Another quiet news day here in New England before the team returns to work to get ready for the St. Louis Rams who come to Foxboro this week. However, here are this morning's headlines.
Russ Goldman has an article on Aaron Hernandez, who appears to be poised to be the Patriots version of Dallas Clark after his impressive performance Thursday night.
Joe Gill has an article taking a look back at Patriot great Steve Grogan, who Gill writes played 'The Patriot Way" during his career in New England. Grogan was also named "Boston Sports Then and Now's Athlete of the Month" for the month of August.
Jeff Howe of NESN.com has an article this morning on Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who gives New England plenty of versatility after working as a long snapper throughout training camp. What many people may not know is that he's been a long-snapper since the eighth grade, so this position isn't as new to him as many people may have thought.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram has an entertaining column this morning on New England's new commitment to the running game, and wonders just how long it will last, and finds it funny that no one was complaining about this during their record breaking season in 2007.
The Boston Globe has an article on back up quarterback Brian Hoyer, who through two games looks much more confident throwing the football than he was last season.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald has a good read this morning on the obvious change in philosophy on the offensive side of the football, as the Patriots appear to be trying to make their attack far less predictable than it was last season.
Ian Rapoport of the Herald also chimes in on New England's ground game, which saw Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris both have a big night running the ball, with Morris crediting Brandon Tate and Sam Aiken for their downfield blocks as the reason he ran so well.
Jim Donaldson of the Providence Journal tells fans not to get too carried away with the Patriots running game, and that in the end it will be Tom Brady's arm that will carry them to whereever it is they're headed this season.
Rapoport also reports that offensive lineman Nick Kaczur underwent back surgery this week to repair a bulging disc, which could potentially sideline him for the season. The Patriots haven't placed him on injured reserve just yet, but according to the report both sides appear "pessimistic" that he'll be able to play this year.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com also follows up on this news and offers his thoughts as to what this means for the Patriots offensive line.
That's it for this morning. On these quiet news days going forward I'll be including more NFL news to fill things in a bit more, as with two more Thursday games ahead Saturday and Sundays have been quiet news-wise. So you can expect to see that return over the next couple of weeks.
Otherwise hope you have a good day and we'll see you tomorrow.
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