Excitement was high throughout the facility this week as the Patriots prepared to open their season against the Miami Dolphins. John Rooke provided his 2014 season predictions in his weekly 'View from Above' column and has the Patriots finishing the year with a 13-3 record. On Monday, Rob Gronkowski shocked everyone when he revealed that he had been physically cleared to play and said that [he would be on the
field](/node/202961) Sunday in Miami.
On Wednesday, the team named six captains for 2014 which included Tom Brady, Dan Connolly, Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, Matthew Slater, and Devin McCourty. Following practice, the players talked about their excitement to travel to Miami and start the season on Sunday. When the first injury report of the year was released, Rob Gronkowski was listed as limited in practice, but Aaron Dobson, Dominique Easley, and Alfonzo Dennard were all left off the list.
After having perfect attendence in Wednesday's practice, the Patriots were missing one big name player on Thursday -- Tom Brady. Brady was not present during the media portion of practice, but the reason is still unclear. After practice, Darrelle Revis talked about getting ready to match up against the Dolphins speedy
receiver, Mike Wallace. Wallace vs. Revis will certainly be a battle to keep an eye on in Sunday's game, but as for the other matchups, Paul Perillo explains how well the Patriots stack up against Miami. The NFL Now crew also broke down the different matchups for Sunday's game in Miami. NFL.com's Elliot Harrison belives Miami has the best chance to dethrone New England in the AFC East and Sunday's game is a perfect chance to make a statement.
Below is a full breakdown of our coverage from this week:
ARTICLES & BLOGS:
News Blitz 9/1: Mallett will have a chance to thrive in Houston
Patriots sign 10 players to the practice squad
Siliga says he's ready for the opener
Gronk: "I'll be playing" against Miami; Sep. 1 notes
Patriots claim Jones off waivers; release OL Barker
Patricia Conference Call Transcript: 'Just got to be prepared to play football'
Ask PFW: Ready for some football?
View from Above: Prognostications and Predictions for 2014
McDaniels Conference Call Transcript: 'Dolphins defense gives you a lot of cause for concern'
Belichick Conference Call Transcript: 'We have our work cut out for us this week'
Game Preview: Patriots travel to Miami to open the regular season
Belichick: Gronkowski decision will come later in the week
Harrison, Bruschi discuss Gronkowski's 'good to go' declaration
Belichick press conference transcript: 'Always a lot of unknowns on opening day
Brady hopes for best for Welker
Patriots vs. Dolphins Broadcast Information
News Blitz 9/3: Sizing up Sunday's game against Miami
Brady Press Conference Transcript: 'Trying to be the best I can for the team'
Patriots announce six team captains
Collect free Patriots OYO figures when you visit The Hall at Patriot Place
Gino Cappelletti: Valuable Versatility
Patriots make changes to their practice squad
Connolly among 2014 co-captains; Sep. 3 notes
Patriots-Dolphins Injury Report
Patriots release DL Gaston, DL Quarles, and LS Hughlett
Patriots well represented in 'NFL AM's' Top 100 Plays of 2013
Patriots re-sign LS Aiken and LB White
News Blitz 9/4: Are expectations too high for the 2014 Patriots
Get Jack'd - Ask Jackie Brittain your 2014 Patriots questions!
Tackling Tech: Re-defining the Fan Experience with Patriots Gameday Live
Revis readying for Dolphins speedy Wallace
Game Matchups: Expect the Miami pass rush to make life difficult for Brady
Brady not at Thursday practice; Sep. 4 notes
VIDEO:
Gronkowski: "I'm good to go!"
Gronkowski has no setbacks, is focused on Miami
Gronkowski, Wright, & others prep for Miami
Patriots eager for start of the regular season
Gronkowski's progress gets even better
Predicting 2014 NFL award winners
Tilted: Jones
Tilted: Vereen
Player Spotlight: Wright
Patriots Radio: Edelman
Patriots Radio: Belichick
Belichick 9/3: Gronkowski always works hard
Brady 9/3: "I'm really excited for our team"
Ranking the Matchups: NE vs MIA
Perfect attendance at Patriots practice
Wilfork, Patriots discuss excitement for Week 1
Top 100 plays of 2013: No. 1
Reliving 'NFL AM's' top play of 2013
Brady misses Thursday's practice
Amendola helps students gear up for school
Throwback Thursday: Rodney Harris at Home
One-on-one with Michael Hoomanawanui
Three points for success vs. Miami
Revis and the Patriots gear up for Miami
AUDIO:
Wright 9/1: Excited about my future with the team
Vollmer 9/1: I'll play where ever coach wants me
Siliga 9/1: I never want to feel comfortable
Ninkovich 9/1: Everyone's ready to go
Gronkowski 9/1: I'll be playing Sunday
Boyce 9/1: Glad I'm still on the team
Brady on WEEI: Reaction to the Mankins trade
McDaniels 9/2: Dolphins will be a great challenge
Patricia 9/2: Dolphins have excellent talent at WR
Jones on WEEI: I'm ready to go
Belichick 9/2: Always hard to play Miami
Edelman on WEEI: It's going to be a big battle
Belichick on WEEI: Garoppolo has improved each day
Wilfork on WEEI: Keep moving forward
Philbin 9/3: Excited to start the season
PFW in Progress 9/3: Regular season kicks off
LaFell 9/3: Grimes is a top CB in this league
Ridley 9/3: This year provides a fresh start
Slater 9/3: Extremely honored to be named captain
Wilfork 9/3: We're 'all in' now!
Wright 9/3: I'm picking up everything quickly
Edelman 9/3: Consistency earns Brady's trust
Patriots Playbook 9/3: Getting ready for the Phins
The Bob Socci Show 9/3: McCourty, Zolak and more
PFW in Progress 9/4: Week 1 Picks & more
Revis 9/4: Wallace is the fatest WR in the league
McCourty 9/4: Miami has a lot of weapons
Hightower 9/4: Looking forward to the new year
Fantasy Football Champs 9/4: Who to sit and start
PHOTOS:
