Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports the Patriots worked out free agent defensive backs this week, including former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson, in an attempt to shore up their depleted secondary. "New England did add a defensive back, as former Redskin Omare Lowe was signed to the practice squad," Cafardo reports. "Lowe, a fifth-round draft pick of the Dolphins in 2002, had worked out Monday along with Jackson."

Bob Ryan of the Globe posts his random musings about anything sports. "I heard Coach [Bill] Belichick on the radio talking about the Kansas City Chiefs and their offense, as if his team would be lucky to hold them under 50," writes Ryan. "But no one remembered to ask him why the Chiefs are 3-6 and coming off a humiliating loss to a New Orleans team whose coach already has been fitted for a casket."

Michael Felger of The Boston Herald features the Patriots coordinators, Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis, both of whom expect to figure prominently in this off-season's head coaching carousel. "The scuttlebutt on 2005 coaching and management jobs has picked up around the NFL, which is of particular interest at Gillette Stadium because the Patriots represent the epicenter of the talent pool," contends Felger.

Michael Parente of The Woonsocket Call praises the team for its ability to bounce back from the loss to Pittsburgh, and begins to look ahead to Monday night's showdown with the Chiefs. "Now it's onto Kansas City, where they'll face a 3-6 Chiefs team on Monday night that is similar in many ways to the Rams," writes Parente. "They, too, have an explosive offense to go along with a defense that can't tackle or make plays, which is why they're below .500."

The Hartford Courant runs its weekly Tribune Company Poll, featuring the Patriots at number two.

Dan Pires of The Standard Times commends the Patriots for their selfless attitude and dedication to winning. "They're really a bunch of selfless souls who, for reasons bigger than themselves or what most of us are capable of understanding, have given themselves up for the greater good," Pires writes.

Also in the Times, Jonathan Comey provides the insight of his Wednesday Morning Quarterback. Comey handicaps the field of playoff contenders, and provides his version of power rankings.

Kevin Provencher of The Union Leader recounts an appearance by David Givens and Patrick Pass at a New Hampshire Mall this week. "The players stayed past their scheduled departure time and there wasn't anyone involved who walked out of that mall without a smile," writes Provencher.

ESPN.com provides its weekly Power Rankings, featuring the Pats in the second slot.

Pete Prisco of CBS.sportsline.com also gives Power Rankings, and also sees the Patriots as the league's second best, behind Pittsburgh. "Does any team in the league have the little things down pat the way the Patriots do?" muses Prisco.