The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss offers an interview with safety Rodney Harrison, who talks about differences between the two divisions he's played in. Reiss recaps the unfolding of the AFC East through the first six weeks of play.
*The Boston Globe* reports that the Patriots will re-sod portions of Gillette Stadium before the next home game against the Colts. Synthetic grass had been a topic of discussion in recent days, but an NFL spokesman said there is a rule -- although not in the league's official rulebook -- that if a team's home field is grass at the start of the season it must remain that way throughout the season. Also included are stories on Asante Samuel and last week's snow storm in Buffalo.
Boston Herald writer John Tomase also reports on the re-sod. "A team cannot change its surface during the season," said AFC information manager Steve Alic yesterday. "A club must finish the season with the same surface it began with."
*The Providence Journal* also reports on the issue of field conditions. Tim Davey, the National Football League's director of game operations, said the Pats will replace the worn-out center strip of Gillette Stadium with new sod imported from a turf farm in Delaware.
The Boston Herald's Michael Felger reports that the trade deadline came and went yesterday. Though there was much speculation at the possible acquisition of Raider Randy Moss, no trades were made. Felger also offers stories on the Patriots depth at the safety position and the ten worst teams in the NFL.
David Brown of The Standard-Times also takes a look at what might have been with Moss, arguing that it may not have been as good an acquisition as some might have thought. Brown believes that ostentatious personnel moves are the worst way to calm nerves and the best way to cause problems.
Albert Breer of the Boston Herald offers a story on cornerback Asante Samuel, who is focusing on the things he needs to work on rather than the things he's done well. Samuel had two picks in the Pats last game against the Dolphins.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports on receiver Troy Brown, who is on the verge of breaking a number of team and league records.
Glen Farley of The Enterprise reports that the Patriots returned to work on Monday after getting a long weekend with the bye. They're trying to keep things in perspective. "We're only a third of the way into it," said safety Rodney Harrison. Farley takes a look a the Pats recent records before and after the bye week.
Glen Farley of *The Enterprise* also reports on a few ex-Patriots. Of the impact players Farley looks at, receiver Deion Branch is the only one who's making waves for his new team. Also discussed are Willie McGinest, Adam Vinatieri and David Givens.
Michael Parente of the Woonsocket Call offers a piece on the Pats offensive line. Center Dan Koppen re-signed with the Patriots last week.
Don't forget to check out USA Today's Inside Slant on the Patriots, updated weekly.
