The Patriots calmed concerns about their defense with a dominating showing against the Green Bay Packers in which the Patriots allowed only a field goal in their 27-3 win. The offense was sharp and the defense was dominating. Ron Borges of the Boston Globe, Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe, Michael Felger of the Boston Herald * and Tom Curran of the *Providence Journal all offer a review of the game.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports that Pats tight end Ben Watson had an impressive night with six catches for 49 yards in the Patriots win over Green Bay. "Every game I can play is a plus for me. I was out for a whole year, so any time I can get out there it builds my confidence,'' said Watson. "It helps me get back in the flow of things."

With the severity of Matt Light's foot injury unknown, Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe writes that the Patriots moved alot of players around on the offensive line to compensate for the absence of Light. Tom Ashworth moved from right tackle to Light's left tackle position. Rookie Nick Kaczur replaced Ashworth at right tackle. Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, and Stephen Neal were the interior linemen. "It gave Tom a good opportunity to work on the left side and Nick some reps on the right side," said coach Bill Belichick.

Tuesday is the deadline for NFL clubs to make the first set of roster cuts down to the mandated 65 players. One of the toughest cuts this year will be at wide receiver. With Deion Branch, David Givens. Troy Brown and Tim Dwight all locks for a roster spot, Tom Curran of the Providence Journal reports that Terrell, Sam, and Davis are likely battling for the fifth wideout spot. Also adding to the wide-receiver drama are rookies Bam Childress, Jason Anderson and Eugene Baker, and injured veteran Bethel Johnson who is currently on PUP. Michael Felger of the Boston Herald also offers a similar report.

Michael Parente of the Pawtucket Times writes a story on the upcoming first set of roster cuts and offers a short list of players who have helped themselves this summer in camp, along with a handful of players who have hurt themselves. Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe also offers a similar report on the upcoming roster cuts.

Chris Kennedy of The Republican writes that because of the players they replaced, linebackers Chad Brown and Monty Beisel are receiving the vast majority of scruitiny on the Pats defense. Brown and Beisel replaced Ted Johnson (retired) and Tedy Bruschi (PUP, recovering from effects of a stroke) and have received the most preseason playing time at the inside linebacker spots in New England's base 3-4 defense.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers a story on Pats nose tackle Vince Wilfork who played a big role in the win of the Green Bay Packers. Wilfork combined with the solid play of middle linebackers Chad Brown and Monty Beisel to hold the Packers running game to just 51 yards on 19 carries (2.7-yard average) over the first three quarters. "It's a team concept. Anytime that you take the pressure off of somebody, the linebackers or the DBs or whatever, that's a good thing, because sometimes we have to depend on those guys. We try to stop the run with the front seven. We try to pressure the quarterback with the front four, or front three, whatever it happens to be, and let the defensive backs back there do their job," said Wilfork.

Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that the Patriots are champions both on and off of the field. During the offseason the Patriots have been busy with many charitable causes. From events to raise money to inspirational hospital visits and hosting Make-A-Wish Foundation dreamers, the Patriots aspire to be champions off the field. Tomorrow night, at the team's annual Kickoff Gala, owner Robert Kraft will present a Patriot with the 2005 Ron Burton Community Service Award in recognition of superior philanthropic efforts. "It's all about giving and helping make things better for others when you're blessed with the opportunity to do so. I just can't think of anything more important that I could do other than helping kids, especially troubled kids," said Matt Light.

Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.