Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe grades the Patriots win in Oakland position by position. With high marks across the offense, one player stood out to Bedard, Rob Gronkowski. Even with Gronkowski only hauling in one catch, this game could be considered his best as a Patriot due to his involvement in the run game. Gronkowski led running backs Stevan Ridley and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to green grass multiple times with key blocks. His performance could be a signature moment in his push to become an All-Pro player.
Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com writes about the subdued reaction by members of the Patriots about their upcoming AFC East match-up with the New York Jets. When asked about the game, coach Bill Belichick said, "It's a division game, so of course it's a big game -- all division games are," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said when asked whether he gets more excited for Jets week. "This is the next one. We'll put everything we've got into this one. Then, when it's over, we'll take a look at it, move on, and put everything into the next week. It's obviously an important game, we'll do the best we can to maximize our preparation opportunities and be ready to go on Sunday."
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald writes about former New York Jet and current Patriots Shaun Ellis and his transition from the Jets to the Patriots heading into "Jets week." Ellis told the Herald recently, "Sometimes, I catch myself saying 'we' (about the Jets). It's like, 'Oh, did I say that? I ain't there no more.' " Ellis will be facing his former team for the first time Sunday after spending 11 seasons with New York.
Mike Cole of NESN.com writes about recent comments from NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin about Wes Welker. When asked about who he believes is the best wide receiver in the NFL, Irvin said, "If you ask, 'Who is the best receiver in the league?' I say it's Wes Welker. His versatility makes him one of the best. Period. And we don't want to hear that, because he's not a [6-foot-4], 230-pound Andre Johnson or Brandon Marshall or Calvin Johnson. He goes inside and he plays outside. Man, I love Wes Welker." Welker leads the NFL in receptions (40) and yards (614) through four weeks.
Tim Britton of the Providence Journal writes about the Patriots recent ability to run the ball. Last week the Patriots ran for 183 yards against Oakland. "We always want to have balance, and we were able to have it [Sunday]," head coach Bill Belichick said. "We blocked well, we ran well, the receivers blocked well — they were involved on those perimeter plays blocking in the DBs and crack-blocking. It was a good team effort running the ball. One guy can't do it; you've got to have eleven guys."
Jeff Howe of NESN.com writes about many Patriots related topics. Topics included Rob Gronkowski's rise to being a top NFL tight end, Stevan Ridley's impressive work ethic, and Wes Welker's ability to get open.
