Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe reports on the Patriots defensive play in their last game at Minnesota. The Vikings only points came on a punt return for a touchdown. The Pats shut the door on the Vikings by using a familiar formula: stopping the run, forcing the opposition out of its comfort zone, then coming up with clutch plays in the shadow of their own goal posts.
Ron Borges of The Boston Globe discusses this Sunday's Patriots-Colts matchup, comparing each team's performance against the Broncos earlier in the season. Also discussed are games played against the Jets. The Patriots-Colts-Broncos rivalry seems akin to Ali-Frazier-Forman. These Colts are always going to be too much for Denver to handle, as Foreman always was for Frazier, but New England has Indianapolis's number in the same way Ali had Foreman's. And when New England and Denver meet, it's Ali-Frazier, a war every time.
The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss revisits a few of the Patriots concerns earlier in the season. One thing seems certain. The Pats have been steadily on the rise for some time now.
The Boston Globe's Patriots Notebook offers a story on the rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. "We are buddies," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Monday night after an impressive 31-7 victory over the Vikings. "But we always want to beat each other."
The* Boston Herald's* Michael Felger offers his Patriots report card on Monday's game. Felger plays the part of the Pats favorite teacher after the Pats dominated the Vikings.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports that the Pats-Colts rivalry was already heating up as soon as the Minnesota game was over. "Can't we just enjoy this win for a couple of hours" said Rodney Harrison, "before we have to start talking about the Colts?" Richard Seymour called the Colts, "My favorite team."
The Boston Herald's Patriots Notebook has a story on the Pats receiving game, which came alive in the win over the Vikings. Also included are short pieces on last Monday's game.
Shalise Manza Young of The Providence Journal reports that the Patriots even surprised themselves by beating the Vikings so severely. "Did we expect to win this way? We were confident, but we didn't think the score would be like that," said Tedy Bruschi.
Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant reports that Brady picked apart the Vikings defense without threatening them with the run. "The defense, we were on the sideline, just enjoying the show," Tedy Bruschi said. "[Brady] was something else."
Albert Breer of the MetroWest Daily News reports on Richard Seymour, who took some time out to visit Qualters Middle School Tuesday. Seymour talked to the kids about nutrition and the importance of staying fit.
Mark Farinella of the Sun Chronicle reports that Brady elevated his game to the next level last Monday night. His performance was so impressive that a number of defensive players spoke about it after the game. "That was Tom Brady," Harrison said. "That was what Tom does."
Farinella of the *Sun Chronicle* also offers his Patriots ponderings. Included are Farinella's thoughts after the Patriots ousted the Vikings.
Tom King of *The Telegraph* reports that the Patriots aren't flying under the radar any more. By showing how strong their passing game can be, they showed what they can do in a pinch.
Don't forget to check out USA Today's Inside Slant on the Patriots, updated weekly.
