Here are this morning's top stories:
BOSTON HERALD:
Patriots start playoff run - Jeff Howe - Howe writes that the offense's commitment to the running game absolutely will translate to success in the postseason, and cites Sunday's game as a good example.
Pats focus on getting healthy - Mark Daniels - Daniels looks at how the Patriots endured a regular season with nine players on injured reserve, and now the upcoming days will be about rest as much as making improvements.
Patriots Report Card: Running game, resolve bury Bills - Ron Borges - Borges has his grades for this week's win over Buffalo, and writes that this win was more of a struggle than necessary, but once again the Patriots showed stiff resolve and unwillingness to cave in.
Five takeaways from Pats- Bills game - Jeff Howe - Howe has his five takeaways from this week, and feels that the Patriots are battle tested.
BOSTON GLOBE:
Browns interested in Patriots' Josh McDaniels - Ben Volin - Volin writes that while the Patriots haven't had to deal with a coaching change in 14 years, it's not stopping them from being in the mix as the Browns have requested to permission to interview McDaniels for their coaching vacancy.
Patriots marvel at Logan Mankins's toughness - Shalise Manza Young - Manza Young writes that it's part of NFL life to see a player need help getting off the field, but it's even more rare that it's Logan Mankins needing it. But Mankins fought through the pain and was a big part of Sunday's win over Buffalo.
Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones lead the field - Shalise Manza Young - Manza Young looks at the durability of Ninkovich and Jones, with the latter player having played more snaps than any other defensive lineman.
Tickets for Patriots playoff game go on sale Monday, Jan. 6 - Robert Burgess - Burgess writes that tickets will go on sale next Monay for the Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.
ESPN BOSTON:
Where does Blount trade rank? - Mike Reiss - Reiss looks back at Blount's performance on Sunday which broke a 51-year-old franchise record for all-purpose yards, and hits the rewind button to the day the team acquired him. He also looks back at previous trades and tries to figure out where Blount's ranks in terms of significance.
Picked-up pieces from 4th-quarter review - Mike Reiss - Reiss breaks down film from the fourth quarter on Sunday and gives some good observations in this entry.
Picked-up pieces from 3rd-quarter review - Mike Reiss - Reiss also looks at the third quarter, which included the 3rd down punt by Brady on a 3rd-and-32 play.
Picked-up pieces from 2nd-quarter review - Mike Reiss - Reiss points out some notes from the second quarter, which saw Blount score his 36-yard touchdown on a 2 WR/ 2 TE/ 1 RB package, and was sprung by Marcus Cannon.
Picked-up pieces from 1st-quarter review - Mike Reiss - Reiss has his notes from the first quarter, and takes a look at a couple of big plays given up early on by New England's defense.
Patriots shuffle practice squad - Mike Reiss - Reiss notes a couple of player transactions on Monday, and updates the practice squad roster.
Top 5 Patriots storylines of 2013 - Field Yates - Yates notes the top five stories from this year, and he correctly leaves out the Aaron Hernandez arrest and release from the team.
Quick hits from the locker room - Field Yates - Yates has notes from the locker room yestrday, and noticed a walking boot in front of Mankins' locker.
Four predictions for 2014 - Field Yates - Yates has four predictions for 2014, and he believes the Patriots will play in Super Bowl XLVIII.
WEEI:
Why these Patriots are 'Man' Enough for Super Bowl Run - Mike Petraglia - Petraglia writes that he's seen enough, and believes these Patriots are Super Bowl Calibur.
WORCESTER TELEGRAM:
New faces lead Patriots to same success - Rich Garven - Garven looks at the group of players who helped the Patriots win at least 12 games for the fourth straight season.
Waiting game begins for Patriots - Glen Farley - Farley writes that the Patriots are now stuck waiting to find out who their next opponent will be after earning a first round bye thanks to Sunday's win over Buffalo.
More News Headlines:
MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess
By: Mark MorseThe Patriots' wide receiver room is under review, highlighting AJ Brown, Demario Douglas, and key battles. The Gabe Jacas controversy adds intrigue.
Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions
By: Ian LogueReviewing Patriots minicamp, key questions remain for 2026 concerning the offensive line, linebacker, receiver depth, tight end, and Drake Maye's role.
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots wrap up spring workouts, looking ahead to training camp and the 2026 season. Drake Maye's development, A.J. Brown & Romeo Doubs boost offense.
Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle
By: Ian LoguePatriots rookie Caleb Lomu details his 'weird' initial adjustment to right tackle after college, now feeling natural with veteran Morgan Moses' help.
Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”
By: Ian LogueVrabel challenges Christian Barmore to 'finish' plays and increase sacks in 2026. His season management is also detailed.