Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/06/08

Adam Schefter (NFL.com) reports Now that the Raiders have charged the Patriots with tampering, Oakland is going to have to prove it.  Doesn't everyone know by now not to ignore a Roger Goodell memo?

OFFICIAL SHOTS

• Patriots recap the win over the 49ers.
• Game notes by the team.
• Pats-49ers team analysis of offense, defense, and special teams.
• New England player post-game quotes and comments.
  

LOCAL SHOTS

• Chris Gasper likened yesterday's win to a game of keep away, where the Patriots outgained San Francisco 377 yards to 199 yards, ran 80 plays to just 48 for the 49ers, and dominated time of possession - 39 minutes, 52 seconds for New England and 20:08 for the 49ers.
• Mike Reiss points out "the club overcame two early deficits, before all elements of the team - offense, defense, special teams, and coaching - weaved together to produce one meaningful victory."
• Shalise Manza Young says after shaky start, the Patriots click in all facets.
• Young notes the importance of Cassel deviating from the usual dink and dunk to getting Randy Moss more involved in the offense.
• Reis's Pieces is worth a read for his Ups and Downs, and notes and quotes from Sunday's win.
• The Herald gives us their own Ups and Downs, and Best and Worst of yesterday's game.
• The Herald offers up Kevin Faulk as the player of the game, and praises Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison and Stephen Gostkowski for superior play.
• Gregory Lee Jr. talks up the offense and how Moss's early score opened passing lanes for the patented Wes Welker slip screens. Welker finished with a game-high eight catches for 73 yards.
• Jim Donaldson asserts that controlling the clock was key to the win.
• Art Spander notes the proof was in the numbers.  Through three quarters the 49ers were in control of the ball a mere 12 minutes 46 seconds out of 45 minutes.
• Rich Garven says Cassel went deep, executed the small stuff and, just like Brady, has a winning record.
• John Tomase says the play of the game was the direct snap to Faulk for the touchdown.
  

HOT SHOTS

• Gasper gives a shout-out to Kevin Faulk, who had the first two rushing-touchdown game of his 10-year career, and the pivotal play in the game.
• Karen Guregian says with Laurence Maroney still struggling to hit his stride, there might be a running back controversy brewing.
• Tomase focuses on Randy Moss being treated like the big-play threat he is, with the result being the team’s highest-scoring game of the season and a trickle-down effect that was felt across the entire locker room.

LONG SHOTS

• Tom FitzGerald (San Francisco Chronicle) says the Patriots pounded out 144 yards rushing led by a relay team of four running backs who did everything but pass a baton.
• John Crumpacker (SFC) calls the Niners defense toothless, as it was unable to get off the field from the second quarter on.
• Crumpacker also calls out the offense, saying the receivers didn't give O'Sullivan much help.
• Gwenn Knapp (SFC) explores if the loss was an execution problem or a strategic problem for the 49ers.
• Ray Ratto (SFC) points out that it's tough to win games without having the ball.
• NFL Game Center has post game stats and analysis, along with a nifty little highlight reel to relive the sweet victory.
• Greg Beachum (AP) recaps the game and notes that  Moss had his 57th 100-yard receiving game, the third-most in NFL history. He's within two of Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison, who hasn't had a 100-yard game this season.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) notes the Patriots avoided a faceplant by surviving a tough scenario to remain within striking distance of the Buffalo Bills.
• Peter King (SI) on naming Stephen Gostkowski his Special Teams Player of the Week:  "I'm long overdue in recognizing this rising-star kicker...For the year, he's hit on all 10 field goals he's tried."
• Don Banks (SI) laments the vacancy left by the truly superior 2007 Patriots.  "On Sunday, it was just another day in the suddenly devoid of dominance NFL.  Where have you gone Bill Belichick and your perfect-season Patriots? A football nation turns its lonely eyes to you."