Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 9/19/08

Peter King has a nice piece on Matt Russell, the man most responsible for Matt Cassel's being a New England Patriot.  It's a scout's perspective on his belief in a player, and the value of an organization that values their scouts.

PLAYERS IN FOCUS

• Randy Moss tells Blitz Magazine how he became a Patriot, the baggage he brought with him, and insight into the man many view as "an enigma and a recluse to the media and the public."
• The National Football Post is betting on how many weeks until Randy Moss starts complaining that he isn't getting the ball.  Unbelievable.
  
• Rodney Harrison brushes aside Joey Porter's comments with the customary respect he shows to all of his opponents, and discusses the Miami offense.
• Stephen Gostkowski is feeling strong and looking good at 5 for 5 already this season.  Unknown to the fans he started the season hurt in 2007, but used the full pre-season this year to build up his leg strength.
• Deltha O'Neal is one tough player who had to leave his wife and three children in Cincinnati to come to New England.
• We've all seen replays of "The Sack", but Adalius Thomas takes issue with a cheap shot chop-block, and uncalled penalty, immediately following that play against the Jets.
• Invaluable Mr. Patriot Kevin Faulk's understatement of the year, ““I just do whatever they ask me to do. I do whatever to help the team win.”  Karen Guregian attempts to do justice to this player who always comes through for the team.
• Bill Belichick gives a shout out to Billy Yates for his outstanding play against the Jets last Sunday.
• Mike McDermott speculates on what's up with Troy Brown, who was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Hall of Fame at Patriots' Place.
• The Patriots' Offensive Line gets a look on how they are doing more with less.
  

PATRIOTS - DOLPHINS MATCHUP

Have to include this gem from Eric Wilbur's Sports Blog, a Prediction Roundup featuring 16 across the board sports writers, their take on who will win Sunday, and their comments.  (okay, it's really, 15 writers and a dog, but still worth the read.)

• Chad Pennington is still adjusting to a new offense, but the Patriots' defense he'll be playing against should look familiar.  Too familiar.
• Mike Reiss offers what to look for in the new 2008 Dolphins and talks about the key matchup, Richard Seymour against Jake Long.
• Christopher Gasper focuses on executive vice president Bill Parcells, how he has reshaped the Dolphins and what it means for the Patriots.
• Projo.com gives their short and sweet pre-game analysis of the Pats-Phins line matchups.
• View from the other side  Click on over to Miami Herald online, and choose from a dozen or so articles to get the palm-tree view of Sunday's game.