*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss ponders the relevence of the Patriots recent success and its potential as a precursor to the regular season. Can it continue? Joe Theismann and Randy Cross weigh in.

Reiss also reports on the offensive line's performanced Saturday night, where they had little trouble with blitz pick up. "Every challenge that gets thrown at them, they take it," said Tom Brady. "The pass protection was great. I love having those guys out there in front of me."

*The Boston Herald's* Michael Felger offers a feature on linebacker Junior Seau, who played his first game in a Patriots uniform on Saturday night.

Felger also explains that changes in the NFL's roster cut schedule may make the acquisition of free agent players more difficult than it has been in recent years, since teams are allowed to carry more players longer, before making cuts.
Consequently, there will also be around 100 extra free agents to sift through following the Sept. 2 cuts.

*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza Young notes that even with such a large victory margin in Saturday's game, Belichick still sees much to improve on. It is, after all, only the preseason.

Hartford Courant writer Alan Greenberg explains that the Patriots last two home victories have raised expectations. Greenberg speaks to former Patriot tight end Christian Fauria briefly as well.

*Worcester Telegram & Gazette* writer Rich Garven also takes a look at the team's Saturday evening success. Dan Koppen, Belichick and Brady all weigh in. The offense piled up 464 yards and the defense posted the fourth preseason shutout in franchise history in the thrashing.

Garven also reports that according to a different report in the Tacoma News Tribune Sunday, unnamed NFL sources confirmed the Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will play a preseason game in China next summer. The NFL has played numerous preseason games outside the United States over the last 20 years.

Mark Farinella of the *Sun Chronicle* takes a look at the offensive weapons in the Patriots arsinal. It is a good thing trigger man Brady is still the one firing the shots -- he could be at the top of his game.

*Telegraph* writer Tom King takes a look atBen Watson, who leads the team with 13 receptions. "He can be a really dynamic player for us," Brady said. "Everybody knows his skills. I think he's even getting better as a run blocker and as a guy who can really change the game as a pass catcher."

*USA Today's* Inside Slant is updated weekly. A new piece should be posted tomorrow, but if you haven't read the current one on the Patriots tight ends (it's been up since last Tuesday) check it out.

Stay on top of things with Mike Reiss' blog, *Reiss' Pieces*.