The Patriot Way – New England Patriots News 10/9

Jul 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski watches drills during training camp at the practice fields of Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

As the Patriots prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, questions remain about the effectiveness of their offense. With doubt lingering about the ability of the Patriots to produce on offense, focus has shifted to the likely return of tight end Rob Gronkowski and whether he can help solve the Patriots problems moving the football.

Let’s get caught up on the The Patriot Way.

Scouting the New Orleans Saints
Boston.com by Erik Frenz
The New Orleans Saints have been known as one of the NFL’s best offenses for years with quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, but in 2013, their defense may be the hallmark of the team.

Gronk Likely to Return on Sunday
Musket Fire by Cyrus Geller
Rob Gronkowski, the talented, albeit injury-prone tight end of the New England Patriots, may finally make his long-delayed 2013 debut this Sunday. 

Gronk Helps, but He’s No Cure All
ESPN Boston by Mike Reiss
With the potential return Sunday of tight end Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots offense will naturally receive a much-needed boost. But Gronkowski, who figures to be managed with a reduced workload in his return, isn’t a one-man cure-all.

Tom Brady’s Struggles Stand Out
MassLive by Nick Underhill
When the New England Patriots offense endures dark days, it’s not often that the spotlight settles in the center of the ring when locating the chief culprit.

Patriots Re-Sign Ja’Gared Davis to Practice Squad After Rookie Linebacker Clears Waivers
NESN by Doug Kyed
Just a day after being released from the 53-man roster, Davis has re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, according to a source. The linebacker cleared waivers on Tuesday.

Rob Gronkowski’s Return No Done Deal
Boston Herald by Karen Guregian
This weekend has been targeted for Rob Gronkowski’s return, but according to a source, nothing definitive has been determined about the tight end playing Sunday against the Saints. – See more at: 

Joe Vellano Struggled to Defend the Run Against Bengals
Pats Pulpit by Greg Knopping
In the aftermath of the Vince Wilfork injury, rookie free agent defensive tackle Joe Vellano was thrust into the starting line-up against the Bengals in week four. Vellano did flash at times with a couple of solid rushes and one nice stop on BenJarvus Green-Ellis. However, as ProFootballFocus.com points out, he wasn’t stellar as a whole against the run.

Pats Defensive Line Missed Wilfork
Bleacher Report by Erik Frenz
Right from their first offensive play, it was clear the Cincinnati Bengals intended to test the New England Patriots defensive tackles, absent Vince Wilfork.

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