In preparation for Indy this Sunday, the Patriots are keeping their eyes on Colts pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, along with rookie Jerry Hughes, according to the *Boston Herald*. For Pats quarterback Tom Brady to pick apart the Colts' secondary, like he did against Pittsburgh, he'll need that same protection that Matt Light, Sebastian Vollmer, Logan Mankins and the rest of the O line dished up to squash the NFL's 10th best pass rush in the Steelers.
The Patriots released outside linebacker Shawn Crable for the second time this season yesterday, the *Boston Globe* reported. After failing a physical in July, Crable managed to work his way onto the practice squad on Sept. 6, and then the 53-man roster three weeks later. Crable played six games with the Patriots, registering four tackles and half a sack.
Read a similar story in the *Boston Herald* and on *ESPNBoston.com*. Also, read more on the *New England Patriots Blog*.
*ESPNBoston.com* reports Patriots safety James Sanders was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Sanders had a 32-yard pick-six against the Steelers on Sunday. Also, read the official press release on Patriots.com.
*ESPNBoston.com* reviews the snaps Pats defensive players played in last week's game against the Steelers. Analysis--which reflects a high use of D-backs in sub packages--could shed light on how New England attacks the Colts.
Read more about the defense in the *Boston Herald* and in the *Boston Globe*, which analyzes the Pats' use of the blitz against the Steelers projecting that along with New England's storied rivalry against the Colts to see how they'll handle Indy this Sunday.
And read about how defensive tackle Ron Brace is preparing for the Colts in the *Herald*.
