Rob Ninkovich:

Brady has to go back to what the Patriots do best, move the chains and not take so many deep shots down the field with players that aren’t suited for that role.

Will Josh McDaniels stay patient enough to allow the running game to get going on Sunday night?

Look no further than the Patriots third-down percentage the past two games to see that the running game is slowing down the offense. New England is 5 for 28 on third down percentage the last two weeks including just 2 of 13 against Denver.

In the last five games, the Philly defense has allowed 828 yards on the ground an average of 165.6 yards per game. This is the time for Blount to get some yardage and take some pressure off the receivers.

Since realignment in 2002, the Pats own a stellar 45-10 record against NFC teams including a 3-0 record against the other teams from the NFC East this season.

Look for the Patriots to try to wear down this Eagles defense with much more Blount and Bolden carrying the ball this week in a similar offensive game plan as when they faced a fellow NFC East foe, the Redskins.

The loss to the Denver Broncos was a minor one compared to the potential loss of Rob Gronkowski who was injured in the fourth quarter of the game on Sunday night

The focus on this week’s Patriots – Broncos game will not be about Brady – Manning or the high octane offenses but the prowess of each team’s defense. This one promises to be a defensive struggle

The meeting was expected to be a typical Brady – Manning shootout when the schedule was released, but expect this one to be much more defensive oriented. The Patriots will have to be creative on offense with all the injuries against the Denver defense.

The Patriots used their defense and special teams to gut out a 20-13 win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. By sweeping the Bills they can clinch the division with a win in Denver on Sunday.

The Patriots and Bills meet on Monday Night Football and with a victory, New England can just about wrap up the AFC East for another year. That would put them five games up on each team with six to go.

Jamie Collins will miss his 3rd game in a row with a mystery illness as well as rookie Cb Justin Coleman and WR Julian Edelman who broke a bone in his foot

The Patriots play the Bills on Monday Night Football and are looking to go 10-0. Buffalo has won two in a row but is lifetime only 3-24 against Tom Brady

The Patriots won another thrilling contest with the New York Giants as Stephen Gostkowski boomed a 54-yard field goal with a second left for 27-26 win.

The Patriots activated OL Chris Barker from the practice squad on Saturday. He can play anywhere along the line but practiced at tackle this training camp