The foam came from directly above the filter element on the lid to the air box. The lid has the blue foam adhered or at least stuck to the lid. I did not try to disturb it.
The pieces were found sitting in the center of the filter element, resting on the bottom of the air box. It was late at the time, so my recollection was flawed. I looked at the parts diagram and the pieces should not cause a problem. They were probably swirling around inside for some time.