Archives for September 2012

‘The wide receiver has killed the Bills at times over the years. Here in Orchard Park last season, he had 16 catches for 217 yards and two scores in a losing effort. In 2009, he had a 12 catch game vs the Bills. The year before, nine for 107 so once a year, he usually goes off against Buffalo. Justin Rogers has been handling the slot, but can he handle Welker?’

‘Four of the next six opponents were playoff teams last season and their combined record of the six was 66-30.’

‘Patriots 23, Bills 17.’

‘”Jackson and Spiller are both questionable, 50-50 and I think they both have a legitimate chance,” said head coach Chan Gailey following Friday’s practice. “Both were limited today.”‘

‘Yes, the Bills are likely to be without C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson won’t be 100 percent. As talented as both of them are, the offensive line has been a major reason why Buffalo is third in the league in rushing. There might not be as many home-run plays in the run game, but the Bills offensive line will be the best the Patriots have faced and they will be successful in moving the chains on the ground.’

‘”They really count on those front four to get to the quarterback and they do it,” said Brady of Buffalo’s defensive line. “It’s not like you can stand back there and figure everything out all day. They have some guys that can really rush the passer. Bringing in Mario and Mark obviously added a lot to their defense.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills’ offense will try to maintain some balance between the run and the pass Sunday against a New England defense that is looking improved against the run.’

‘Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson appears likely to play against the New England Patriots Sunday, barring a setback over the next two days in his recovery from a sprained knee.’

‘For the first time in, well, ever, NFL referees are popular.’

‘”It’s funny how things work out, I guess, but (the coaches) have done a great job coaching me up and teaching me technique,” said Scott, who has collected a turnover in each of the first three games, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. “There’s still some things that I do instinctively as a safety that I’m trying to break those habits, but the more I get comfortable the faster I see that I’m playing and making reads.”‘

‘”It’s a big front,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady [stats] said. “They can all move. They’re athletic, and they really count on those front four to get to the quarterback, and they do it. It’s not like you can stand back there and figure everything out all day. They have some guys that can really rush the passer. Bringing in Mario and Mark obviously added a lot to their defense.”‘

‘”Our biggest thing is we can’t let him get confidence early on in the game,” Patriots defensive end Trevor Scott said. “We’ve just got to do our job to make sure he can’t get going.”‘

‘”That is the biggest thing,” Williams said during a conference call. “We just have to get out there and make him feel the pressure under heat and keep him moving. Obviously, in games where that has happened to him, the Patriots did not come out on top. I think that’s the biggest thing we have to do is come out and do what he does not like, and that is pressure.”‘

‘”I played with Mark in Houston when he came down there,” Williams recalled during a conference call with the New England media on Wednesday. “He’s a high-energy guy. He can be unorthodox at times, but he’s definitely hit home doing that.”‘

New England Patriots pleased officials are back on the job (Boston Globe)

NFL officials are as much to blame as owners (Boston Globe)

Kellen Winslow Jr. released by Patriots (Boston Globe)

Bills front four will challenge Pats line (Boston Herald)

Pats happy refs’ lockout is over (Boston Herald)

Pats prep for more legs than centipede (Boston Herald)

Patriots must play smart in Buffalo (Boston Herald)

Smart to pressure QB (Boston Herald)

At 1-2, Patriots find themselves in unfamiliar territory (Providence Journal)

New England focused on Buffalo, not returning officials (Providence Journal)

Mario Williams plans to pressure Tom Brady (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Patriots bid farewell to replacement officials (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Kellen Winslow was short-term fix for Patriots (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Patriots ready to play, not talk (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

TE Winslow opts out (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

Patriots’ Slater welcomes returning officials (Brockton Enterprise)

After a season with the Pats, Anderson looking to make his mark in Buffalo (Brockton Enterprise)

What’s up with Rob Gronkowski’s slow start? (Springfield Republican)

Patriots release Kellen Winslow Jr. (Springfield Republican)

Tom Brady removed from New England Patriots’ injury report (Springfield Republican)

Robert Kraft nominated for Hall of Fame (Springfield Republican)

Patriots defense has setback after 2 solid games (AP)

Patriots cut TE Kellen Winslow after just one game (AP)

Patriots release TE Winslow (The Sports Network)

These Bills are ready for Patriots (ESPN)

Patriots release TE Kellen Winslow (ESPN)

Robert Kraft on refs: ‘Minor blip’ (ESPN)

Super Bowl XLVI Official to Work Patriots-Bills on Sunday (NESN)

Robert Kraft Nomination For 2013 Class of Pro Football Hall of Fame Brings Further Prestige to Patriots Organization (NESN)

Kellen Winslow’s Unexpected Release From Patriots May Signal Imminent Return for Aaron Hernandez (NESN)

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

Slater: Return of referees a ‘huge step’ for player safety (CSN New England)

Wilfork stresses focusing, finishing strong vs. Bills (CSN New England)

Patriots pass-rush looking for more against Buffalo (CSN New England)

Patriots locker room observations: No limp for Hernandez (CSN New England)

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

Slater: Return of referees a ‘huge step’ for player safety (CSN New England)

Patriots: Regardless of officials, bad calls happen (CSN New England)

Winslow released by Patriots (CSN New England)

Deaderick returns to Patriots practice; Mankins, Edelman missing (CSN New England)

Wilfork stresses focusing, finishing strong vs. Bills (CSN New England)

Wilfork: We have our thinking caps on for Bills (CSN New England)

One scout’s breakdown of Patriots-Bills (WEEI-AM)

Patriots release veteran TE Kellen Winslow (Patriots.com)

Patriots react to refs’ deal; Thu. notes (Patriots.com)