TEAM TALK
- Game Preview: Patriots vs. Vikings. Broadcast info, series history, tale of the tape, more.
- Paul Perillo tackles this week’s Ask PFW Mailbag: Red zone, pass rush, and more.
- John Rooke’s View from Above: The road again, onto places we’ve already been.
- Paul Perillo looks at the Patriots playoff picture.
- Conference Calls transcripts: Bill Belichick - Josh McDaniels - Brendan Daly.
- Sights and Sounds: Week 12 vs. Jets. (4.12 min. video)
- Patriots reveal designs for the My Cause My Cleats game. (31 sec. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Michael Hurley previews the Vikings by the numbers: Vikings aren’t dominant in any area, but still present tough challenge for the Patriots.
- Zack Cox talks about how the Patriots defense will have its hands full against Vikings’ Adam Thielen, one of the NFL’s elite receivers.
- Zack Cox notes how the Patriots offense has struggled in two particular areas - third down and red zone - the same two areas the Vikings lead the NFL in defending.
- Evan Lazar looks at the film to determine what’s behind the offense’s recent struggles in the red zone.
- Tom Keegan brings up how Rob Gronkowski’s return also benefits the run game.
- Doug Kyed finds in just eight games, Gordon is having the best season of any new receiver the Patriots have acquired over the summer or after a season began who didn’t have a previous tenure in New England.
- Nick O’Malley notes Bill Belichick praised Sony Michel’s maturity as one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to overcome early rookie stumbles.
- Doug Kyed believes Rex Burkhead should add some much-needed unpredictability to the offense.
- Matt Dolloff tells us why we shouldn’t underestimate the return of Rex Burkhead.
- Tom E. Curran isn’t so sure the injury prone Rex Burkhead can be counted on.
- David Latham (LastWordOnSports) Phillip Dorsett deserves a larger role on offense.
- DJ Bean ranks the NFL quarterbacks after Week 12. Brady 5th, “Nothing like setting a record 99 percent of the world probably already thought you had.”
- Alex Reimer mentions how the Patriots have lost to some ‘really, really’ bad teams this year.
- Adam London relays Tom Brady’s recent concern with being too aggressive with his throws, noting the team has a 95% chance of winning when they don’t turn the ball over.
- Zack Cox explains why Cordarrelle Patterson is very popular with his teammates, who mention his unselfishness and positivity.
- Matt Vautour reviews Obi Melifonwu’s Patriots debut.
- Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: Vikings receivers double threat for defense; Jonathan Jones has struggled at times; Big plays on the ground; More.
- Joshua Schrock NFL Rumors: Josh McDaniels, Brian Flores expected to be head-coaching candidates.
- Matt Dolloff was surprised to hear Tom Brady speak a bit more openly about his knee injury and the flu that was going around the locker room.
- Steven Thompson and Chris Blackey (SB Nation) Pats Blitz Podcast: Recapping the victory over the Jets and discussing if the defense will be enough against the Vikings. (51.27 min.)
- Thomas Murphy & Steve Balestrieri (Drive.Google) One Patriots Place podcast: A breakdown of the Jets game and a look ahead to the Vikings matchup with guest Steve DeOssie.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Bill Belichick knows Vikings receivers cause plenty of problems.
- Barry Wilner (AP) Patriots not quite at Super Bowl level.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) AFC playoff picture: Chiefs remain on top.
- Conor Orr (SI) NFL playoffs 2018: Simulating three postseason pictures.
- Adam Schein (NFL.com) Rams, Saints, Chiefs top teams most likely to win Super Bowl LIII.
- Dan Graziano (ESPN) The hottest NFL coaching candidates: Don’t rule out Josh McDaniels.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Completion percentage records are falling around the NFL.
- Brandon Anderson (MediumSports) The 2018 NFL stretch run QB rankings. Tom Brady ranks 13th under the “Too many mistakes to win a Super Bowl” heading. /File under: Too many mistakes.