*The Boston Globe's* Kelsie Smith features nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Being a defensive lineman is a pretty thankless job, and not typically considered a 'glory' position. But it can make or break a defense. "The defense doesn't work without a nose," Wilfork said. "So you have to be on your toes. You have to know what you're doing out there. You have to be smart. You have to be tough. Because sometimes you're taking on two or three blockers. Sometimes you've got one hand on the ground, a knee on the ground, and two people pushing you."
The Providence Journal's Kevin McNamara has a story in the same vein, as does the Sun Chronicle's Mark Farinella.
In The Boston Globe's Patriots Notebook, Mike Reiss offers a story on kicker Stephen Gostkowski (pronounced Gos-TOW-ski), Deion Branch's holdout from Brady's point of view, and Junior Seau's contract.
Boston Herald writer John Tomase also offers a feature on Gostkowski, as does The Republican's Chris Kennedy.
Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald offers a feature on Seau. Apparently the 6-3, 248-pound linebacker has developed an unusual friendship with a reclusive surf guru back in California.
John Tomase, Boston Herald sports writer, offers his opinion of the offense. It appears that the Patriots will need more help from the wideouts if they want to maximize productivity.
Tom Brady got a little technical about the finer points of throwing a good deep pass in the locker room yesterday. Boston Herald writer John Tomase has the story.
The Herald's Patriots Notebook has stories on multi-man Willie Andrews, Deion Branch, and roster cuts.
The Providence Journal's Tom Curran offers his Patriots Notebook. Highlights include Tom Brady discussing his competativeness, Gostkowski, and the fast arriving cut dates.
Alan Greenberg, of the Hartford Courant shares his predicted final 53-man roster for the 2006 season.
Worcester Telegram & Gazette writer Jennifer Toland offers a feature on linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.
The Republican's Chris Kennedy has a story on the roster cutdown. Both Brady and Belichick said they could tell some guys were getting nervous about finding a spot in the real-world game of musical chairs that's about to take place.
Dan Pires of The Standard-Times reports on offensive weapons Reche Caldwell and Laurence Maroney.
Michael Parente of the Woonsocket Call features Asante Samuel.
