As the Patriots continue to prepare for Sunday's game against Miami, the *Boston Globe *takes a closer look at cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who goes through great lengths each week to spend time with his family in Cincinnati.
“I'm still playing football, but once I'm done I won't be away from my [kids] ever again,” O'Neal told the Globe.
The *Globe *also catches up with linebacker Adalius Thomas, who is upset over what he felt was an illegal block by Leon Washington in last week's victory over the Jets.
“Was it intentional? I don't know. I just know that it's not legal,” Thomas told the Globe.
The *Boston Herald *profiles jack-of-all-trades running backKevin Faulk, who chipped in as a rusher, blocker and receiver last week in New York.
“I just do whatever they ask me to do. I do whatever to help the team win,” Faulk told the Herald.
The *Herald *also talks with offensive lineman Billy Yates, who received high praise from head coach Bill Belichickfor his block against Jets linebacker David Harris that opened up space for Faulk's 22-yard screen pass on the opening play of the game.
“It’s all about trying to execute your assignment and picking him up was part of that assignment,” Yates told the Herald.
Yates is also happy with the performance of the offensive line this season after a tumultuous training camp.
“I think we’re doing pretty well as far as the first two games,” Yates told the Providence Journal.
The *Journal *also looks at the unveiling of The Hall at Patriot Place, which will open to the public on Monday.
“This was our vision; we wanted it to be something that couldn’t be found around the country,” team owner Robert Krafttold the Journal.
The *Quincy Patriot Ledger *also discussed the unveiling of The Hall, with a detailed look at the artifacts and exhibits.
“We don’t try to do second best,” Kraft told the Ledger.
Off the field, the Patriots refuse to respond to comments by Miami linebacker Joey Porter, who took shots at quarterback Matt Cassel.
“Prove it on Sunday,” safety Rodney Harrisontold the Journal.
“I don't know what he said and I don't really care to know,” Cassel told the New Bedford Standard Times.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette checks out the view from the opposing sideline, where Miami quarterback Chad Pennington remains the same despite wearing a new uniform.
”He’s come along really nice,” Miami head coach Tony Sparano told the Gazette.
Quick hits
The *Miami Herald *looks at the inconsistency of Dolphins cornerback Will Allen, who is one of the reasons Miami is ranked last in the league in pass defense.
“I've been around some really good corners, and I think Will has tremendous skills at that position,” Sparano told the Herald.
The *Palm Beach Post *discusses the Patriots' refusal to take the bait on Porter's comments, along with Belichick's superfluous praise of the winless Dolphins.
“Right now, all we’re thinking about is Miami,” Belichick told the Post.
Lastly, the *Florida Sun-Sentinel *looks at the lack of big plays in Miami's passing game. The receivers hope this is the week they break out of their early-season slump.
“If a receiver makes a big play, it's a morale booster for everybody,” wideout Greg Camarillo told the Sun-Sentinel.
