Success and failure in the NFL are a short-lived, week-to-week existence.
So as impressive as the Patriots Sunday night win in Arizona was, the time to bask in the victory was short. Now, Bill Belichick and his team have very much turned their attention to the Dolphins team that travels to Foxborough this Sunday.
The Boston Globe says that Miami heads to Gillette Stadium after yet another disappointing start to a new season under first-year coach Adam Gase. One thing that is a bit different with the Dolphins is that Ryan Tannehill has taken over an ever larger role on offense with Gase in charge, according to the Globe's Patriots notebook.
The Globe also notes that the Saints released former Bills running back C.J. Spiller.
The Boston Herald says that fill-in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has a new challenge after the impressive opener, and that's to continue to improve and play well on a consistent level week to week. The Herald also has Inside Track story on Garoppolo’s looks and relationship status. The Herald notes that the Patriots are atop the Associated Press power rankings.
The *Providence Journal *writes that the Patriots receivers all made their mark in Sunday night’s win.
ESPNBoston.com says the question of the week in New England is whether Belichick’s team can avoid a letdown coming home to take on the Dolphins after the opener. The site passes along comments from Chris Long regarding Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest. ESPNBoston.com notes that even with just three catches, tight end Martellus Bennett’s play pleased offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
WEEI.com has McDaniels declaring that nothing has changed in the preparation process with Tom Brady gone serving his four-game NFL suspension. WEEI.com has the things you need to know about the Dolphins heading toward Sunday. With a few key plays on Sunday night, WEEI.com wonders if the Patriots have regained their “special teams mojo.”
CSNNE.com says one of the stories this week will be keeping a watch on Rob Gronkowski’s hamstring after the All-Pro tight end missed the opener due to the injury. Before closing the door on opening night, CSNNE.com offers up a report card from the Patriots victory. (WARNING: Slideshow!) CSNNE.com also has Belichick getting deep into the process of making decisions late in a game regarding situational football.
NESN.com has the Patriots releasing defensive back Mike Hilton from the practice squad while also working out four free agents this week.
