Stephen Neal News

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.

Who knew? All Laurence Maroney needed to get going was snow on the ground. Maroney hit the hole hard on his first three runs, each better than the one before.

Randy Moss and Stephen Neal, both of whom did not practice yesterday for reasons not related to injury, were back at practice today.

When the 3-1 Patriots arrive at Invesco Field today to face the undefeated Broncos , they will encounter a much-improved Denver defense.

Everybody gave chase. That's the thing Ben Watson remembered most. The Patriots tight end sprinted the length of Invesco Field, covering as much as 120 yards on a diagonal route, to tackle Champ Bailey from behind at the New England 1-yard line during the third quarter of a 27-13 loss to the Broncos in a playoff game Jan.

He said he was attempting to hit quarterback Joe Flacco in the shoulder, but his hand slipped and struck him in the face mask.

Strange game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. As well as the Patriots played in defeating the Baltimore Ravens , 27-21, they were still hanging on by their fingertips in the final seconds, able to exhale only after Clayton had let a very catchable fourth-down pass clang off his chest near the Patriots ' 10-yard line.

New England's offensive line showed last week it's not just an exceptional pass-blocking unit.

In today's blitz, Tom Brady reaches a milestone, the running game gets back on track, offensive red zone struggles continue and Fred Taylor reacts to his quarterback's emotions during the game.

Now that's what you call a runaway victory. The Patriots gave Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris and the rest of their running backs the cold shoulder for the first two games of the season.

New England Patriots players comment on their 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, September 27, 2009.

The New England Patriots have gotten off to a rough start, barely eeking out a win against Buffalo in Week One and then scoring only nine points and failing to take advantage of a rookie quarterback in a loss at the Jets.

It wasn't a vintage performance, but it was a classic finish. , as you may have heard, missed almost all of last season after shredding his left knee in the first quarter of the first game.