*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss offers a story on the increasing popularity of multi-running back sets in the NFL. Reiss breaks down the positives and negatives associated with the trend, citing various authorities on the subject.

*Boston Herald* writer John Tomase has a similar story featuring the Patriots running back duo. He offers interveiws with Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner, both formerly of the Browns. Back in '85, they were in a situation similar to the one Maroney and Dillon find themselves in now. It worked wonders back then.

Mike Reiss offers *The Boston Globe's* Patriots Notebook, which includes stories on Junior Seau, the Pats roster and Ellis Hobbs.

John Tomase of the *Boston Herald* offers the Herald's Patriots Notebook, which includes a story on Junior Seau. Belichick caught Seau studying film at 6 a.m. Monday morning. "I'm dumb," Seau joked. "I need a lot of work."

*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza-Young also has a feature on Seau.

The *Boston Herald's* Albert Breer has a feature on Ellis Hobbs, as do *The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza-Young and the *Hartford Courant's* Alan Greenberg.

*The Boston Globe's* Bob Ryan has a story on the renewed rivalry between the Jets and the Pats. The two teams face off in Giants Stadium on Sunday at 4:15 ET.

The *Boston Herald's* Steve Buckley has an editorial on the Patriots locker room as a whole. "More than just playing football games, the Patriots are making news on so many other fronts. There's the Deion Branch soap opera, of course, along with injury intrigue: When will Tedy Bruschi play again? Oh, and don't forget the wonderful subplot that will be played out Sunday, when Jets coach Eric Mangini, who once studied under Bill Belichick as a Patriots assistant, will attempt to outsmart the smart one. " Says Buckley.

The Boston Herald's Karen Guregian has a feature on Doug Gabriel, who's got a lot to shoulder lately.

Guregian also has a story on Tom Brady, who is far from losing the confidence of his teammates.

Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette features Mike Wright. At 6-4, 295 pounds, Wright is still fast enough to make a big - check that, VERY BIG - impact on special teams.

Ron Hobson of The Patriot Ledger offers a story on Eric Mangini, who's in his first year as the Jets head coach.

Glen Farley of The Enterprise explains that Mangini and Belichick are putting their friendship aside this week.

Michael Parenti of the Woonsocket Call takes a look at the Jets running backs. Apparently, replacing Curtis Martin is not a one-man job.