As the Patriots prepare to take on the Chiefs Saturday evening in the Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium, the team is dealing with a mid-week media storm surrounding one of its best players.
The Boston Herald first reported late Tuesday evening that Chandler Jones, New England's first-time Pro Bowl defensive end, was rushed to a local hospital Sunday morning after showing up at the Foxboro Police Department with a "medical emergency."
The Boston Globe story on the Jones' situation includes a statement from the Patriots saying that the defensive end “reported to work on time Monday morning and has participated in all meetings and practices since then.”
WEEI.com reported that Jones trip to the police station and hospital “was at least partially due to a use of pills.”
CSNNE.com says the Jones story made for a less than ideal Tuesday at Gillette Stadium and wonders if there will be an effect moving forward.
In on-field football news, the Herald *writes that Tom Brady’s drive for a fifth Super Bowl title is stronger than ever. The *Herald also looks at the ways that the Patriots can beat the Chiefs, while also noting that Rob Gronkowski missed practice on Tuesday for unknown reasons.
The Globe *has Brady admitting that he’s not the easiest guy to play with. The paper also has Bill Belichick downplaying the fact that he showed up for his Tuesday press conference with a black eye. The *Globe notes that the Patriots will prepare for injured Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin to play, while K.C. coach Andy Reid isn’t worried about headset issues in Foxborough.
ESPNBoston.com looks at the friendship between Belichick and Reid as the respected coaches prepare to face off in Foxborough. The site also looks at New England’s battle of beards between Rob Ninkovich and Julian Edelman. ESPNBoston.com breaks down the career springboard that is working in the Patriots front office, with new Lions GM Bob Quinn as the latest success story.
WEEI.com notes that Chiefs QB Alex Smith is a reason for concern for the New England defense. The site also looks at the history of players returning from injury to an active role in the postseason.
NFL.com has all the coverage of the Rams getting approval to move to L.A. for 2016. The site has the Patriots of October vs. Patriots of December as one of the six biggest mysteries of the Divisional Playoffs.
NESN.com has Brady saying that practicing in cold conditions gives the Patriots a mental edge this time of year.
The *Wall Street Journal *has a unique compilation of guys talking about playing catch with Brady, and what such an activity entails.
