The Patriots prepare to face the 5-0 New York Jets this weekend in Foxboro, a team led by former Patriots Pro-Bowl running back Curtis Martin. Ron Borges of The Boston Globe looks ahead to Sunday's match-up with a careful eye trained on the New York ball carrier. "It has taken more than half a decade for the Patriots to come close to finding a replacement, and that back is Corey Dillon, who has played only five games in red, white, and blue," writes Borges. "Dillon has been an extremely productive runner (8,583 career yards) during his seven-plus NFL seasons, but as good as he has been, he's no Curtis Martin. Hardly anyone has ever been."
In The Boston Herald, Michael Felger previews the Jets game, looking at Martin, as well as center Kevin Mawae, receiver Wayne Chrebet, and defensive end John Abraham. Felger also breaks down the restructuring of Dillon's contract, and discusses how his performance the rest of the season may actually corral him a bigger payday than the previous structure.
Michael Parente of The Woonsocket Call highlights the division implications inherent in this weekend's battle of undefeateds. "The Patriots are also 5-0 and Sunday's Week 6 showdown at Gillette Stadium could determine who has the upper hand in the AFC East race. Miami and Buffalo are going nowhere fast, so it'll come down to the Jets and Patriots," writes Parente.
Jonathan Comey of The Standard Times finds himself at a loss for words when trying to discuss the Patriots continuing success. "This isn't to say that there's nothing about this team that's interesting," writes Comey. "Watching the individual achievements turn into team success is a bit like staring at a great painting and realizing that the genius is in the details, all of the little brushstrokes."
Wednesday means The Hartford Courant runs Tribune Company NFL Rankings Poll, and the champs remain at the top.
ESPN.com also features their Power Rankings, fueled by writers John Clayton, Len Pasquerelli, and Michael Smith.
On CBS.sportsline.com, Clark Judge previews the game, noting that both teams can claim history to be on their side. "New England rarely loses at home. It's on a 14-game tear that is the league's longest current home winning streak, and that includes defeats this season of Indianapolis (4-1) and Seattle (3-2)," writes Judge. "But here's a quick question: Any idea which team was the last to beat them there?"
On Foxsports.com, Troy Aikman explains his efficiency ratings, using the Patriots win over Seattle as an example of the system in play.
