A map is always a good idea for anyone planning a road trip to NFL training camps.
The map we have in mind is not so much geographic or topographic. It's a guide to the hot spots where the story lines are juicy, the position battles intense, the rosters in flux or being retooled.
Here's a Pick 6 of the camp melodramas:
___
PATRIOTS, Foxborough, Mass.: For most franchises, undergoing so many roster changes while making so much news off the field could set up a distraction-filled buildup to a disappointing season. But these are the Patriots, and coach Bill Belichick doesn't allow such things. He finished (in his mind, at least) addressing the Aaron Hernandez murder arrest on Wednesday, saying, "We'll try to do a good job in bringing people into this organization in the future and try to learn from the mistakes that we've made along the way, of which there have been plenty."
Even if the club won't talk about Hernandez, this is a challenging preseason for New England. The Patriots need to reinvent their passing game — Tom Brady's top five receivers from 2012, at least until star TE Rob Gronkowski is healthy, are gone — and upgrade their defense.
REDSKINS, Richmond, Va.: This camp is all about one guy: Robert Griffin III. It shouldn't be, but when there are so many health questions about the dynamic Offensive Rookie of the Year and he plays quarterback, well, it will be RG3 24/7.
Coach Mike Shanahan won't make a second mistake of playing RG3 when he isn't up to snuff, and Griffin's every practice move will be well-documented. But with the Redskins favored in the NFC East, keeping an eye on how their secondary and offensive line come together will be just as worthwhile.
