Stephen Neal News

The New England Patriots are heading back to New Orleans for the first time since they won the Super Bowl there.

New England's defense needs to come up big for the Patriots to have a prayer against the unbeaten Saints.

Rookie Sebastian Vollmer once again will start at left tackle for the Patriots in place of injured veteran Matt Light.

While I'm writing this, CB Leigh Bodden jumped i front of a bad pass by Jets QB Mark Sanchez , intercepted it, and ran it back 53-yard for a score.

RB Sammy Morris hopes to get back in action for the Patriots soon. Plus, news and notes from the Friday locker room and practice.

There is no indecision with Dan Koppen's injury status this week. His knee is fine, and the Patriots center even played against the Colts Sunday night after being forced out of the previous week's game against the Dolphins.

Far more goes into the Jets' blitzes -- and into defending against them -- than meets the eye.

Need evidence that the Patriots will bounce back fine from Sunday's devastating loss to the Colts, and do so in short order? The Patriots have lost consecutive games just once in the last seven seasons, and they'll have plenty of motivation this week, with the archrival Jets and their smack-talking coach, Rex Ryan , visiting Foxborough.

Forget the Barry Switzer references. Yes, Bozo the Coach, which is what The New York Post called Switzer in a headline in 1995 when his Cowboys failed to convert a fourth-down attempt at their 29-yard-line against the Eagles - made the same decision that Bill Belichick did Sunday night in the Patriots ' 35-34 loss to the Colts .

Laurence Maroney is feeling it again. The wildly inconsistent tailback has been running with increased power and decisiveness over the last month.

A number of familiar faces made unexpected appearances on the practice field Friday at Gillette Stadium, with linemen Matt Light and Dan Koppen , wide receiver Julian Edelman , and running back Sammy Morris all practicing and giving hope that they could be healthy in time for the much-anticipated brawl with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

Speaking at an event to support his charitable foundation, defensive end Jarvis Green said he will not play next week against the Colts and he will miss "a few weeks'' after undergoing knee surgery at the end of the Patriots' bye week.

The Patriots entered this season with what was deemed the third most difficult schedule in the NFL, their opponents having won 59 percent of their games in 2008.

A funny thing happens when opposing teams line up with three defensive linemen in passing situations: None of the rushers ever seem to go up against Stephen Neal.

ESPN analyst and ex-footballer Trent Dilfer grabbing a bite at Legal Sea Foods in the Prudential Center .

Having virtually being accused of not earning my keep on this board lately I will like a Phoenix rise from the ashes and I came up a subject I feel is very worthy of note.

The Patriots departed Gillette Stadium at 4 p.m. yesterday in a six-bus caravan headed for Logan Airport, escorted by six State Police motorcycles, a black unmarked cruiser, and a sport utility vehicle.

It was ironic to see Tom Brady topple Tennessee with his arm last Sunday, wearing one of the throwback jerseys the league is showcasing this season to highlight the 50th anniversary of the AFL.

Sunday's game against Tampa Bay in London won't be a new experience for every Patriot.

Escorted by a phalanx of six State Police motorcycles, 1 black unmarked cruiser and 1 sports utility vehicle, the Patriots' caravan of six buses departed Gillette Stadium, with coach Bill Belichick and his son, Stephen, riding in the first row of the first bus after being the last to board just four minutes before the scheduled 4 p.m. departure.