FOXBORO — As the Patriots honor the Super Bowl XXXVI championship team today at Gillette Stadium, they’ll try to avoid being on the wrong side of a similarly unpredictable upset against the same foe they beat for that title.
The Pats host the Rams, who have lost six of their last seven, including a 49-21 shellacking last week against the Saints. Meanwhile, the Patriots remain tied with the Raiders for the best record in the AFC, and they’d like to put on a show for the old guard.
Here are five things to watch:
Something special in the air at Gillette
The Rams have a legitimately talented defense, which is ranked 12th in points allowed, ninth in yards yielded and seventh in passing yards, but last week allowed Saints quarterback Drew Brees to complete 28-of-36 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns (plus a rushing score).