Thursday's New England Patriots Links 9/6
After a quick trip around the internet here are today's top stories, with the Boston Herald churning out quite a bit this morning:
BOSTON GLOBE
NOTEBOOK: Brady Confident With Offense - Michael Whitmer
Whitmer has comments from Tom Brady's press conference from Wednesday where the Patriots quarterback said that despite not connecting with Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd nearly at all during the preseason, he has confidence he can do it "when it counts".
Double coverage on tap - Michael Whitmer
Whitmer has an article on the McCourty twins, with Devin and Jason both silent as the two continue preparing for Sunday's match-up. For those who are unaware Devin's brother, Jason, is a cornerback for the Tennessee Titans.
Titans coach: 'Quite a challenge' to open vs. Patriots - Matt Pepin
Pepin has excerpts from Titans coach Mike Munchak in this transcription from yesterday's conference call with the Boston media.
BOSTON HERALD
Young, talented defense critical to getting Patriots over hump - Jeff Howe
Howe writes that with Bill Belichick it's always been about the defense, and he takes a look at past seasons where they've been on the decline but points out a lot of the changes who figure to be starters this year who should make an impact.
NOTEBOOK: Patriots tinker, tweak - Jeff Howe
Howe files his "notebook" this morning which leads off with the fact that the Patriots have made a large amount of roster transactions after putting together their initial practice squad Saturday, including eight in the past two days.
McCourty siblings to battle for 1st time - Mark Daniels
Daniels has a good article on the sibling rivalry between Devin and Jason McCourty, with the two saying that they're better than the other in different areas - but the two won't be talking this week.
Patriots ahead of pack - Jeff Howe
Howe takes a great look around the AFC East and expects the Patriots to, once again, come away as Division champions.
With draft additions, 'D' has shot to deliver - Jeff Howe
Howe writes that on paper the Patriots have one of the more talented defenses in the league, and points out the fact they have 11 first and second-round picks on that side of the ball.
Alfonzo Dennard not to be denied - Mark Daniels
Daniels has an article on cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Sunday with his first NFL game.
Titan-ic task for Pats - Jeff Howe
Howe has an article on Titans runningback Chris Johnson, who should present quite a challenge for the Patriots this weekend.
Josh McDaniels liable to show it all - Karen Guregian
Guregian writes that with all the weapons he has at his disposal, it should be interesting to see what he does with them this weekend.
Sub-stitutions revamp pass 'D' - Karen Guregian
Guregian has a good article on the defense, and writes that in order to deal with all of the pass-happy offenses, Bill Belichick has focused on building a better dub defense package.
Comings and goings in Foxboro - Karen Guregian
Guregian looks at five key arrivals for the Patriots this offseason.
Cream of the crop - Jeff Howe
Howe looks at a group of players who he feels the defense will improve if they play to their potential in 2012.
Back to 'D' Future - Jeff Howe
Howe looks at several defensive players and compares them to past Patriots.
No end in sight for prolific offense - Mark Daniels
Daniels looks at the Patriots offense and writes that New England typically brings an offensive juggernaut out onto the field and this year shouldn't be any different.
In defense of needing a strong Patriots defense - Ron Borges
Borges has a column focusing on the fact that the prevailing theory is that a team no longer needs to play defense to win a title, and he disagrees.
Vince Wilfork advice rings true - Karen Guregian
Guregian has an article on Vince Wilfork, and writes that after eight years, he's the only championship ring-bearer left on defense to spread the word about what it's going to take to win the next one.
Make most of Tom Brady era - Steve Buckley
Buckley writes that with the window closing, it's time for another title.
Four tight ends a new way to dictate - Matt Chatham
Former Patriot Matt Chatham has an article this morning on the forward thinking of Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, and ponders the possibility of four tight ends on the field together.
WEEI
Bill Belichick on Patriots Roster: "Where is that sweet spot?" - Mike Petraglia
Petraglia has a good article on Bill Belichick, who said yesterday during his press conference that considering the amount of new players who have been added heading into Sunday's game, the goal is to try not to "overload" them with too much information.
Brandon Lloyd: 'We'll see' How Comfortable new receiver is in Patriots offense - Mike Petraglia
Petraglia has an article on Brandon Lloyd, who despite not getting too many chances in the preseason to show what impact he could have on the offense is looking forward to getting out there.
ESPN BOSTON
Revisiting all TE moves for Patriots - Mike Reiss
Reiss recaps all the tight end transactions and workouts surrounding tight ends this offseason, and considering they already have two of the best in the league in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, it makes you wonder if Bill Belichick should see someone about his fixation with this position.
Quick-hit evaluations on DTs - Field Yates
Yesterday Yates had previously done an entry on DEs, and now he breaks down the defensive tackle position with a player-by-player synopsis.
MASSLIVE
Bill Belichick is not worried about replacement officials slowing the New England Patriots' no-huddle offense - Nick Underhill
Underhill has comments from Belichick, with the Patriots coach saying that he's not worried about he replacement officials in this Sunday's match-up against Tennessee.
WORCESTER TELEGRAM
Tom Brady: Protection not an issue - Rich Garven
Garven has an article on the state of the offensive line, and leads off by joking, "So much for the line of thinking that the big guys up front get little in the way of publicity."
ATTLEBORO SUN CHRONICLE
More than a name - Mark Farinella
Farinella has an article on recently signed Michael Hoomanawanui, who is yet another tight end joining their roster.
Brady can't get down over these turnovers - Mark Farinella
Farinella has comments from Tom Brady, who watched some of his friends get released this past week.
ENTERPRISE NEWS
35 things to know about Tom Brady - Mark Torpey
As the title states, Torpey has 35 facts (to match the QB's age) with things you may not have known about quarterback Tom Brady, including the fact that while playing football for the University of Michigan, he hired a sports psychologist to help him cope with frustration and anxiety.
BLEACHER REPORT
New England Patriots: 10 bold Prediction for the 2012 NFL Season - Erik Frenz
Our good friend Erik Frenz gives his thoughts on the upcoming Patrios season, including the fact he believes Brady will be sacked 33 or more times.
