Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/26/08

LOCAL SHOTS

• Jim McBride gives us his pre-game Rams at Patriots analysis.
• Mike Reiss lists the broadcast tandems for todays games.
• Chris Gasper says Patriots' opponent is suddenly Ram-tough.
• Ron Borges: A driven Richard Seymour demands greatness for Patriots and himself.
• Karen Guregian says James Sanders credits Rodney Harrison with helping him grow and become a better player during the past four seasons.
• Guregian feels the key to victory will be with the running game.
• Robert Lee reports that the Pats expect Rams' Jackson to take the field today, and notes Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Cassel was improving in knowing when to get rid of the ball to avoid a sack.
• Mark Farinella re-introduces us to Mike Richardson, the cornerback from Notre Dame, who saw his first action Monday night playing in some of the specialty defensive packages and on special teams.
• Shalise Manza Young warns Rodney Harrison won't be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame because he's a saftey, and safeties don't get much consideration.
• Jim Donaldson reminds us of how Kraft's lease saved this team from moving to St. Louis by then owner James Orthwein.
• Eric Wilbur has a terrific piece regarding ESPN's double standard in what they choose to report, and wonders what other stories ESPN may be hiding.  Check out NESilver's commentary on PatsPulpit, ESPN - How wrong can you be?

LONG SHOTS

• Jim Thomas (St.Louis Post-Dispatch) notes how much better the Rams' Defense has been since Rick Venturi replaced Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator.
• Bill Coats (St.Louis Post-Dispatch) informs his readers of our backfield issues, Belichick's respect for the Rams' last two wins over quality teams, and what the loss of Rodney Harrison means for our defense.
• K.C. Joyner (NY Times) theorizes New England is getting long in the tooth in many areas, and a two-year absence for Brady, combined with the time it would take him to get back into sync with his teammates once he did return, means this could be the end of the dynasty.
• Tim Graham (ESPN):  Last week, ESPN Stats & Analysis dug up an enlightening nugget about the New England Patriots' offense without Tom Brady.
• Mike Sando (ESPN):  Rams show anything is possible.