The *Boston Globe *reports from Orchard Park on the up-and-down Buffalo, who started the season 4-0 but are now 5-3 after losing three of their four games heading into Sunday's showdown at New England.
“We’ve got to stay united,” defensive end Casey Kelsay told the Globe.
The Bills could draw from their strength in the kicking game. Since Bill Belichickbegan coaching the Patriots in 2000, Buffalo has consistently had one of the league's top special teams units.
“They are very sound and also explosive,” Belichick told the Globe.
The bigger challenge for Buffalo might be on the defensive side of the ball, where they'll have to contend with a new face in Patriots' quarterback Matt Cassel. New England's offense has continued to develop under Cassel's direction.
“We have to continue to do that if we are going to be successful in these next eight games,” Cassel told the Boston Herald.
The Providence Journal takes a look at the highs and lows from the first half of the season and also profile's Buffalo's offensive line.
“They are big guys, so we have a challenge,” linebacker Adalius Thomastold the Journal.
The Bills need that line to protect quarterback Trent Edwards, who has struggled of late but remains a threat to the Patriots' depleted secondary.
“I just think that we need to make sure that we are learning from these last two losses,” Edwards told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
For the Patriots, Kevin Faulkmight play a big role Sunday as the team continues to monitor the health of its depleted running back corps.
“He’s a multi-threat guy. I’m glad he’s on my side of the ball,” fullback Heath Evanstold the Quincy Patriot Ledger.
Quick hits
The Bills are anticipating a stiff test for their young cornerbacks against New England's wide-receiver duo of Wes Welker and Randy Moss.
“We have a lot of confidence in them and they’ve got to step up and perform,” head coach Dick Jauron told the Buffalo News.
The team is also looking for a group effort to replace defensive end Aaron Schobel, who will miss the next four weeks with a lingering leg injury.
“We have to spread it around to a lot of guys to make up for his absence,” defensive end Copeland Bryan told the News.
The *Rochester Democrat & Chronicle *takes a look at Buffalo's red-zone struggles. The Bills made three trips inside the 20-yard line during last week's loss to the Jets and had no points to show for it.
“If we just kick those three field goals, that’s nine points,” offensive coordinator Turk Schoenert told the Chronicle.
