Archives for December 2008

‘”He’s a tough matchup because he can do a lot of things,” said Buffalo Bills linebacker Keith Ellison, whose defense will have to deal with Faulk on Sunday. “He’s a very good receiver out of the backfield. They like throwing to him on screens and getting him out on routes. He’s also underrated as a runner. They have a lot of big names over there, but most of them haven’t been as consistent as Faulk. He’s hurt us in the past, so we’ll need to know where he is on every play.”‘

‘This is the second year in a row that Peters, after being voted into the Pro Bowl, has been unable to finish the season. Last year he missed the final 1½ games because of a groin injury that prevented him from going to Hawaii for the all-star game.’

‘Owner Ralph Wilson has refused to commit to Jauron for next season, despite credible reports that Jauron signed a three-year extension. If the fans had a vote, he’d be gone after a season of play calling that seemed to defy logic. Wilson may be trying to estimate how much it would cost him in season-ticket sales if he brings Jauron back. Not exactly the decision-making factor that produces long-term success.’

‘I know, you’re saying. Dick Jauron is a grown man. He has enough money to last him the rest of his life, and neither he nor his family will ever go hungry. And you’d be right, especially knowing how meticulous he is. But there are only 32 National Football League coaches and one of them grew up and played sports in Swampscott. So while the national media speculate about Jauron’s job, and practically predict the date the axe will fall, I hold out hope that he’ll meet a kinder, gentler fate.’

‘Asked about Buffalo’s size, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said, “You try to combat it by playing with good technique and playing with good position. They are big and they use their size well. They cover up defenders. They get on them and a lot of times the defender is in pretty good position, but he can’t get off and make the tackle, or he is reaching for an arm tackle on (Marshawn) Lynch and (Fred) Jackson and just can’t get them down.”‘

A lot’s been left up to Wright (Boston Globe)

Seymour still questionable (Boston Globe)

Safety James Sanders aching to play (Boston Herald)

Doubt looms over Richard Seymour (Boston Herald)

Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen: True love forever? (Boston Herald)

Reserves Wright, Smith glad to help Pats out (Providence Journal)

Patriots’ Seymour listed as questionable for Bills game (Providence Journal)

Patriots hang a ‘Help Wanted’ sign (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

Pats can’t take Bills’ offensive line lightly (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

Patriots need a little help (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

Lengthy injury report of Pats (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

Bruschi to miss Buffalo game; Seymour could play (AP)

Patriots may be rooting for rival Jets in finale (AP)

Quick thoughts from Ty Warren; Friday notebook (Patriots.com)

Bill Belichick Press Conference – 12/26/2008 (Patriots.com)

‘Bruschi was listed as out on the injury report Friday, putting him on the sideline for the third straight game.’

‘Wins by Miami and Baltimore would eliminate the Patriots, no matter what they do.’

‘Our pick: Patriots 35, Bills 20. And the Jets take care of the Dolphins, too. Patriots head to the playoffs.’

‘Patriots win 24-13.’

‘Receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish is also doubtful after missing practice all week because of a knee injury. Parrish was hurt last Friday in practice and aggravated the injury against the Broncos.’

‘Questionable for Sunday’s game are Marshawn Lynch and Kawika Mitchell. Mitchell has practiced each of the last two days and is likely to play. Lynch did not practice on Wednesday, but did so on Thursday before resting again on Friday with his bruised shoulder.’

‘Last week’s win in Denver was the Bills’ first against a team with a winning record after dropping their first six such games. When you’re 5-1 and sitting atop a division that features a team that lost its MVP quarterback, a team that went 4-12 in the previous season and a team that went 1-15 in ’07, last place is probably the last place you expect to end up.’

‘The “Man of the Year” award goes to punter Brian Moorman. This award was established in 1986 and is presented for outstanding performance and dedication on the field and in the community. Moorman is the 23rd recipient of the award and is enjoying one of his finest seasons ever as a pro averaging nearly 45 yards per punt with 22 punts inside the 20 yard line. His continued work with his P.U.N.T. Foundation helps numerous kids that are facing life threatening illnesses.’

‘Lynch and Jackson have combined for 83 receptions through Week 16, tied for first in the league with New Orleans running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. With Bush out for the season’s final week with a sprained left knee, Lynch and Jackson are in position to surpass the New Orleans duo against the Patriots’ 15th-ranked pass defense.’