The season opener is just two days away as the New England Patriots begin their quest for a Super Bowl title against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Today, the *Boston Globe *takes a look at running back Sammy Morris, who is a workhorse on the field and a budding photographer outside the lines.
"Photography is my outlet for my creative side, a way that I can capture the things that I find artistic," Morris told the Globe.
The *Boston Herald *focuses on the rookie linebacker Jerod Mayoand the Patriots' defense, which will face a stiff test Sunday against Kansas City running back Larry Johnson.
"They have a lot of depth at that position," Patriots head coach Bill Belichicktold the Herald.
Through it all, the Patriots' defense remains upbeat despite a poor showing in the preseason.
"Sometimes the games might not [appear to] go as well, but you went out there and try to execute different things each and every week, and now it's time to put it all together," safety James Sanderstold the Providence Journal.
Offensively, the Patriots are counting on their depth at running back, which includes veteran LaMont Jordan. The former Oakland Raider is thrilled to be a part of the organization.
"When you get a call from Bill Belichick and you're a free agent and you're coming from a situation that was hardly ever bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, it's an opportunity you want to take advantage of," Jordan told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
The Patriots are hoping they can duplicate their record-setting production from last season in which they scored 589 points.
"I feel like from Day 1 we were way ahead of last year. I hope that shows up when we start playing the regular season," Tom Bradytold the New Bedford Standard-Times.
Wide receiver Wes Welker's production will go a long way in determining how successful the offense is in 2008. Welker's a little rusty after injuring his rib in the preseason, but appears ready for Week 1.
"I'm just excited to be out there and excited to compete a little bit, and have a little fun with it," Welker told the Attleboro Sun Chronicle.
Elsewhere, tight end David Thomasis finally healthy and ready to go following an injury-plagued season in 2007.
"Any time you miss games, it's frustrating, but I'm excited to move forward and put that in the past and get this season started on Sunday," Thomas told the Boston Globe.
Also, the *Herald *takes a look at rookie linebacker Gary Guyton, who made the final cut as an undrafted rookie and is willing to fill in anywhere.
"Wherever they need me to play, I'm here," Guyton told the Herald.
Quick hits
Today's *Kansas City Star *profiles Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali, who is looking forward to a breakthrough season in 2008 while replacing Pro Bowler Jared Allen.
"It's a lot of pressure on me to perform. It's a production business," Hali told the Star.
The *Star *also reports on Johnson, who is looking forward to Sunday's opener after missing most of last season with an injury.
"I know everybody else is excited, but I've been waiting to play since week nine of last year," Johnson told the Star.
Finally, Sports Illustrated predicts 10 things that will unfold in 2008, which includes an item about Brady.
