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As always there were some surprises on Friday, and while there are sure to be some more changes, here are some thoughts on the initial cut down…

– Really not surprised at all by the move with Jeff Demps. He wasn’t ready to contribute this season, mentally or physically. It’s good that he got his feet wet but the safe move is to stash him and let him get back into football.

– Props to Mike Rivera for winning a special teams linebacker spot. Tracy White’s health still might knock Rivera off the team, but beating out Niko Koutouvides and Jeff Tarpinian, two players that had experience already in the system, was impressive. At the very least he’s headed for the practice squad shortly.

– There’s no question Branch’s release was a surprise. He was a luxury insurance and probably would’ve had a limited role this year. If any receiver comes back (or has to come back) I’d bet Branch is the one. He’s still enough quickness and savvy to be effective in short areas, but his days of being a threat on the perimeter are over.

– As of now it’s hard not to imagine that the Pats are going to get Julian Edelman a little more involved with the offense. His development could potentially cushion the blow if Welker leaves next off-season.

– I suspected they would keep four tight ends. With Shiancoe and Fells they have insurance for Gronk, but also blocking help for the young tackles. But it’s a clear commitment to protecting an offense that features their tight ends. Whether that translates into more commitment to the power run game remains to be seen.

– Love that kept lots of defensive backs and lots of defensive ends. Can never have enough of either in today’s NFL.

– The storyline of these three tackles is going to be one to watch. Can Vollmer hold up? Can Solder step up? Will Cannon be ready if needed? Stay tuned…

– Good for Marcus Forston. A lot of draftniks thought he should’ve stayed in school. He’s shown some burst in the center of the defense and that is something the Pats need.

– Oh speaking of interior pass rushers… what the Pats showed in preseason in pure passing situations was commonly Wilfork still, with Jermaine Cunningham inside. Cunningham was then followed by Justin Francis, then Forston. I really hope one of them can bring something, because I’m certainly not counting on Myron Pryor to.

– Chung was back at practice Friday. Phew…

– Not to sound mean but I like the Hoydog cut. It saved some money and at least it would be fun with Mallet. He might throw a ball threw someone’s chest but there’d be a couple rocket completions. Let’s ride with Mallet. For now.

There will be more to come obvs….