The New England Patriots visit TCF Bank Stadium for their Week 2 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, left, runs with the ball for a gain before being brought down by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, right, catches a 9-yard touchdown pass as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) and free safety Harrison Smith defend during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Injuries affected the Patriots starting lineup on defense in Minnesota as linebacker Jamie Collins (thigh) and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (shoulder) were listed among the inactives.
New England remained in the 3-4 to open but it had a different look with Vince Wilfork and Chris Jones at end with Sealver Siliga over the nose. Rookie Deontae Skinner replaced Collins at inside linebacker and worked next to Jerod Mayo. They soon switched to a 4-3 with Rob Ninkovich working as a down end.
Logan Ryan opened at right corner while Darrelle Revis manned his spot at left cornerback but seemed to lock up with veteran Greg Jennings early on.
Offensively, the Patriots opened with Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly, Jordan Devey and Sebastian Vollmer up front from left to right. Aaron Dobson made his 2014 debut and started at wide receiver.
