Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe reports on the noise level in the Metrodome. The Patriots have been practicing indoors with the stereo blasting to get used to the noise, but there's a good chance the offense will have to use a silent snap count if things get too rowdy in the Metrodome tonight.

The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss reports that defensive end Richard Seymour traveled with the Patriots to Minnesota. Reiss lists a few players who didn't make the trip, talks about former Patriot turned Viking Bethel Johnson and reminds you that Troy Brown is three catches away from tying Stanley Morgan's record and four away from breaking it.

John Tomase of the Boston Herald also reports that Seymour traveled. Tomase discusses the Patriots gunners and Kevin Faulk as well.

Jim McBride of The Boston Globe breaks down tonight's matchups by play type. The Vikings lead the league in rush defense, so the Patriots could be throwing more than they run in tonights game.

The *Boston Herald* sports staff breaks down the the matchups in the Vikings game, noting that "a compelling case can be made that Minnesota's off to a more impressive start" than the Patriots.

Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe explains that the Patriots are largely unfamiliar with the Vikings. The Patriots haven't played the Vikings since 2002 and haven't traveled to Minnesota since Pete Carroll's first season, 1997.

*The Boston Globe* offers a story on the unity of the offensive line. They're all currently growing beards, or trying to (in some cases).

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald talks about depth issues facing the Pats this week. Starters Steven Neal, Daniel Graham and Eugene Wilson will all need replacements in Monday night's Patriots-Vikings matchup.

Kevin Seifert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune offers a story on the Vikings defensive line, which seems to be at the root of their defensive recovery. The story was reprinted in the Boston Herald.

The Providence Journal's Shalise Manza Young reports on Brad Johnson and his arsenal of offensive weapons.

Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant reports that the Vikings versatility could be a challenge for the Patriots. He notes that coach Belichick hyped the Bills before last weekend's game as well.

Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports on the upcoming game, explaining that Laurence Maroney played in the Metrodome throughout college. "I feed off the same noise that (the Vikings) feed off of," Maroney said. "If it gets loud, it amps me. (And) I know the field, so I'm just going to run as best as I can."

Glen Farley of The Enterprise reports that Monday Night Football has lost some of its luster for a few Patriots players.

Tom King of The Nashua Telegraph reports that Monday night's game may not have the best possible timing for the Patriots.

Don't forget to check out USA Today's Inside Slant on the Patriots, which was updated yesterday.