Through four games the Patriots are in a very unfamiliar spot at 2-2. That is particularly noteworthy considering that three of those four games were played at Gillette Stadium.
The main problems have been with the defense, which has allowed a 300-yard passer in each game. Even pedestrian offense like Houston and Carolina the last two weeks have been able to rack up tons of yards and points against the Patriots defense.
ESPNBoston.com says it's time for Bill Belichick and his defensive coaches to get their mojo back. Stephon Gilmore had a particularly rough day in the Patriots secondary and will be feeling the heat this week. It all starts with communication, says the Boston Globe's Ben Volin. CSNNE.com agrees about the communication.
*The Worcester Telegram *also looks at Gilmore’s rocky start. In perhaps a troubling sign of things to come, Gilmore says he "doesn't know what else to do" when asked about his penalties for illegal use of hands to the face.
The Boston Globe says the Patriots can’t continue to force Tom Brady to do it all alone. The notebook leads with Stephen Gostkowski’s franchise-best 58-yard field goal.
The Boston Herald says Foxborough is no longer an intimidating place to play. Despite a list of defensive breakdowns a mile long, the notebook leads with discussing Rob Gronkowski’s curious pass interference penalty early in the game.
The Providence Journal says the Patriots won’t have much time to dwell on the defeat as they have a quick turnaround before Thursday night's battle with the Bucs in Tampa.
The Eagle Tribune wonders if there’s trouble in paradise when it comes to the Patriots. MassLive.com wonders how the Patriots defense can be this awful. The Boston Sports Journal says the defensive issues are fixable.
CSNNE.com updates the Patriots injury situation, including the return of Dont'a Hightower.
ESPNBoston.com looks at some bright spots. In terms of some personal accomplishments, ESPNBoston.com says Gronkowski established a record for passing yards from Brady. CSNNE.com writes that Brady once again looked to Danny Amendola when he had to have a play.
