While much of the Boston sports world is reveling in another Red Sox World Series title this Monday morning, there is much to ponder in Patriot Nation as well.
New England will be in Buffalo on Monday night to take on the Bills in a prime time AFC East battle.
Off the field, there is also plenty of league-wide speculation regarding what could be an exciting, active trade market heading into Tuesday evening's NFL trade deadline.
The Boston Globe offers up five keys to a possible Patriots victory Monday night against a struggling Bills team. The Globe also looks at a list of possible trade deadline candidates that New England might be considering. The Globe has a column detailing the struggles of the trash-talking Eagles and Jaguars as the attempt to keep up with the Patriots this season. The Globe also looks at how Stephon Gilmore has become a so-called “shutdown” cornerback in New England.
The Globe's Sunday NFL notes wonder if the Giants and Raiders are already tanking to secure as high a draft pick as possible next spring.
The Boston Herald has five things to watch for in the matchup between the Patriots and Bills. The Herald takes a look at Tom Brady’s pumpkin-carving skills via a social media post from the quarterback. The Herald notes that Sony Michel and Marcus Cannon were ruled out for Monday night’s game after not making the trip to Buffalo with the team. The Herald declares that New England must drop its recent turnover habit against the Bills. The Herald writes that Brady thrives even without a full arsenal of weapons. After sitting out last week, the Herald says Rob Gronkowski is “good” for the Bills game. Even without a possible trade, the Patriots are the favorite as usual according to the Herald.
The Providence Journal writes that despite the Bills record and ugly start to the season, New England remains wary of its latest opponent. The ProJo has Josh Gordon crediting his teammates with helping him get up to speed in the Patriots offense. The ProJo looks at the bumpy road that rookie cornerback J.C. Jackson took to New England.
ESPNBoston.com writes about Gordon reviving his career while thriving early on in his time in New England. ESPNBoston.com looks at New England’s status one year removed from the somewhat controversial trade of backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers.
ESPN writes that Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is in part guided by some of his experiences during multiple stints on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England. ESPN takes a deep look into Brady’s dominance over Buffalo in his career, a record 28 wins over the Bills.
NBC Sports Boston passes on a report from the Athletic that the Patriots have had internal discussions about bringing back linebacker Jamie Collins, traded from New England to Cleveland just a few years ago in a deadline deal. NBC Sports Boston also passes along a report from NFL Network that the Patriots have been in talks with the Broncos regarding wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. NBC Sports Boston notes that FOX reported that New England is indeed in the market for a “premium” wide receiver. NBC Sports Boston has Brady taking part in a video congratulating former teammate and current Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri for breaking the NFL record for points scored. NBC Sports Boston writes about Gordon calling New England a “breeding ground for excellence.”
NFL.com has the Broncos wide receiver Thomas saying there is a 50/50 chance he’ll be traded this week. NFL.com has a trade suggestion for each AFC team, including the idea that the Patriots should trade for a pass rusher such as Broncos linebacker Shane Ray.
NESN.com has what to watch for on Monday night in Buffalo.
