After starting the season in shaky fashion, the Patriots defense has put together back-to-back solid performances the last two weeks. That has led to some much-deserved praise for the unit as a whole, and some of it has been directed to the back end.
ESPN.com says the cornerback group has come together nicely in recent weeks. The Boston Globe looks at the strong play of Trey Flowers, the Patriots “quiet storm” on defense.
With the Patriots headed to Tennessee to take on Mike Vrabel and the Titans, the Boston Globe says the Titans new coach was always a student of the game. Malcolm Butler, one of the former Patriots who is currently in Nashville, has struggled most of the season and this has the Globe believing that Bill Belichick's decision to bench the corner in last year's Super Bowl was somehow prescient move. Despite Butler's struggles, the Patriots won't take him lightly on Sunday. NBC Sports Boston adds to the piling on of Butler.
Another Patriot who is now in Nashville is enjoying more success as the Boston Herald looks at Dion Lewis. The Athletic catches up with Lewis, who is looking forward to going against his former team. NBC Sports Boston says Tom Brady has dominated when going against top-ranked defenses in the past.
Ron Gronkowski was at practice on Wednesday and the Boston Globe believes the tight end has become more of a luxury than a necessity. The Boston Herald looks at James White's off-the-charts season out of the Patriots backfield. The Patriots made some roster moves on Wednesday.
On a lighter note, looks like orange is the new gray inside the Patriots locker room.
The Butler saga is a topic in Nashville as well. The Tennessean says the corner’s struggles are overshadowing his matchup against his former team. Here's what to know about the Titans-Patriots game.
