It's December, which means it's that time of the NFL year when we start looking ahead to the playoffs. **The Athletic** website examines the Patriots' chances of securing home-field advantage throughout the coming postseason.
**Boston Sports Journal** also studies the playoff scenarios heading into this NFL week.
An **NBC Sports Boston** writer proclaims that New England's win over the Vikings was even more impressive after having a day to review it.
During a **WEEI radio appearance** yesterday, Bill Belichick elaborated on his in-game shouting match with Vikings receiver Adam Thielen.
An **ESPN blog post** analyzes how the evolving Patriots defense seems to be coming together at the right time.
A **Boston Globe** writer, however, wants to see more out of the 2018 Patriots offense.
Josh McDaniels' name continues to be associated, or at least rumored to be so, with potential head coaching vacancies around the NFL. **Boston.com** provides a roundup of what's being said about New England's current offensive coordinator. For his part, McDaniels told reporters on a conference call Tuesday morning that he's trying to "stay in the moment, focus on the task at hand… not worried about that right now."
Meantime, a **Providence Journal** feature focuses on rookie cornerback J.C. Jackson, who earned his first NFL start this past weekend against Minnesota.
With the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Tom Brady recalled a memory golf outing with him and another Commander-in-Chief, as told just last week to **a local beat reporter.**
Finally, we leave you with a great behind-the-scenes video from the official Patriots Twitter account, showing the team's locker room atmosphere following the Vikings victory. Enjoy…
