Accentuating the positives in the aftermath of a difficult loss, the *Boston Globe *takes a look at New England's kick return game, which is ranked No. 1 in the league after three weeks.
Ellis Hobbs' ability to take advantage of the holes created by his teammates has given the Patriots solid field position on a consistent basis.
“I don't play offense, but I imagine starting on the 50 is better than the 30,” defensive lineman Mike Wrighttold the Globe.
Hobbs has played a major role in the field position battle. He had two long returns last weekend and helped set up New England's only touchdown.
“He's good. He's very good,” fullback Heath Evanstold the MetroWest Daily News.
Special teams' ace Larry Izzogives the credit to position coach Brad Seely.
“He does a great job of articulating to each guy what they need to do on each particular play to be successful,” Izzo told the Providence Journal.
The *Globe *also reports on former wide receiver Troy Brown's imminent retirement.
“Troy Brown is the prototype of what I'd like every Patriot to be,” team owner Robert Krafttold the Globe.
The *Boston Herald *takes a look at the lack of protection for quarterback Matt Cassel, who faced pressure from the opposing defense in last weekend's loss to the Miami Dolphins.
“It’s not as good as we want. I don’t think it ever is,” guardLogan Mankinstold the Herald.
Meanwhile, the defense is looking to get on the same page after a poor performance on Sunday.
“Everybody has to play together,” defensive lineman Jarvis Greentold the Herald.
Lastly, the *Brockton Enterprise *takes a look at new wide receiver Maurice Price, who spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs before getting released from their practice squad last Friday.
“Within four or five days to be here, it’s kind of ironic for me, but it’s business and I’m just glad to be here,” Price told the Enterprise.
Quick hits
A column in today's Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call tells readers to stick a fork in the Patriots' "over the hill" defense.
