Thursday's New England Patriots Links 8/18

The Patriots are set to battle the Buccaneers down in Tampa Bay tonight, and there is plenty to read about this morning.

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has an article on tonight's game, and writes that one thing to watch will be the performance of Nate Solder, who will get his first chance to protect Tom Brady's blindside tonight.

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has his look at tonight, and expects this to be the first game we regulars like Chad Ochocinco to see action.

Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram also previews tonight's game, and writes that Bill Belichick was cryptic when asked about whether his 'starters' would see action tonight.

"Well, I don't even know who our starters are, so I couldn't answer that question," he said Tuesday, apparently wanting us to believe the likes of Tom Brady, Logan Mankins, Wes Welker, Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty are all vying for spots on the varsity.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com has the list of marquee names that fans should expect to see tonight.

Nick Underhill of MassLive.com has "what to watch for tonight", and he'll be watching Solder and Thomas Austin during the game.

Ian Rapoport has his "5 things to watch" for tonight, and wonders if the starting offense can 'shake off the cobwebs' tonight.

The Boston Globe has a piece without a byline with their "5 things to watch" during tonight's action, and they wonder if the Patriots will be able to bring the same pressure they did last week.

Tom Curran has his 'what to look for' tonight' article, and he'll be keeping an eye on the safety position, which appears to be volatile so far during this preseason.

Christopher Price of WEEI.com has a pretty thorough 'what to look for' article for tonight, and will be keeping an eye on defensive lineman Kyle Love, among others.

The Cape Cod Times has an article from the Associated Press on Andre Carter, who apparently has some defensive genes in him from his father.

Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle has an article on Mark Anderson, who is hoping to make a good showing tonight.

Monique Walker has a piece on Matthew Slater, who is trying to verse himself in both sides of the ball to allow himself a better shot at making the roster by being a little more versatile.

Walker also has an article on Brian Hoyer, who always works hard to be prepared in the event he's called on.

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has a similar article on Hoyer, who says his routine won't change regardless of how much he plays tonight.

Rapoport also has an article on Steve Maneri, who should benefit greatly following the release of Mark LeVoir yesterday.

He also has a piece on the competition on who will be the 'blocking' tight end behind Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski, which was the role that Alge Crumpler had last season.

Mike Rodak of ESPNBoston.com reports on a minor transaction for yesterday, with the team waiving injured linebacker Christian Cox.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe writes that now that the starters will see action, the real fun begins.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald takes a look at her potential 53 man roster, and wonders who will finally be around when the roster cutdown comes.

Most writers have "5 things to watch" today, although the North Andover Patch has "5 Places to Watch Tonight's Game" for any of you who live in the area.

Tom Curran of CSNNE.com has an interesting piece about putting the 'Patriot Way' in persepective.

The Denver Post has an article on former Patriot Ty Warren, who apparently needs surgery to repair his torn triceps tendon, but the Broncos are hopeful that he won't end up on IR.

Dave Hyde of the Providence Journal has an interesting article on former PatriotBrian Cox, who is glad to be back working in Miami as a coach with the Dolphins.

Ryan Tepperman of NESN writes that the Patriots will hold a ceremony for Drew Bledsoe and Jon Morris on September 17th, which is when they'll be enshrined in the Patriots Hall of Fame.

And finally, for those of you who care (I really don't, but I came across it and figured someone may), BallJunkie.com - a site I've never heard of - has quotes from Ochocinco's fiancee about a variety of topics.

That's it for this morning. We'll have more throughout the day so be sure to check back for updates.