New England Patriots Links 11/15/13 - Talib, Vereen Closer to Return

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino tells us what happened Thursday at Gillette.
• Patriots-Panthers Thursday Injury Report.
• Conference Calls with the Carolina media: Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski.
• Patriots Today - Thursday's practice notes. (1.43 min. video)
• Patriots Today - Covering Cam. (3.51 min. video)
• Matchup of the week: Mankins vs. Lotulelei. (2.58 min. video)
• Locker Room Uncut - Talib and more on Carolina. (3,52 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Jeff Howe writes Aqib Talib spoke to the media yesterday, which may be a positive sign that he'll be available to play Monday night.
• Nick Underhill reports the Patriots are giving Shane Vereen 'harder assignments' this week in practice.
• Shalise Manza Young reports Belichick says things will be ramped up for Vereen and Talib in practice this week.
• Field Yates notes Aqib Talib deems himself 'day to day' while speaking with the media for the first time since his hip injury.
• Doug Kyed notes Alfonzo Dennard was limited in practice Thursday with a knee injury.
• Matt Chatham notes it's tough to figure out Cam Newton. He may be the Panthers' greatest weapon and will look to take advantage of any defensive weakness.
• Phil Perry talks about the deep backfield of the Carolina Panthers.
• Christopher Price reports Clete Blakeman will work as the referee for Pats-Panthers.
• Mike Petraglia and Chris Price look ahead to Patriots and Panthers on Monday night. (9.10 min. video)
• Mike Reiss notes Ed Reed, who signed with Jets, says the Patriots had also contacted him.
• Eric Wilbur thinks Rob Gronkowski's overexposure is something the Patriots need to keep tabs on.
• Mike Reiss posts the transcript of his weekly online chat: "Big challenge for [the Panthers] too.
• ESPN Boston updates Tedy Bruschi's defensive index. Patriots 5th, Carolina 2nd.
• Jim Lazar makes his Week 11 picks. Panthers 21-20.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Aqib Talib getting closer to a return, just in time.
• Aaron Wilson (Baltimore Sun) Former Ravens WR LaQuan Williams being sued after alleged fight outside a nightclub in June.
• NFL Live (ESPN) Countdown Daily prediction: NE-Car. Schlereth and Bettis pick Pats to win, Woodson picks Carolina. (5.44 min. video)
• Gregg Rosenthal and Marc Sessler (NFL.com) What to watch for: Viewing tips for Week 11 games.
• Don Banks (SI) Weekend pickoff: Week 11 picks. Patriots 20-17.
• Around the League (NFL.com) Picking winners for Week 11 games. 3 of 5 pick Carolina to win.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) PFT's Week 11 picks. Florio picks Carolina 20-13, MDS picks Carolina 24-10.
• Elliot Harrison (NFL.com) Week 11 predictions. Carolina 20-17.

VIEW FROM CHARLOTTE

• Bryan Strickland (Panthers.com) Newton embracing emotion but focusing on execution.
• Max Henson (Panthers.com) Transformation of a defense.
• Joseph Person (Charlotte Observer) Luke Kuechly vs. Rob Gronkowski matchup could be crucial for Panthers.
• Bryan Strickland (Panthers.com) Stewart, Edwards return to form.
• Jonathan Jones (Charlotte Observer) Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart relying on ‘muscle memory’.
• Player interview (Panthers.com) Jonathan Stewart: Patriots present big challenge.