*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss offers a story on Bengals wideout Chad Johnson. Johnson spoke with New England media yesterday, asking them to relay some trash-talk to Patriots players.

The *Boston Herald's* John Tomase also reports on Chad Johnson's words, as does the *Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza Young. Manza Young's article also includes Johnson's comments on friend Terrell Owens.

Reiss also offers*The Boston Globe's* Patriots Notebook, in which he sizes up Bengals receiver battles with Patriots defensive backs. Also included are recent notes on the Patriots.

Brady cleared up speculation about his body language in his Wednesday press conference, reports *The Boston Globe*. "That would be good for everybody's state of mind, to go out and play to the level of which I think we're capable," said Brady.

The *Boston Herald* also reports on Brady's press conference.

The*Boston Herald's* John Tomase offers his Patriots Notebook, which includes stories on the Patriots kicking game and notes on Corey Dillon and Hank Poteat.

*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza Young offers a feature on kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who spoke yesterday about his case of the blocked-kick blues. "I was upset I didn't get a chance to make up for it in the game," said Gostkowski.

*Hartford Courant* writer Alan Greenberg also has a story on Gostkowski. The rookie discusses the field conditions at Gillette Stadium and recounts the last blocked kick.

Writing for the *Boston Herald*, Albert Breer reports on the friendship between backup QB Matt Cassel and Cincy's QB, Carson Palmer.

Rich Garven of the *Worcester Telegram & Gazette* offers a piece explaining that the Patriots defense has been coming up short in the turnover department.

Eric McHugh of *The Patriot Ledger* talks about the rushing element of last Sunday's loss to the Broncos. In the same piece he previews matchups in the upcoming Bengals game and doles out Patriots positional grades.

Glen Farley of *The Enterprise* offers a feature on Patriots corner Ellis Hobbs.

Mark Farinella of *The Sun Chronicle* shares the words of a few Patriots players on Terrell Owens' situation.

Michael Parente of the *Woonsocket Call* reports on the Patriots special teams, which have been pretty special on the whole.

Also, don't forget to check out *USA Today's* Inside Slant for info on the Patriots updated weekly.