LOCAL SHOTS

• Michael Vega helps us get to know versatile Ray Ventrone.
• Christopher Gasper notes that Kevin O'Connell is potentially only one snap away from being the starting quarterback.
• Gasper talks about the key stretch ahead, and how the next seven games could define New England's 2008 season.
• Mike Reiss says the Patriots are 6-2 following their regular-season bye weekend under Belichick and wonders if that will continue.
• Offensive linemen Matt Light and Logan Mankins talk about what they need to do to improve.
• Karen Guregian discusses Matt Cassel's learning curve.
• Guregian also sings the Red Zone blues, noting that the Patriots are struggling inside the 20.
  
• The Herald Staff asks, if the Pats lose to the 49'ers Sunday after having two weeks to prepare, are they cooked?
• Lauren Carter spills on Jabar Gaffney's music playlist.
• Jim Donaldson asserts that with Matt Cassel at QB, Pats fans have reason to fret.
• Shalise Manza Young talks with Patriots receivers coach Bill O'Brien.
• Young also reports on how the Patriots are working to address offensive deficiencies.
• Josh Krueger tries to make sense of the oft-unpredictable NFL.
• Mark Farinella says the Patriots are positive despite the Miami debacle.
• Ron Borges asks if age is the biggest obstacle for the Patriots.
• K.C. Joyner shows some impressive looking charts with numbers and percentages, to prove that all is not lost for the Patriots.  I'll take his word for it.
• Patriots Daily - Troy Brown:  A Man Among Men.

EX-PATRIOTS

• Reiss reports that Former Patriots Offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi started his own charitable foundation to improve all levels of care for cancer patients.
• Eric McHugh also interviews Joe Andruzzi and discusses his new foundation.
• Glen Farley speaks with Steve Grogan and how he can relate to both Tom Brady and Matt Cassel.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

• Los Angeles Times - Sam Farmer alerts readers that less than a month into the season the AFC is in mayhem, and asks us to consider the weirdness.
• Don Banks on Troy Brown:   "He was the quintessential team-first Patriot, and I still think his willingness to switch from receiver to part-time nickel cornerback in 2004 -- his 12th season in the NFL -- when New England's injury-riddled secondary needed bodies, was one of the most selfless feats in recent NFL history."
• According to ProFootball Weekly, "The Dolphins have exposed weaknesses in the coverage ability of the Patriots’ linebackers.  Word out of Foxborough is that as instinctive as they are, the ’backers have difficulty playing the pass if they’re reading run first."