:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47345302/usa-today-8829328.0.jpg)
TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino tells us what happened Monday at Gillette: Fresh from his first practice, Akiem Hicks says he's 'looking forward' to life as a Patriot.
- John Rooke Nitpicks & Nitwits: Wishing we could say bye-bye to the Bye.
- Patriots.com celebrates Stephen Gostkowski with some interesting notes and stats.
- Briana Palma shares the players' best photos for September.
- Press Pass - Butler, Wendell and Hicks after practice. (1 min. video)
- Patriots Today - All Access Preview: Edelman's Kent State Homecoming. (2 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Christopher Price tells us 5 things we need to know about the Cowboys: Dallas struggling with injuries.
- Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Five first impressions of the Cowboys.
- Cameron McDonough notes WEEI guest Tedy Bruschi believes the Patriots won't overlook the Cowboys.
- Jeff Howe looks at the Patriots' big to-do list coming off the bye: Keep the pedal to the metal.
- Rich Garven gives us some of Akiem Hicks' well-traveled background, and how he brings more experience to the Patriots' D-line.
- Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: Kline's persistence pays off; Patriots had 100% practice participation for the first time since Sept. 5th
- Ryan Hannable reports Ryan Wendell is happy to be back practicing with the Patriots, after missing time with an undisclosed illness.
- Kevin Duffy reports that while Ryan Wendell has returned to the practice field, it remains to be seen how he'll fit in with the interior offensive line rotation.
- Adam Kurkjian notes Akiem Hicks talked about getting immersed in the new system and still trying to get his bearings straight.
- Mark Daniels notes one player affected by the Cowboys' injuries is Malcolm Butler, who is prepared to 'play everybody hard', no matter who they are.
- Tom E. Curran shares a few things he learned watching lots of football during the bye week. (2.21 min. video)
- Mike Reiss notes Bill Belichick credits Greg Shiano for the Patriots' tech shift with their playbooks.
- Mike Reiss highlights Tom Brady on experiencing youth sports as a parent, and how he sees the difference from when he was a kid.
- Christopher Price mentions that after 3 games, Ryan Allen is on pace for a remarkable record.
- Mike Reiss reports the Patriots worked out former Colts RB Boom Herron.
- Tom E. Curran is fascinated that Rex Ryan is actually willing to decrease the odds of his team winning in order to install his team as the NFL’s bad boys.
- Darren Hartwell reports the Patriots Tweeted congratulations to the Saints' after Drew Brees' 400th career TD pass. Saints appreciated the shout-out with support of their own.
- Doug Kyed points out Bill Belichick outlasted another AFC East head coach Monday when Joe Philbin was fired by the Miami Dolphins.
- Kevin Duffy passes along some Miami Dolphins coaching rumors: Josh McDaniels could be on the list of potential head coach candidates.
- Mike Reiss points out the Patriots have a recent history with the 'illegal bat' penalty.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Josh Brown (Boston Title Town Talk) The AFC East is still the AFC East.
- Oliver Thomas (247 Sports) Bill Belichick reflects on trading back for Jamie Collins.
- AP Report (Yahoo! Sports) Hicks' long journey lands him with Patriots.
- Andrew Brandt (The MMQB) 10 Things I think I think: Deflategate can't stop the NFL's cash flow, Timing is everything for team schedules, and looking back on stealing Aaron Rodgers.
- Erik Frenz (Bleacher Report) Week 4 proves why Patriots are still in AFC East driver's seat.
- Bob Snowdon (Goal Line Gazette) Patriots: You can't build your future on luck, but it sure doesn't hurt.
- Ian O'Connor (ESPN) A diminished Peyton Manning still stands between Patriots and Super Bowl.
- Zac Jackson (ProFootballTalk) Patriots clinched a 2013 win after correct illegal batting call.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Blandino: Illegal bat is not reviewable.
- Will Leitch (Sports on Earth) September's dumbest sports stories.
- Bill Barnwell (Grantland) Week 4 Wrap: The Haves vs. the Have Nots.
VIEW FROM DALLAS
- Jon Machota (Dallas Morning News) Michael Irvin: The only way Cowboys beat Patriots is if 'Jesus is at the goal line.'
- Staff Report (Dallas Morning News) 10 things Cowboys fans should know about the New England Patriots, including how Tom Brady spends his bye week.
- Babe Laufenberg (Dallas Morning News) Task in front of Cowboys is nothing short of daunting.