*The Boston Globe*'s Mike Reiss offers a story on Troy Brown. Brown is 14 receptions away from tying Stanley Morgan's career-record. Brown discusses a recent conversation he had with Morgan and talks about Rod Smith.

Reiss also reports that Rodney Harrison was nearly a Bronco. When Harrison was a free agent after the 2002 season -- and it was clear he wouldn't be back with the Chargers after nine seasons -- he narrowed his list of possible destinations to the Broncos, Raiders, and Patriots. Harrison discusses the situation and Mike Shanahan.

Jim McCabe of The Boston Globe addresses NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, disappointed with the state of the NFL.

Ron Borges, also of *The Boston Globe*, has a different view of Goodell and posits that 'Goodell is where he belongs.'

Toni Massarotti of the Boston Herald discusses Sunday's upcoming coaching matchup, making note of Belichick's respect for Shanahan.

John Tomase of the Boston Herald offers a feature on Ty Warren. Criticized before the 2003 NFL draft, Warren is on the cusp of a breakout season. He's not worried, "I'm just going to keep being me and let things take care of themselves," said Warren.

John Tomase offers the Boston Herald's Patriots Notebook, in which he reports that coach Belichick was a member of the Broncos coaching staff almost 30 years ago. Belichick reminisces about the season he spent in Denver.

Jim Lazer of the* Boston Herald* predicts the first loss of the season for the Pats will come this weekend against the Broncos. "The Broncos are the Pats' all-time nemesis, the ultimate back-breaking, season-spoiling, curse-provoking, mother of all heartbreakers," according to Lazer.

Michael Slafino of the Boston Herald takes a look at an emerging NFL trend. Apparently, more teams are working with mulit-running back sets, with big rushers splitting time.

The* **Herald* sports staff offers the scores of all the Patriots meetings with the Broncos since 1960.

Joe McDonald of *The Providence Journal* takes a look at the Pats tackling problems over the first two games. "Our job on defense is to get the guy with the ball," said Belichick. "That's it."

Joe McDonald also offers The Providence Journal's Patriots Notebook, noting the coaching matchup.

Rick Massimo of *The Providence Journal* explains that the field may not be in top shape at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

*Hartford Courant* writer Alan Greenberg reports that Tom Brady is still sensitive about the Pats postseason loss to the Broncos.

Rich Garven of the* Worcester Telegram & Gazette* offers a feature on Logan Mankins, who typically lets his actions do the talking.

Albert Breer of the MetroWest Daily News talks to Junior Seau, who played in the same division as the Broncos for 13 years while he was with the Chargers.

Mark Farinella of the *Sun Chronicle* reports that Stephen Gostkowski is unfazed by his first blocked kick.