The Patriots’ First Shot

Good morning! The First Shot provides you with a healthy helping of links to the top Patriots-related stories around the internet to get your day started. Enjoy your breakfast, your coffee, put off your work (just keep an eye out for the boss), and get your early morning football fix. The links begin after the jump…

• The Patriots seem to be a popular team to bet on (or against) in the gambling world.
• LB Brandon Spikes returned to practice yesterday and was limited, while RT Sebastian Vollmer remains out.
• Is the Patriots defense good enough to win in the playoffs?
• Despite an increased workload this season, Vince Wilfork feels as fresh as a daisy.
• Ronnie Lippett offers advice to Devin McCourty on fixing his play.
• One of the storylines heading into Sunday’s game against the Redskins is DE Andre Carter facing his old team.
• The last successful third WR for the Pats, Jabar Gaffney, will be on the opposing sideline this Sunday.