With questions surfacing about the future of New England's offense, Bill Belichickmade it clear Tuesday that Matt Casselis indeed the team's starting quarterback and no changes are on the horizon.
“He gives our team the best chance to win,” Belichick told the Boston Globe.
The *Globe *also takes a look at the Patriots' non-existent pass rush, which failed to lay a hand on Philip Rivers Sunday night in San Diego. Belichick attributed the lack of pressure to the team's game plan of stopping the run first.
“It is a little bit of a conflict there, especially for the linemen when you’re playing the run and they run play-action,” Belichick explained to the Globe.
With that said, the Patriots are facing another pass-happy team Monday night with the Denver Broncos coming to town. Leading the charge is quarterback Jay Cutler.
“Cutler has a very talented set of tools,” Belichick told the Boston Herald.
The *Providence Journal *also takes a look at Belichick's public backing of Cassel in addition to the potential return of offensive lineman Stephen Neal, who is eligible to begin practicing this week after spending the first six weeks on the physically unable to perform list.
"Stephen has played a lot of football for us and I think he would certainly add to the quality and depth of that [offensive line] group," Belichick told the Journal.
Also, the *Quincy Patriot Ledger *says New England looks like an average team heading home with a 3-2 record following Sunday's blowout loss to San Diego.
“We all have to play better and coach better than we did last week,” Belichick told the Patriot Ledger.
Quick hits
The *Denver Post *looks at Monday's game from New England's perspective, suggesting perhaps a sense of urgency has set in for the Patriots as they face another tough challenge.
“You can’t dwell on things too long because then you get caught up in the past, and before you know it you've lost two in a row,” linebacker Tedy Bruschitold the Post.
The *Post *also looks at the potential return of rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal, who missed last week's game with an ankle injury.
“I want to get out there as soon as possible,” Royal told the Post.
The *Colorado Springs Gazette *looks at the Broncos' struggling offense, which has hit the wall following a fast start in 2008.
“Between being good and great, it’s a few things here and there,” receiver Brandon Stokley told the Gazette.
