Sunday Patriots Headlines For October 17th

It's finally game day, with New England set to take on the Baltimore Ravens this afternoon at 1:00pm at Gillette Stadium. After a quick trip around the internet here are today's top stories.

We'll kick things off with a terrific interview by our own Russ Goldman who talked with local Boston Sports radio and television host Michael Felger, in what is an absolute must read.

The Baltimore Sun has a blog entry on former Patriots Donte Stallworth and Derrick Burgess, who are both returning to Foxboro to face their former team this afternoon.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald also has an article on Stallworth, who circled this game on the calendar when he signed with the Ravens earlier this year.

Guregian also writes that New England's new offense is a mystery to the Ravens, which should give them an added advantage today.

Jill Seward of NESN.com writes that a win over the Ravens this afternoon would not only give the Patriots a little revenge, but would also prove that they're a team to be reckoned with heading into the rest of the season.

Shalise Manza Young has another edition of her "Getting to Know..." a new player each week, with this week's focused on rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has his "Quick Hit Thoughts" for this morning, and points out that tight end Alge Crumpler recently was named as an additional captain - so fans will see him at midfield this afternoon.

Shalise Manza Young handles the "Sunday Football Notes" for the Globe this weekend, and takes a look at the potential for a lockout in 2011, along with a variety of other topics.

Monique Walker of the Boston Globe has a pretty good notebook this morning and touches on several different things, with head coach Bill Belichick saying on Friday that "it feels like six months" since they played the Dolphins.

Jim McBride has a scouting report for this afternoon's game, and gives the majority of "edges" to the Ravens in this one.

Michael Vega of the Boston Globe writes that Danny Woodhead is the latest "undersized" and "overachieving" athlete to make his mark on the field for the Patriots.

Dan Shaughnessy has a good column this morning on how head coach Bill Belichick remembers nearly every game he's ever lost, and that the playoff beating his team dealt with from the Raven is likely still fresh in his mind.

Ron Borges of the Herald has a column on Ray Lewis, who he says is "truly a rare bird" and may be "the best linebacker of all time".

Steve Buckley also has a colum this morning, giving fans a look inside the family of linebacker Rob Ninkovich. It's a good read, so be sure to check it out.

Ian Rapoport of the Herald has an article on Matt Light, who like the rest of the offense line is bracing for what should be a tough Baltimore Ravens defense.

Rapoport also has five things to watch in this afternoon's game in this piece.

Jeff Howe, also of NESN, writes that the Patriots are looking to keep the momentum going after beating Miami two weeks ago.

And finally the Boston Globe has an article on former Patriot offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, who with his wife have been making a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

That's it for this morning. We'll have pregame notes coming up shortly and will have updates throughout the day and into the evening, so be sure to check back often.