Archives for September 29, 2012

‘New England 31, Buffalo 24.’

‘The fifth-year man out of Troy currently leads the NFL in punt return average, yards and the longest return of the year with his 88-yard return for a touchdown against Kansas City. McKelvin’s staggering 29.7 yards per return average is 10.1 yards better than the next best returner at 19.6 average.’

‘"He’s done a great job, I’ll tell you what," defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt said. "The thing is, he’s been as good on the practice field and in the meeting room as he’s been on Sundays. I didn’t know that much about him [before he signed], but he’s been solid in all areas on and off the field. He’s been a pleasure to coach."’

‘"As long as I feel like I’m capable of going, he’s going to support what I do," Jackson said was the message he got from the team’s medical staff. "It got better as the day went on [Friday] so that’s always good. It felt good [Thursday], too, after practice. Excited to see what happens on Sunday."’

‘”It’s a team game,” said Gronkowski, who played three high school seasons at Williamsville North in suburban Buffalo before his family moved to Pittsburgh in 2006. “Whatever plays are called, I’m just going out there and doing my job. Whatever is asked of me, I’m just going to go out there and perform my routes based on how I’ve been coached that week.”‘

‘The Patriots know Fitzpatrick can be rattled, and there are two sides to his quarterbacking skills. If he’s comfortable, like many signal-callers nowadays, he’ll pick the defense apart. But when Fitzpatrick faces adversity, either due to a heightened pass rush or confusing coverages, he’ll be overcome by poor decisions and inaccuracy.’

‘If Buffalo means business and plans to challenge the Pats in the AFC East, Sunday is the kind of game it has to win – the chance not only to make an early-season statement, but also to put two games between it and New England.’

‘”Going back to your hometown obviously, it’s like a dream,” Gronkowski said Friday. “Going back to where you grew up and playing in front of all your friends and family – it’s my third time going up there doing this. It’s a cool experience, and I’m definitely looking forward to the game and seeing my family.”‘

‘Making the move the Bills in the offseason, Williams has yet to light upstate New York on fire with the quality of his play.’

‘It was the worst of times for the 2011 New England Patriots.’

New England Patriots’ defense needs to rebound against Buffalo Bills (Boston Globe)

Logan Mankins, Rob Gronkowski questionable Sunday (Boston Globe)

Getting a pass-ing grade (Boston Herald)

Pats in a rush to get to Fitzpatrick (Boston Herald)

Rob Gronkowski’s hip a problem (Boston Herald)

For Bills, matchup with Pats represents a great opportunity (Providence Journal)

Gronkowski looks to continue success close to home (Providence Journal)

Wes Welker is Patriots’ top receiver again (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Williams yet to pay off for Bills (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

Patriots can’t forget getting shuffled off by Buffalo (Brockton Enterprise)

Logan Mankins’ status for Sunday not looking good (Springfield Republican)

Kellen Winslow Jr. released by New England Patriots for ‘personal reasons’ (Springfield Republican)

Rob Gronkowski questionable for Sunday with hip injury (Springfield Republican)

Fred Jackson cleared to play for Bills; C.J. Spiller inching toward return (Springfield Republican)

Red alert: Patriots unproductive in red zone (AP)

Patriots TE Gronkowski questionable (The Sports Network)

Thumbs up or down on McCourty? (ESPN)

Rob Gronkowski Added to Patriots Injury Report, Listed as Questionable With Hip Injury (NESN)

Time will tell if play changes with regular referees (CSN New England)

Mankins hip now a concern (CSN New England)

Welker: Going to get more opportunites (CSN New England)

Patriots sign Forston to practice squad, release Quarles (CSN New England)

Belichick: Pats released Winslow for ‘personal reasons’ (CSN New England)

Mankins still missing from Patriots practice (CSN New England)

Patriots-Bills Fun Facts (WBZ-TV)

Mankins, Gronkowski Listed As Questionable For Patriots-Bills; Edelman Out (WBZ-TV)

Robert Kraft Played Important Role In Ending NFL Referee Lockout (WBZ-TV)

Ten matchups to watch in Sunday’s Patriots-Bills game (WEEI-AM)

All your offbeat Patriots-Bills stats (WEEI-AM)

Ten matchups to watch in Sunday’s Patriots-Bills game (WEEI-AM)

Trags Bag: Not too early for a Patriots ‘must-win’ (WEEI-AM)

Friday Six-Pack: Bills Edition (Patriots.com)

Patriots sign DL Marcus Forston to practice squad; Release S Cyhl Quarles (Patriots.com)

Bill Belichick Press Conference Transcript (Patriots.com)

‘Jackson received the OK before practice Friday, and expects to be ”ready to go” on Sunday when Buffalo (2-1) hosts the Patriots (1-2). Despite feeling some soreness, he practiced for a third straight day since being hurt in a season-opening loss at the New York Jets on Sept. 9.’

‘Both were limited in practice on Friday.’

‘Patriots 34, Bills 24.’

‘Both Jackson and Spiller are officially listed as questionable for the upcoming game against New England, and according to Gailey each has a “legitimate” chance at playing. If neither can suit up, Tashard Choice will be the starting running back.’