork.
John Tomase also offers a full report of roster changes, including wideout Bam Childress' release.
*The Herald* also reports that it will be difficult for Branch to return to the Patriots by Sunday's game. Apparently, Branch's grievance may not be heard until Saturday.
The Providence Journal's Shalise Manza Young takes a look at the Patriots 53-man roster in a position-by-position breakdown.
The Enterprise's Glen Farley also looks at the 53 players chosen by the Patriots.
*The Providence Journal* also offers some notes on the Patriots roster.
The *Hartford Courant* takes a look at new receiver Jonathan Smith, who's just arrived from the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots meet the Bills in the season opener on Sunday.
Michael Parente of* The Woonsocket Call* also discusses the release of Bam Childress and the acquisition of Jonathan Smith.
*The Woonsocket Call* also takes a look at the new roster, discussing individual players and their roles on the team.
Also don't forget to check out The Globe's Patriots blog, Reiss' Pieces.
Also, be sure to check out lengthy team analysis done by *USA Today's* Inside Slant.
