LOCAL SHOTS
Tom Brady underwent surgery to repair his injured left knee Monday at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, NFL sources said. One source indicated that the procedure went well.
- Mike Reiss reports on the success of the Patriots rushing attack, how the rookie corners are doing, and the practice squad flying out for the week to prepare for Sunday.
- Karen Guregian says the Patriots and Chargers aren't the same teams they were last year, but the bad blood and ugly baggage between the two teams won’t likely change.
- Guregian noticed that Bill Belichick praised Chargers QB Philip Rivers, singling him out for his grit, toughness and play under pressure.
- Mark Farinella talks up the running-back-by-committee plan, saying the Patriots are riding the success of their four horsemen.
- Farinella also has a great article on Randy Moss growing into his role as leader and the people who are unwilling to cut the guy some slack.
- Bill Belichick turns the page to San Diego in his Tuesday conference call with the media.
- Shalise Manza Young focuses on Belichick's decision to challenge where the refs spotted the ball after a Kevin Faulk reception. Game clincher.
- Reiss answers reader questions regarding Maroney, Cassel, the defense, the rookies, Al Davis, and more...
- Patriots Football Weekly also opens its mailbag and responds to the fans.
- Kirk Minihane notes that Kevin Faulks two rushing touchdowns are no surprise to those who know how pivotal a player he really is.
- Reiss comments that it's too early to tell who will lead the wide open AFC, but Patriots are in the pack.
- Bill Belichick joins WEEI live from California after the Patriots win over the 49ers. Coach Hoodie, as usual, lets his hair down a bit with the Big Show crew.
- Michael Felger puts the Pats back at the head of the class with his report cards. "It's still remarkable how many situationally unaware, poorly-coached football teams the Patriots seem to play every year."
- Hey, Patriots fans! Stop by your local Shaw's or Star Market and join the New England Patriots in their efforts to tackle childhood hunger.
FOCUS ON THE CHARGERS
- Chris Jenkins (San Diego Union-Tribune) says, "More than any opponent in the NFL, including division rivals, no foe brings out the rage and fighting words in the Chargers like the Patriots."
- The Union-Tribune issues their own scouting report on the Patriots.
- Chargers.com gives us the California version of the San Diego vs. New England Game Preview
- New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers Game Preview from Patriots.com
- The Chargers look to get back to even Sunday night when they host the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots.
- Head coach Bill Belichick said it almost feels like a division game against the Chargers because the teams have met so often in recent seasons.
LONG SHOTS
- Michael Lombardi (National Football Post) comments on the Al Davis tampering charge, and the rumor-mongering that has accompanied it.
- USA Today issues it's Patriots Report Card along with a nice recap of Sunday's win and a detailed notes and quotes section.
- The Football Night In America crew thinks it's a must-win game for the Chargers vs. Patriots.
- Greg Easterbrook (ESPN): Sweet Quarter of the Week: New England held the ball for all but six snaps of the third quarter at San Francisco -- and on the Squared Sevens' snaps, the results were zero first downs and one turnover.
- Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) addresses time travel in the NFL -- make that time zone travel.
- Daniel Brown (Mercury News): 49ers head coach Mike Nolan said execution, not play-calling, is to blame for loss. This marked the second consecutive week that Nolan cited player mistakes, mental or physical, for pivotal breakdowns.