Minnesota counts itself among the many NFL franchises trying to copy the Patriots' plan for success. The Vikings learned on Monday night that they still have a lot of catching up to do. Tom Brady beat Minnesota's relentless rushing defense by simply throwing over it for 372 yards and touchdowns to four different receivers, and the Patriots pounded the Vikings 31-7 on Monday night to win their sixth straight regular-season road game.

Cornerback Asante Samuel's contract expires after the season, and the sides have had what Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, described as preliminary conversations in which potential contract concepts were discussed. "They expressed an interest to keep Asante, which was welcome, and by the same token, we let them know we'd like to stay there if we could work something out," Shavers said. "I don't have a barometer on how it's going to unfold. I'd say right now it's in a wait-and-see situation."

Richard Seymour was injured in the first half of Sunday?s 28-6 victory against the Bills and did not return. Teammate Rodney Harrison appeared to land on Seymour?s arm while trying to make a tackle. Seymour skipped his regular weekly appearance on WEEI yesterday, which is his typical course of action while injured. He didn?t appear on the airwaves for six weeks last year while recovering from an October knee injury.

For the second time in three years, NFL players voted Rodney Harrison the dirtiest player in the league. ?It is what it is,? Harrison said. ?I?ve been in this league a long time. When you?ve hit as many guys as I have, your reputation extends throughout the league. ?Do I take perverse pride in this?? Harrison said. ?All I can say is as many guys as say I?m a dirty player, just as many come up and tell me they admire how I play, the hard work, the commitment, the toughness. That?s the pride you?re looking for. I take pride in that. ?But dirty? I don?t think you guys can look in my eyes and say I?m a dirty player.?

Doug Gabriel says Randy Moss is misunderstood and doesn't deserve the reputation as a selfish player. "He can be a fit in this offense because he's a guy who loves to work," Gabriel said Monday after the Patriots returned from a four-day break in their bye week. "If Randy was here, he'd make every other receiver want to pick up their game."

The New England Patriots signed center Dan Koppen to a five-year extension, the Boston College graduate said Thursday during BC's game against Virginia Tech. ESPN, which first reported the deal, said it was worth nearly $20 million with a $7.5 million signing bonus.

The New England Patriots signed wide receiver Jabar Gaffney on Monday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Gaffney, a 2002 University of Florida graduate and fifth-year pro, spent his first four seasons with the Houston Texans. He was signed by Philadelphia in March, but was released before the start of the regular season.

Former NFL running back Dave Meggett resigned from his post as the city's recreation and parks director a month after he was charged with raping his former girlfriend. Meggett, who played 10 seasons with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and New York Giants, thanked the town Wednesday for the opportunity, adding that "it's apparent I will no longer be able to complete my duties with the town of Robersonville."