Monday Patriots Headlines: October 4th

It's finally game day as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady goes for his 100th win tonight against Miami, and New England needs a victory to try and keep pace in the AFC East after the Jets blew out the Bills yesterday 38-14.

ESPN.com has an in-depth look at New England's running game, and feels that they'll need to try and run the football to have a shot at being successful this evening. The article points out that the last time BenJarvus Green-Ellis carried the ball 20 times, the Patriots won the game.

The Boston Globe has an article on Green-Ellis, who is focused and ready should he take the field tonight against the Dolphins.

Wide receiver Wes Welker sat down in an interview with ESPN's Suzy Kolber (video is available) and told her that he's "definitely not 100%" but says that he's getting there.

"It's hard to put a number on it, but I'm definitely not 100 percent. It's just lacking that little bit, that little bit that really got that separation, that little bit of quickness, that little bit of something that's just not there yet. But we're getting there."

Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe has a piece this morning as part of her "Getting to Know..." series, with this one focused on back up quarterback Brian Hoyer.

The Boston Herald has a piece that appears to be syndicated from the Sun-Sentinal on the fact that tonight's game may be the turning point for the Dolphins, which gives fans an outside perspective on how Miami is viewing this game.

Bob Ryan has a column this morning on tonight's game, and feels that it's sobering to look at the Dolphins roster and seeing what they may become. Ryan points out that Miami's always been a tough place to play, and can't recall any New England coach looking forward to playing the Dolphins in Miami.

Albert Breer of the Boston Globe writes that New England needs this game, for a number of reasons.

Jim McBride of the Boston Globe has a scouting report for tonight's game, breaking down different areas.

Monique Walker has an article on tight end Alge Crumpler, who despite not having a catch this season is still making an impact. His blocking up front hasn't gone unnoticed, and he's been a great addition to this team so far.

"Alge's been a great player for this offense,'' said quarterback Tom Brady this week. "You don't see him because he doesn't catch a lot of passes, but if you watch him and the way he can play on the line of scrimmage at the point of attack, he's a great blocker. The running backs are real happy about having Alge on the team. When you run behind him, you know you're going to gain some yards because Alge doesn't get pushed back."

Randy Moss has said he's looking for marketing opportunities, and it appears he's got something new for fans who are into fantasy football. The Boston Herald reports that Moss has forged a new partnership with VuFantasyFootball.com and World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF). The joint venture will provide two-way video news, expert advice and updates for fantasy football players. The site officially makes its debut tomorrow.

Tim Graham of ESPNBoston.com writes that as "Road Graders", the Patriots get an "F".

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has "Five Questions for Tonight's Game", and wonders if the Patriots woes on the road will finally end tonight.

Karen Guregian writes that in order for that to happen, it's extremely important for New England to not come out flat tonight.

Rapoport writes that the Dolphins have some big defensive backs, which should make tonight tough on New England's receivers.

Ron Borges writes that Miami's defense may have a tough time against the Patriots tight ends, and feels that should be an area New England should try to exploit.

That's it for this morning. We've got more on the way so check back throughout the afternoon as we get set for tonight's game.