Wednesday's Daily New England Patriots Links 8/21

The Patriots are off to Detroit as they prepare for Thursday night's match-up against the Detroit Lions. There are some good stories this morning, and here are today's links:

BOSTON HERALD:

Buckley: Nice and quiet in Foxboro - Steve Buckley - Buckley writes that after what happened with Aaron Hernandez, "the assumption was that this would be the craziest, loudest Patriots training camp in history. Instead, it has been one of the calmest."

Friendly battle at punter - Tom Layman - Layman has an article this morning on the punter battle, and writes that there's no bad blood between Ryan Allen and Zoltan Mesko as the two continue competing.

"Everybody is here to compete for a job," Allen said. "That's what the NFL is about. Competing with another person in the same spot, there is no bad blood. It's mature and friendly competition. That's what is going to make you better, too. There's no bitterness and there should never be anyway."

Notebook: Tim Tebow still feels secure - Mark Daniels - Daniels files his notebook this morning and has comments from Tebow during yesterday's session, who claims he's still focused on improving.

Pats backs against wall - Mark Daniels - Daniels has an article focused on the battle for the final spots at the running back position, and writes that with five of them, "Though it's possible coach Bill Belichick could keep them all, it's unlikely to happen."

BOSTON GLOBE:

NOTEBOOK: Danny Amendola will probably miss Lions game - Ben Volin - Volin files his notebook this morning and writes Belichick's team, "might have a new scenario to practice: what it will be like to play without No. 1 receiver Danny Amendola."

What does EJ Manuel's knee injury mean for Patriots Week 1 matchup with the Bills? - Erik Frenz - Frenz looks at the injury to Bills quarterback EJ Manuel and what it might mean by the time the Patriots take on the Bills in their regular season opener.

ESPN BOSTON:

Leftovers from Patriots practice - Mike Reiss - Reiss has his morning entry and has some bits from yesterday's practice, including a quote from rookie Aaron Dobson talking about the transition the team has made this week now that the public practice sessions are over.

Pats WR Edelman will let play do the talking - Mike Reiss - Reiss has a great article on Julian Edelman, and writes, "Thursday could represent a nice opportunity for him to recapture some of the receiving magic we saw Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston."

WEEI:

Patriots 53 Man Roster Prediction, Version 3.0 - Christopher Price - Price gives his latest roster prediction, with a great summary of each position in terms of why he feels it will shape up the way he has it.

PATRIOTS.COM

Patriots travel to Detroit to face the Lions - The Patriots have a preview of this week's game, which also includes a link to the official game release.

WORCESTER TELEGRAM:

Patriots hit target with Tavon Wilson, Jake Bequette? - Rich Garven - Garven writes that the Patriots may have hit on Wilson when they selected him, but there appears to be some doubt about Bequette, although he seems to believe that he's improved.

"Well, I think I've made some significant improvements," Bequette said. "It shows up every day at practice on film, but just like any other day, I'm trying to work on my technique, perfect my craft and help the team any way I can."

Patriots' Dane Fletcher back after year of rehab - Rich Garven - Garven has a good article on Fletcher, who teammate Rob Ninkovich had some nice things to say about his fellow linebacker.

"It's just a reflection of his character," veteran defensive end Rob Ninkovich said. "He's a hard-working kid who really loves the game. He puts a lot of effort in not only during the season, but during the offseason. Not only to be big and strong and fast, but mentally to get things down. He tries to keep improving."

TIMES UNION:

Mass. woman sues Patriots, NFL for husband's death - AP - The Times Union has an article about a Massachusetts woman whose husband had a fatal heart attack while attending a New England Patriots game with their 6-year-old son has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the team, the NFL, and others and is seeking $10 million. For any of you who didn't hear about this when it happened in 2010, here's an article about it.

ATTLEBORO SUN CHRONICLE:

Sudfeld getting noticed for more than his hair - Mark Farinella - Farinella has a good article on tight end Zach Sudfeld, and writes, "If he does make the roster, Sudfeld will probably be the target of stealthy veterans who'll be champing at the bit to separate his long locks from his head."

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL:

Patriots Journal: Belichick sees versatility at every corner - Paul Kenyon - Kenyon writes that, "Bill Belichick says his team will have a more-flexible, more-versatile group of cornerbacks this year than it has had at any time in recent season."

Patriots have some difficult roster decisions to make - Paul Kenyon - Kenyon writes about the upcoming roster cutdown, as well as some of the difficult decisions the Patriots are going to have to make at some key positions.

TheDay.com:

Fletcher looking strong after surgery for Patriots - AP - This article from the Associated Press focuses on the return of Dane Fletcher, and writer Howard Ulman has some great quotes from the Patriots linebacker.