The *Boston Herald* says the Patriots defense hasn't fallen into a bend-but-don't-break category. "It hasn't bent much, period." The Pats D allowed a mere 17 points over the last 10 quarters of play. Coach Bill Belichick has seeped "new wrinkles and schemes" into a previously vanilla mix of rookies, who are now working together as a cohesive unit. Opponent quarterbacks are having a tough time dissecting this incognito defense.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews III, who the *Boston Globe* quoted an AFC personnel executive in saying "is one of the top three or four pass rushers in the league," could have been a Patriot via the 2009 draft. Instead the Pats traded picks down twice to acquire cornerback Darius Butler, receiver Brandon Tate, kick returner Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Read a similar story in the *Boston Herald*. Read how the Patriots' 26th pick in 2009 turned into the four picks the Pats have now in the *Boston Globe*.
The *Boston Globe* and the *Boston Herald* were both in attendance at yesterday's annual Patriots Charitable Foundation community holiday party at Gillette Stadium. They heard from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who said there's a "karma and chemistry with this team" that's "pretty special." Kraft mentioned walking through the locker room and noting a moral that was highly positive, which "wasn't the same last year," he said.
Read more about the event on *ESPNBoston.com*. Also, read more of Kraft's quotes on *ESPNBoston.com*.
Playing top-notch football, it's no question Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has become quite comfortable in the pocket. One reason for this comfort is a low sack count, according to ESPN's *New England Patriots Blog*. Read about the Pats' O-line inspiration, offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, on *ESPNBoston.com*.
