*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss reports that Tom Brady's focus was disrupted by the Patriots happenings with his friend and go-to pass catcher, Deion Branch. Brady was 11 of 23 for 163 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the opening 19-17 win over the Bills. Now that Branch has moved on to Seattle, Brady hopes to return his focus to the upcoming game beginning with the Jets.
The *Boston Herald's* John Tomase also reports on Brady's feelings of distraction. Branch's departure lifted them and Brady hopes to have learned his lesson.
*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza-Young also reports on Brady's press conference, and *Hartford Courant* writer Alan Greenberg takes a look at "the Branch situation's" impact on the team.
Mike Reiss of *The Boston Globe* also reports that Tedy Bruschi attended his third practice in a row yesterday. The defensive co-captain and master of morale has been out since training camp with a broken wrist.
John Tomase of the *Boston Herald* reports that the Patriots players hope to leave the turmoil stirred up by Branch's departure behind. Tomase suggests that this player hangover is the worst one yet for the Patriots.
*Boston Herald* writer Steve Buckley reports on the coaching matchup pitting Belichick against Mangini. The two coached together for a number of years at different points beginning in '95. Mangini is something of a Belichick protege, though he's worked with some of Belichick's mentors as well, including Bill Parcells and Ted Marchibroda.
*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza-Young reports on the coaching matchup as well.
Patriots special teams stand-out and goal-line defender Don Davis made an increadible stop in Sunday's game, halting Willis McGahee in his tracks. *Boston Herald* writer Albert Breer reports on the play noting that the Patriots had little practice in the goal-line package during the preseason.
Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been preparing for the team's shift to a 3-4 base package by studying Tedy Bruschi's play. The *Boston Herald's* John Tomase reports.
*Worcester Telegram & Gazette* writer Rich Garven offers an interview with Rosevelt Colvin in which Colvin discusses Branch. "You want to sit around and moan and groan and gripe? It's not going to be a good experience when you get on the field because you're going to get your head beat in. So I think the best thing we can do is to move forward," said Colvin.
Glen Farley of *The Enterprise* offers an interveiw with seldom-heard wideout Reche Caldwell, who is in position to become a major contributor to the Patriots passing game.
Mark Farinella offers the *Sun Chronicle's* Patriots Notebook, which includes stories on the Patriots personel and Sunday's Jets matchup at the Meadowlands.
*The Eagle-Tribune's* Bill Burt does his best to answer 10 questions you probably have about Branch's holdout and subsequent departure.
Michael Parenti of the *Woonsicket Call* reports on Mangini, who's "been the young guy for a long time." Mangini is the youngest head coach in the NFL.
Check the Globe's blog, Reiss' Pieces for up to date postings.
*The Patriot Ledger's* Eric McHugh offers analysis of the Patriots season opener against the Bills.
