Bill Belichick often has a clear message when he takes to the podium for his big Wednesday press conference as the Patriots prepare for a coming opponent.
That message was quite clear this week as New England got ready for Sunday's battle at Gillette Stadium against the Dolphins. Belichick made it obvious that he was focused on ensuring there would be no letdown after the opening night win and no overlooking Miami.
The Boston Globe came out of the gate talking about what he described as a “sickening” 20-10 loss in Miami in last year’s season finale. The Globe also has always-entertaining tight end Martellus Bennett talking about his raised fist gesture at the end of the National Anthem last Sunday night. The Patriots have a handful of former players on the initial list of Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates for 2017. The Globe also breaks down how the Patriot match up against the Dolphins.
The Boston Herald looks at the impressive start to Malcolm Mitchell’s career in New England, despite his preseason elbow injury. The Herald notes that Stephen Gostkowski, the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, is a weapon for New England. The Herald has a story detailing what was a “hellish year” on and off the field a year ago for left tackle Nate Solder.
The Providence Journal also focuses on Bennett’s comments and drive for change. The ProJo notes that Dont’a Hightower missed practice on Wednesday, while Rob Gronkowski was limited. The ProJo also looks at how Jimmy Garoppolo is fitting in, including off the field.
ESPNBoston.com has Belichick praising Cameron Fleming for the job he did filling in at left tackle last Sunday in Arizona. ESPNBoston.com also writes about Bennett, and why the tight end was wearing a NASA hat in the Gillette Stadium locker room.
WEEI.com says it now knows why Brady wants “no part” of Garoppolo. WEEI.com passes along Danny Amendola talking about why he held a flag during last Sunday’s National Anthem in Arizona. WEEI.com declares that Gronkowski’s latest injury is a reminder the tight end “can’t last forever.”
CSNNE.com writes about Bennett looking to win rather than catch a ton of passes in New England. The site also notes Belichick highlighting the importance of the Patriots conditioning in their opening win.
NFL.com is among those writing that Brady’s eating habits are once again a major talking point.
The* South Florida Sun-Sentinel *says the Patriots made a mistake drafting Garoppolo over current Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry.
ESPN has Miami defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh saying he plans to get Garoppolo rattled on Sunday.
