Options for Retaining Moss

I know everyone is concentrating on the Super Bowl, but there is something even more significant happening once the Super Bowl is done. WR Randy Moss is scheduled to be a free agaent! If you remember, Randy Moss only had a one year deal with the Patriots. The Patriots do have options though, even if they are not in negotiations with Moss.

Franchise tag for WR: $7.848 million
Transition tag for WR: $6.872 million

The Patriots could potentially choose either of these options to strengthen their chances in retaining him.

If Brady has his way, Moss is not going anywhere! I am thinking a three year deal will happen for Moss. The same can not be said for Asante Samuel though.

Avoid the Hype, Ignore the Noise!

Don't consider this just another run of the mill Super Bowl for the New England Patriots, just because they are playing in their fourth Super Bowl in seven years. There has been so much discussion and analysis about this one game that you just can not escape it. But that is exactly what this New England Patriots team tries to do: Avoid the Hype, Ignore the Noise! This slogan's posted in the New England Locker room (according to Tom Brady during his Sirius Radio Interview today). All season, the Patriots have just focused on the game that is before them, and won one game at a time. Their goal was never to go 16-0 or 19-0. But the goal always was to return to the Super Bowl, and win it. Now with one game left, the Patriots are in position to do just that.

“We’ve got to win one more game, and we’ll be talking about it for the rest of our lives,” Brady said on WEEI this week. “This will have an impact on all of us. Any time Larry Izzo is introduced at an event, it’s going to be Larry Izzo, member of the 2007 New England Patriots. That’s what you’re hoping for -- to be like the U.S. Olympic hockey team back in (1980). We have a chance to do something that’s never been done before.”

As fans, we know that this game is a defining moment on how the Patriots will be perceived not only this season, but as a Dynasty as well. Everything is on the line here no matter what the Coaches or Players say. Win or Lose, this game has historical significance:

Greatest Ever: 19-0: The Historic Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots

OR

Biggest Disappointment: 18-1: The Historic Collapse of New England’s Beatable Patriots

Last week, Coach Coughlin told his Giants team that no one remembers the losing team in the Super Bowl. This statement will not hold true though with a Patriots loss on Sunday. Everyone will remember who loss Super Bowl XLII!

As Brady said, "it’s a day they’ll be talking about for the rest of their lives." So do the Patriots this Sunday raise to the level of Sport Royalty or just become the court jesters of the NFL?

No Big Surprise

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is on the team's injury report after all, but it's not because of his right ankle. Brady has been a regular on the injury report due to the shoulder, but has played in 126 straight games. Brady participated in all phases of practice at Sun Devil Stadium and moved better than he did on Monday. He did not have his ankle taped outside of his shoe and he was not limping noticeably.

Jinxed! Big, Bigger, Biggest!

Ok I am sure you have heard by now how Plaxico Burress predicted a 23-17 Giants win and guaranteed it, too. "You have to believe in your team," said Burress. Did he jinx the Giants though in the same fashion Anthony Smith did the Steelers?

The Patriots, usually fueled by comments like this, were actually calm in nature over it. QB Tom Brady was disappointed in the 23 to 17 score prediction. "We're only going to score 17 points?" Brady said. "Does Plaxico play defense? I wish he said 45-42, or something like that."

WR Randy Moss also chimed in on the prediction. "He's entitled to say anything, but the only thing about a prediction is that you have got to make it happen. I think the pressure is more on them now since they've guaranteed this victory. We're going to go out there and try to execute a game-plan. We've prepared very hard for the last week and a half and we still have got a couple more days to get out there and tone some things up, but making a prediction that you are going to go out there and make it happen are very tough words to back up. So like I said, we'll see when the game clock is zero on Sunday."

Do not fault Plaxico for being confident in his team. I would not expect any less from him or his teammates, especially with the success they are having during the playoffs. His level of confidence though doesn't even come close when compared to the City of Boston. The mayor of Boston is already in the midst of planning a victory parade for Tuesday (I am sure the NY Mayor is probably doing the same thing though). Not to be outdone, the Boston Globe offered advance sales on Amazon.com of a new Patriots book called: "19-0: The Historic Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots." Don't you need to win the Super Bowl first before selling books about it? Talk about bad timing. If this does not fire up the Giants to beat the Patriots, nothing will.

Although the Patriots have not jinxed themselves, there are plenty of others doing it for them! As a Patriots fan, here’s hoping the Boston Globe book deal still happens after Sunday, with a Patriots Super Bowl Win. I just cannot see owning “18-1: The Historic Collapse of New England’s Beatable Patriots”, although I am sure it would become a New York best seller!

Misc Patriots News - 1/30/08

Boston plans parade as Giants gain bulletin board material
Bill Belichick has got to be cringing. While his players were keeping their mouths zipped, as always, during Super Bowl week, the mayor of Boston was already planning a victory parade and the Boston Globe was offering an advance sale of a book on the Patriots' undefeated season. It's called: "19-0: The Historic Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots." By Tuesday afternoon, it was off amazon.com, although it is permanently affixed to the Giants' bulletin board. "If people go out and buy that book before the game, they are going to be (ticked) off," said Brandon Jacobs. "I think people should go ahead and buy that book and see what happens," said Osi Umenyiora, who, when asked if he was buying the book, said, "I'd try to burn that book." -- NY Daily News

Pats Gaffney: I hope to stay with Pats next year
Jabar Gaffney will be an unrestricted free agent again after the season, as will Randy Moss and probably Donte Stallworth, who is due a hefty roster bonus that the Patriots are expected to pass on. "I love it here," Gaffney said. "I'm hoping something will get worked out and I'll be back next year. Because I don't want to leave." -- Philadelphia Daily News

Pats McDaniels could pass on Skins coaching job because of his youth
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels may too get a phone call from the Redskins next week. He made sure to suggest that if the Redskins were to call, he would consider the possibility. McDaniels also was careful to say the chance to be a head coach had to be the right opportunity. Whatever the right opportunity is, he did not elaborate. At 31, on a franchise that goes to the Super Bowl regularly and seems to mint new coaching stars every fall, he can afford to be picky. Such is the life of a coach on the rise -- the chances keep coming. -- Washington Post

Jimmy Johnson: Spygate punishment of Patriots overblown
Fox studio analyst Jimmy Johnson reiterated his stance that the NFL's punishment of the Patriots' illegal videotaping procedures this year was overblown. He spoke passionately on the subject. "The only thing I can say is so many people made such a big to-do about it, and everybody - and I mean everybody - went to the edge on rules in one form or fashion," Johnson said, reflecting on his coaching tenure with the Cowboys. "That's just part of the game, that's stealing the signals in baseball. This stuff has been going on for so long. "When I came into the NFL, back in '89, I talked to a Kansas City scout and he said, 'Here's what we do, we videotape the opposing team's signals and then we synch it up with the game film.' So I did it." -- Boston Globe

Pats WR Troy Brown's last game?
Troy Brown has done everything that's been asked of him in his 15 years with the Patriots, and his contribution for the Super Bowl may be to watch from the sideline and root his teammates on as an inactive player. "We all fade. It happens with time � we all fade to the back," Brown said yesterday. "But the best way to do it is to do it gracefully." Not surprisingly, Brown has done just that this season. New England's franchise leader in receptions (557) and punt returns (270), Brown said he has enjoyed this season despite his lack of playing time. "As a competitor it's tough, but as long as the team's been doing well, the guys are staying healthy, it's fun to watch," he said. -- Providence Journal

Aikman: Tom Brady transcends sports
You can't blame the media for focusing on Tom Terrific, Fox announcers Troy Aikman and Joe Buck say. Tom Brady is the biggest star in the biggest sport in the biggest TV and entertainment event of the year. "It's always about the quarterbacks," jokes Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys who is the lead game analyst for Fox. Brady "transcends sports," Aikman says. "He's dating a supermodel. He's got tremendous star power." Brady's relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan didn't last. But when she gave birth to his son before the 2007 season, it ignited the interest of the entertainment media. The paparazzi went into overdrive when Brady began dating the world's No. 1 model. Who hasn't seen the grainy footage from TMZ.com of Brady being stalked during his last visit with Bundchen in New York? "He's a superstar. When he limps into Gisele's apartment, he's on TMZ. You're talking about a guy who crosses the line between entertainment and sports," Buck says. -- USA Today

Pats Samuel excited about free agency
Cornerback Asante Samuel has developed a reputation as one of the best cover guys in the league, a valuable designation as he becomes a free agent. A year ago, the San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements to an $80-million deal, which figures to set the money bar high for him. "Seeing that makes you smile," said Samuel, whose six interceptions in 2007 led the team. "But I'm not worried about that. When the time comes, if I'm here or I'm not, we can talk about it then." -- East Valley Tribune

Jets to make run at Pats CB Samuel?
I did hear a piece of juicy info regarding Pats CB Asante Samuel, who will become a free agent after the season. From what I heard, the Jets are planning to make a serious run at the talented corner. As you probably know, the Patriots can't use the franchise tag on Samuel, per an agreement with the team before he signed a one-year deal. That means he will hit the open market - unless the Pats can re-sign him to a long-term deal before March. Can you imagine a Samuel-Darrelle Revis cornerback tandem for the Jets? -- NY Daily News

Misc Patriot News - 1/29/08

Moss could be Patriots' first off-season loss
The Patriots themselves need to imagine what they would look like without their star receiver because Moss is scheduled to be a free agent in a little more than a month. A chance exists that Moss will play his last game for the Patriots on Sunday. Moss will be 31 on Feb. 13. He should be an impact player for three more years - but it is not certain that he will be. "At this stage of his career, it's not an easy call," the finance director said. "Giving him that kind of deal would be a franchise-altering decision because it will affect your options with other players." -- Chicago Tribune

Who Knew?
The Patriots scored 589 points this year. The Giants scored 373 points. The difference of 216 points scored is the greatest among championship contenders in all of NFL history. To put the differential in perspective, the "Greatest Show on Turf" 2001 Rams outscored the surprising upstart 2001 Patriots by just +132 points (503-371). -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

Did You Know?
Bill Belichick was 36-44 with the Browns; the Patriots were 5-11 in 2000, Belichick's first year, sans Brady. And they lost their first game in 2001 (without Tom Brady). That's a total record of 41-56 with one playoff appearance and no victories. Starting with Game 2 of the 2001 season, Brady has started every game for the Belichick-led Patriots. Since then, New England is 86-25 in the regular season with three Super Bowl titles and possibly a fourth on the way -- Star Tribune

How About That?
The Giants are one of three teams with a mark of 10-6 (or worse) to reach the Super Bowl. The Patriots are the first 16-0 team in NFL history. The six-game difference between title contenders is the greatest in any NFL championship game ever. The greatest previous margin in a Super Bowl four games came back in 1985-86, when the 15-1 Bears trounced the 11-5 Patriots, 46-10. You have to go all the way back to the 1934 NFL championship game, the second ever played, to find a title contest in which the contenders were separated by more than four games in the standings. The 13-0 Bears of 1934 boasted a five-game advantage over the 8-5 Giants. But there is a ray of hope there for Big Blue fans: the 8-5 Giants smoked the undefeated Bears that day, 30-13, in what remains the NFL's greatest upset. -- Cold, Hard Football Facts

Did You Know?
The Boston Globe is jumping the Super Bowl Sunday gun declaring the New England Patriots the victors and pushing a new book titled "19-0: The Historic Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots." The $14.95 paperback, written by Boring Broadsheet staffers, is available for preorder today on Amazon.com. Of course, the obvious problem is this: The Patriots are, at the moment, 18-0 and still have to beat the New York Giants on Sunday to acquire the Unbeatable title! -- Boston Herald

Media Day Circus!

The NFL issued 4,786 media credentials to those who will be reporting on Super Bowl XLII. This marks the largest media contingent in the history of the Super Bowl. I am sure many of these reporters attended the Giants-Patriots Media Day at University of Phoenix Stadium. Although there's plenty of serious football talk going on, media day really is more like a circus!

Here are just a few snippets from the center ring:

Ines Gomez Mont, from TV Azteca set out to proposed to Quarterback Tom Brady at media day. The woman caught Brady’s eye by showing off her white t-shirt that read “The Real Miss Brady.” Brady laughed and replied, “I’ve got a few Miss Bradys in my life already”. Brady politely declined the proposal.

Quarterback Tom Brady decided to turn the tables on the photographers and snaps a few shots of his own. He also got a few celeberities, like former NFL player Deion Sanders.

Coach Belichick kept the trademark hoodie in the closet for media day and broke out the jeans and sandals instead.

Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs inspected the well manicured foot of defensive end Richard Seymour during one of the interview sessions. You can't make this stuff up!

Tedy Bruschi laughed as he pointed out his misspelled name in a sign over his head. At least he had a good sense of humor

Wide receiver Donte Stallworth crashed Randy Moss's party and they agreed to disagree on who was the fastest wide out on the team.

Defensive backs Brandon Meriweather and Antwain Spann made the acquaintance of Miss Nevada Veronica Grabowski. It’s unclear what sort of media role she was serving.

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, tried to belt out a few lines of Alicia Keys’ hit “No One,” much to the dismay of several of his teammates within earshot.

New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock tried on a pair of red high heels during media day and leaned on former "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler for support.

And finally the guaranteed kiss of death. Plaxico Burress predicted a 23-17 Giants win and in Anthony Smith-fashion, he guaranteed it, too. "You have to believe in your team," said Burress. “That was his guarantee?” asked corner Asante Samuel. “Good for him."

Misc Patriots News - 1/28/08

Press Setting Record:
One nugget picked up today at Super Bowl media headquarters: The NFL has issued 4,786 media credentials to those who will report on Super Bowl XLII, which marks the largest media contingent in the history of the Super Bowl.The previous record was 4,516, set last year in South Florida. -- Boston Globe

Vrabel: Giants are unbeaten
As far a Mike Vrabel is concerned, the Patriots aren't the only unbeaten team playing in Super Bowl XLII. "To me the Giants are just as undefeated as we are," the Patriots linebacker said late yesterday soon after his unbeaten team landed in rainy Phoenix to begin preparations for Sunday's game. "They haven't lost a game in the playoffs," Vrabel said. "To me that makes them undefeated." -- NY Post

Did You Know?
Eight of the past 10 Super Bowl-winning coaches have been on their second head coaching job. After this Super Bowl, in which New England's Bill Belichick will oppose New York's Tom Coughlin, it will be nine of 11. -- NFL Network

How About That?
For a team with such an impressive roster, it is surprising that quarterback Tom Brady's backup has so little experience. Matt Cassel threw only 33 passes at USC while backing up Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, and has thrown only 39 passes in three seasons with the Patriots. -- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Limping into the Super Bowl?

Tom Brady’s injured right ankle did not prevent him from practicing at Sun Devil Stadium Monday afternoon. Brady had his ankle taped but he participated in all phases of practice, including jogging the length of the field twice at the end of drills. Brady appeared to have a slight limp.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick did not want to talk about Brady, other than to say, “Everybody practiced. The injury report will be out Wednesday.”

Sweep the Leg...

Ok, ever since Brady hurt his ankle, I keep hearing the line from the Karate Kid movie in my head: Sweep the Leg! Without football to watch this week, it really left time for my mind to wander. So without further ado, we bring you Super Bowl XLII, Karate Kid style.

QB Eli Manning: [after seeing Peyton Win the Super Bowl] Could you teach me?
QB Peyton Manning: First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature’s rule, Eli-san, not mine.
QB Eli Manning: Where'd you learn it from?
QB Peyton Manning: Father teach.
QB Eli Manning: You musta had some father, man.
QB Peyton Manning: Oh yes.

*****

Coach Coughlin: Now, ready?
QB Eli Manning: Yeah, I guess so.
Coach Coughlin: [sighs] Eli-san, must talk. [They both kneel] Walk on road, hm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later [makes squish gesture] get squish just like grape. Here, Football against Patriots, same thing. Either you football do "yes" or football do "no." You football do "guess so," [makes squish gesture] just like sacked Quarterback. Understand?
QB Eli Manning: Yeah, I understand.
Coach Coughlin: Now, ready?
QB Eli Manning: Yeah, I'm ready.

*****

DL Osi Umenyiora: Oh, great, that solves everything for me. I'll just go down to the Super Bowl and straighten it out with the Patriots, no problem.
Coach Coughlin: Now use head for something other than target.
DL Osi Umenyiora: Hey, I was just kidding about that.
Coach Coughlin: Why kidding?
DL Osi Umenyiora: Because I'd get killed if I go down there.
Coach Coughlin: Get killed anyway.

*****

Coach Belichick: Fear does not exist on this TEAM, does it?
Patriots Team: NO, Coach B!
Coach Belichick: Pain does not exist on this TEAM, does it? [Looking at QB Tom Brady's bad ankle]
QB Tom Brady: NO, Coach B!
Coach Belichick: Defeat does not exist on this TEAM, does it?
Patriots Team: NO, Coach B!

*****

Coach Belichick: We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, on the football field, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.
Coach Belichick: [seeing that WR Randy Moss is distracted about his court case] “What is the problem Mr. Moss?”

*****

Coach Belichick: What do we study here?
Patriots Team: THE WAY OF THE BELICHICK SIR.
Coach Belichick: And what is that way? [looking at DE Richard Seymour]
DE Richard Seymour: STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY SIR.
Coach Belichick: I can't hear you. [looking at OL Matt Light]
OL Matt Light: STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY SIR.

*****

QB Eli Manning: All right, so what are the rules here?
Coach Coughlin: Don't know. First time Super Bowl you, first time Super Bowl me.
QB Eli Manning: Well, I figured you knew about this stuff. I figured you went to these before. Oh great, I'm dead. I am dead. You told me you coached a lot.
Coach Coughlin: Playoff Season yes, but not Super Bowls.

*****

Coach Coughlin: Sweep the leg [looking over at QB Tom Brady's bad ankle]
[DE Michael Strahan stares at him in shock]
Coach Coughlin: Do you have a problem with that?
DE Michael Strahan: No, Coach-sai. [Strahan smiles]
Coach Coughlin: No mercy.

*****

Sorry, that’s all for now…You will just have to watch Super Bowl XLII to find out the ending. *smile*

Brady "I'll be ready to go!"

Bill Belichick was in an upbeat mood as he met with the media Sunday evening, especially when the number one pressing question was asked (again!) Can you give us an update on Brady's ankle? Belichick's response: "We'll update the injury report on Wednesday when we're required to do so by the league." Then he smiled.

Tom Brady was perfectly clear in his first Super Bowl press conference that his sprained right ankle is no big deal and he'll play next Sunday in the Super Bowl. The first question to Brady was how's the ankle? "How's the ankle? What did coach say?" This drew laughs from the media.Brady followed that up by saying, "It's doing good. I'll be ready to go."

Brady acknowledged two things that had been suspected by were unconfirmed. First, he has not practiced this week. "It’s been a good week. The team has practiced hard. I haven’t practiced, but I’ve watched them practice hard.”

Second, the the ankle injury injury occurred on a sack early in the third quarter of the AFC Championship against the Chargers. “I wish I could blame interceptions on (the ankle),” he said, “but I can’t.”

In Brady We Trust!

Grumpy old men

Mercury Morris is at it again. "They win on February 3, and they're the second-best team in the history of the NFL. We're the first team. ... If they win, they're going to be the second team."

Sorry, but do the math... 19 - 0 > 17 - 0

Looking back, the road that the '72 Dolphins took was not a difficult one. Their regular season included only two games against teams that finished better than .500, the Vikings and the Giants, who were both 8-6 that year. The combined won-loss record of their opponents was 43-86-3. Their average opponent had a winning percentage of .333.

The Pats on the other hand beat the Steelers (AFC North Champs), Colts (AFC South Champs), Chargers (AFC West Champs), and Cowboys (NFC East Champs).

You just know that the '72 Dolphins are all Giant fans this coming weekend! The rumor has always been that Shula and his former players have made it a habit to pop of bottle of champagne following the first defeat of each season's last undefeated team. Keep the champagne on ice for at least seven more days guys. Do they stand alone, or more over for the new team on the block? CHEERS!

Former Patriots Coach Passes Away

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots are saddened to learn that former head coach Mike Holovak passed away today at the age of 88. Holovak spent nearly eight seasons as the head coach of the Boston Patriots (1961-68) and led the franchise to its first championship game appearance following the 1963 season.

In the 1963 season, Holovak’s Patriots achieved the franchise’s first playoff victory, defeating the Buffalo Bills in a divisional playoff matchup to advance to the 1963 AFL championship game. The following season, the Patriots posted a 10-3-1 record, setting a franchise record for victories that stood for a dozen years.

Holovak’s 53 victories as Patriots head coach rank second in franchise history after Bill Belichick (105). His tenure of 107 games on the New England sidelines also ranks second in team annals, trailing Belichick’s 144 games as head coach.

“Mike Holovak was a great coach and a wonderful person,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “I remember watching Mike’s Boston College teams in the 1950s and his Patriots teams in the 1960s. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with him on several occasions. Our team has lost one of its founding fathers and the entire Patriots family is saddened by Mike’s passing.”

Brady - Give Giants the Boot!

Tom Brady, without his walking boot, appeared at the Super Bowl send-off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. It was the first time since last Sunday, that Brady appeared in front of reporters and photographers.

Despite the snowy weather, more than 15,000 fans cheered at Gillette Stadium. "Now this is the Foxborough faithful right here," Brady said. "We're going down there for one reason. That's to bring a title back to Foxborough." Though he did not address his high ankle sprain, Brady was spotted walking to the team buses after the rally and did not appear to be limping.

18 - 0, One more to go!

Miscellaneous Patriots News

Snipits from Benmaller.com

Skins will wait on Giants Spagnuolo and Pats McDaniels
According to a person close to the situation, Washington owner Dan Snyder did not offer the job to former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, instead opting to put the search into a holding pattern so he could speak with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and/or New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The earliest the two assistants, whose teams will meet in Super Bowl XLII, could be interviewed is Feb. 4. -- Washington Times

Randy Moss not worried about having huge Super Bowl?
Does Randy Moss expect to have a huge game against the Giants? "The opposing teams and the defensive coordinators know what I'm capable of doing . . . all I want to do is to go out there and do whatever I can to help my team win this game," the wide receiver wrote. "If it is going out there and blocking, getting one catch or 11 catches, no touchdowns, three touchdowns - whatever it may be. This is the last football game of the season. We'll have time to rest our bodies and our minds and reflect back on it afterward. At this point, it doesn't have anything to do with statistics, MVPs and things like that. It's about getting the job done." -- Boston Herald

Merriman: Pats Seymour is dirty
Chargers LB Shawne Merriman, appearing on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," on Patriots DT Richard Seymour: "I think Richard Seymour is a very good player...it's just some of the things is not needed. For him to bump Philip Rivers after the play and knock him down - its just certain things aren't needed, period...It's one thing to be tough with the game of football, its another to be dirty and do things that aren't called for." -- Best Damn Sports Show Period

Pats Brady gets offensive line cologne
Members of the Patriots offensive line had boxes of Stetson cologne placed in their lockers, presumably from company pitchman Tom Brady. -- Boston Globe

Mitchell to IR
The Patriots placed safety Mel Mitchell on injured reserve today, ending his season. Mitchell was sidelined with a biceps injury in the AFC Divisional round playoff game against the Jaguars. Mitchell, who is an unrestricted free agent after the season, was a special teams standout for the team. His role was filled by safety Ray Ventrone in the AFC Championship against the Chargers. The Patriots now have an open spot on their 53-man roster. -- Boston Globe

Did You Know?
This will be the 12th time that the two Super Bowl teams also played each other in the regular season. But it's only the second time that they played each other in the final week of the regular season. The other time it happened: 1977, Cowboys and Broncos. -- Philadelphia Daily News

As The Ankle Turns...

This week sounded more like a Soap Opera than a preparation week for Super Bowl XLII. Here are some tidbits from the week that was, as we tune into "As the Ankle Turns".

The big question plaguing the Boston media was "Where's Tom Brady?" Since last seen sporting a walking boot in NY, Brady’s been kept away from the media. Since Brady is silent, this leaves it up to the media to fill in the missing pieces. Linebacker Junior Seau said. “It makes for a great story. You guys can jump on that and blow it up and do whatever you need to do, but as far as getting between the lines and going out there and competing, there’s no better competitor out there than Tommy. He’s proven it.” He might be MIA right now, but there is no way Tom Brady misses the biggest game of the year!

Wednesday cannot get here fast enough as far as the media is concerned. Wednesday is the day the NFL releases it official injury report. Let’s be truthful here, there is more anticipation for this report than there was for the Mitchell report!

With Brady’s MIA status, is there a quarterback controversy brewing in New England? I'm not talking Cassel and Gutierrez, but more like Stallworth and Welker! Given Tom Brady’s injury, the two receivers were fighting over who is going to run the quarterback option in the Super Bowl. Yes, this was all in jest to make light of the whole Brady injury situation. If Belichick was serious though, I think he would still find a way to win with either one of them!

Is it sour grapes or dirty play? San Diego Chargers Center Nick Hardwick accused Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour of being a dirty player. “(Richard) Seymour is not a dirty player. Are you kidding me?” Patriot’s safety Rodney Harrison said, “One guy says it and it gravitates through the media. The guy’s been to five Pro Bowls. You don’t like it, beat him.” The Patriots have knocked the Chargers out of the playoffs two years in a row now. Sour Grapes or Dirty Play, you make the call.

Don’t they say, where there is smoke, there is fire? Now offensive lineman Matt Light is getting a similar rap as Seymour from New York Giants defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora. "I wouldn't call them a dirty team. I wouldn't say that. I haven't really experienced them as a team to be dirty. They have certain individuals, like I am sure we have certain individuals, who are perceived to be dirty, but people wouldn't call them a dirty team." Teams should learn that the best thing to do before playing the Patriots is not to talk to the media. It is just fuel for the fire!

Defensive end Michael Strahan figures he should chime in too. “Everyone’s so worried about who’s dirty. I’ll be honest with you, you tick me off, I will stomp on your neck, too. “Everybody does it. I mean, we’re punching, we’re clawing, we’re in the pile grabbing each other God-knows-where. That’s just the game of football. “I love it when I read, ‘He’s a dirty player.’ To be honest with you, we’re all dirty. You’ve got to be a little insane to do what we do. It’s just the nature of the beast.”

When questioned about the recent accusations of underhandedness levied at the Pats, linebacker Tedy Bruschi said “Can you look at football and say it’s clean?” with regards to the recent accusations of underhandedness levied at the Pats. “We’re a bunch of men with shoulder pads and helmets trying to knock each other over. I think dirty goes with the game of football.”

It looks like Safety Rodney Harrison is tired of all the talk. “The good thing about the National Football League, and I think in life, is you that have opportunities and guess what? Our offense and their offense, our defense and their defense, our special teams and their special teams will have an opportunity to make sure that comes to light. So we’ll see.”

What is the NFL coming to? Enough talk already, let both teams game play do their talking on Super Bowl Sunday!

Ridiculous!

Vince Wilfork was fined $5,000 for his facemask penalty against Michael Turner in the AFC Championship game.

Wilfork called the fine "ridiculous."

Dirty Play or Sour Grapes? You make the call!

Earlier in the week, San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick accused Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour of being a dirty player.

“Richard Seymour is the biggest (expletive) I've ever come across in football,” Hardwick said. “They've got 10 good football players on that team. Richard Seymour is a dirty, cheap little pompous (expletive). “He's cheap and dirty, and the head man just let him get away with it the whole time."

In response, "I think the people that know me best know that’s something that’s totally bogus," Richard Seymour said, noting that his focus was moving forward to the Giants. Belichick said: “I was surprised. That’s the last thing I would say about Richard.”

Now offensive lineman Matt Light is getting a similar rap from New York Giants defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora.

"But he did a couple of things that he shouldn't have done, and you know, now we are really going to go at it," Umenyiora told Bob Costas on HBO's Inside the NFL.

The Boston Herald reported, when asked if he considers the Patriots a dirty team, Umenyiora stopped short. "I wouldn't call them a dirty team. I wouldn't say that. I haven't really experienced them as a team to be dirty. They have certain individuals, like I am sure we have certain individuals, who are perceived to be dirty, but people wouldn't call them a dirty team."

In reponse, Matt Light had this to say: "I don’t think he was trying to say that I did something one way or the other. I think the bottom line from that conversation was that we had a very physical game, we both got after it and went to the whistle and then some, and that’s the kind of game it was. Other than that, I think it was a typical conversation to have with the guy. ... I think what he meant was that we had a pretty good matchup, we had a lot of fun out there; I just think it came out wrong."

Dirty Play or Sour Grapes? You make the call!

Day 2: Where is Tom Brady?

When attending a Bill Belichick press conference, you just know what question is plaguing the mind of every reporter there. Where is Tom Brady? When the question was finally asked if Brady would practice today, Bill only reponded “We'll see, we’ll let you know after practice."

According to the Boston media though, Tom Brady once again was not present for the media portion of practice, which was held inside the Dana-Farber Field House. Brady might have been absent in the Patriots locker room, but his civilian clothes were not! It is like reading a child’s “Where’s Waldo” book! The mystery continues...Where is Tom Brady?

On a lighter note (so the Patriot faithful can still crack a smile over this situation), Dante Stallworth, had this to say about Brady's ankle injury: "Bill actually brought me into his office earlier this morning and asked me if I wanted to move to quarterback, and we're going to put in a whole new offense," Stallworth cracked. "We're going to run the option. We brought in the coach from Nebraska, Tom Osborne, I've met with him and we have the option going. Tom is going to go ahead and let me take the reins on Sunday."

Stallworth’s comments make light of the situation. The team is keeping the injury in perspective. If you ask any player in that locker room, the mantra will be the same...Brady will Play!

The situation is what it is...In Brady We Trust!

Making Up for Lost Time

Talk about a quick ascendancy. From the creation of the Patriots franchise in 1960 through the arrival of Bill Parcells, Drew Bledsoe and Robert Kraft in the 1990s, the Pats had enjoyed just one Super Bowl season (1985). But since Kraft took over the franchise in 1994, the Pats have turned that history on its ear. When they arrive in Arizona next week, they will be making their sixth Super Bowl appearance, which, incredibly, ranks as the second-most in league history and the most over the past 25 years. -- Boston Herald

Flashback: Brady hurt in pair of plays

When did quarterback Tom Brady suffer the mild high sprain to his right ankle? ESPN "Monday Night Football" analyst Ron Jaworski reviewed the AFC Championship game from various camera angles available only to teams, and he believes the injury occurred on two plays. Jaworski pinpointed a play with 2:18 remaining in the first quarter, in which Brady overshot receiver Randy Moss along the right sideline, as when Brady's ankle began bothering him. "When I went back and looked at it from the sideline angle, the end zone angle, the TV angle, and some angles that NFL Films cameras had, I thought at the top of the drop[back] - it was a five-step drop - he rolled over his ankle a bit," Jaworski said last night. "It looked to me that he tweaked his ankle a bit; the delivery was very awkward. When he followed through, he brought his right leg around and didn't want to transfer weight on it. Then on one of the NFL Films cameras, you could see him looking back at the spot, almost as if he was asking, 'What did I hit?' His cleat got caught." -- Boston Globe

To play or not to play? Not even a question!

It was no surprise during Bill Belichick’s Thursday press conference, held prior to practice, that he would not address the issue of Brady’s health. "I don't have any comment on it." When asked if Brady would have a full workload in practice, Belichick did comment, "We'll go out there and I don't know. The injury report will be out next Wednesday, and we're excited to give that to you.” It is a safe bet that the only injury for Brady will be his usual shoulder problem listed as probable. Do not expect too much out of the Patriots camp concerning Brady’s injury.

After the press conference though, the absence of Tom Brady during the Patriots practice naturally became the biggest news of the week. Although initial reports of his high ankle sprain was that the injury was minor, it seems significant enough to sideline Brady from practice today (or at least from practice viewed by the media). During the media-access portion of practice, only Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez were taking reps on the field.

So should Patriot fans start worry about there team with regards to their number one offensive weapon? Sorry sports fans, this is Tom Brady we are talking about! Let try to keep it in perspective here:

Tom Brady has never missed a game since stepping in as the Patriots quarterback in the third game of the 2001 season. Even after Brady suffered an ankle injury in the 2001 AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh, he still played in Super Bowl XXXVI (and won it). He is not going to sit on the sidelines when he could win his fourth Super Bowl in seven years.

In addition, if Chargers QB Philip Rivers can have arthroscopic surgery on his knee just so he could play in the AFC Championship Game, you know Tom Brady will do everything required and more to play in the Super Bowl.

Finally, what is the option if Brady cannot play? Brady’s backup, Matt Cassel, has not started a game since he was in high school in 1999. Cassel also has only played in six games this season, completing only 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. I just do not see Bill Belichick rolling with Cassel, even if Brady is not 100%. Knowing Belichick, he will just redesign the offensive schemes to work around Brady’s ankle.

Remember, In Brady We Trust!

Grogan Breaks down the AFC Championship game

Former Patriot QB Steve Grogan hosts a weekly spot called "Grogan's Grade", which breaks down the game play of the New England Patriots. "Grogan's Grade" airs On "The Morning Buzz" every Monday at 7:30am. Here are some snipits from this week's interview and Steve's take on the AFC Championship game.

(View on QB Tom Brady's Performance)
"Tom Brady had a bad game, and it looked to me like the cold and the wind bothered him quite a bit. It’s just hard to throw the football when it is that cold and windy. It was the first time I’ve ever seen him struggle in those conditions, and I don’t believe it was really had all that much to do with what the San Diego defense was doing. He just didn’t seem to look comfortable with the offense they were running and he couldn’t get into any type of rhythm. I don’t think the Chargers were doing anything that confused him, he just didn’t look like the Tom Brady we were all used to seeing."

"Brady forced a few balls that he shouldn’t have thrown. On that first interception he forced that fade up the sideline, and that fade is hard to throw when it’s cold and windy. On the end zone interception by Antonio Cromartie that kept the Patriots from breaking the game open I don’t believe Brady ever saw him. It looked like Cromartie was hanging behind a couple of those big linemen and he just came out of his line of vision after he threw the ball. It wasn’t vintage Tom Brady by any means, but he made the throws he had to make and it was enough against a tough opponent on a very cold day."

(view on RB Kevin Faulk's Performance)
"Kevin Faulk had a huge game and without him I don’t think we’re talking about the Patriots going to Arizona right now. Faulk has come up big for them like that all year. He’s one of those players you don’t really notice because he’s not flashy, he just makes first downs for you. He made some really tough catches in clutch third down situations in the second half, and he was the difference maker for the Patriots in this one."

(view on WR Randy Moss and how teams are covering him)
"That reverse by Moss seem to shake the Patriots’ offense out of their lethargy, and it was a good idea to get the ball in Moss’ hands. He made a nice run on that play and picked up a first down that was halfway crucial at that point in the game considering they had fallen behind. Until that point it didn’t look like they were in synch on offense. I know defenses have been concentrating on Moss but they have to figure out a way to get the ball to him more often."

"They were using special coverages on Moss for most of the day, and on the game-clinching touchdown pass to Wes Welker coming across the middle Moss pulled three guys out of there which allowed Welker to run free into the end zone. When defensive backs are running off like that you could see in several of the runs by Maroney he was starting to one side and cutting back towards the other, and usually he was cutting back to the side Moss had just cleared out. Just having Moss on the field makes defenses do so many other things that it opens up a vulnerable area, and the Patriots have taken advantage of that in these two playoff games."

(view on the Patriots Defensive Stand)
"They’ve done that all year, people just haven’t noticed it. They let teams move the ball up and down the field on them but you get inside the red zone against them and more often than not they’re making you settle for a field goal. If you look at the stats the game was fairly even with the exception of third down conversions and scoring in the red zone. San Diego was only 3 of 12 on third down while the Patriots were 7 of 13, and New England converted 75% of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns while the Chargers converted none. That’s what wins championships."

(Grogan Grade's the game)
"I know this may seem a little harsh because they won the AFC Championship but I’m going to go with a B+. I didn’t think the Patriots’ offense played especially well so they’ll get a B, but the defense really came to their rescue against the Chargers and deserves an A. Outside of Maroney and Faulk most of the heroes in this game were on the defensive side of the ball, like Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, and Junior Seau. I’m really happy for players like Seau who will be finally getting the chance to play in a Super Bowl. It’s the ultimate experience for any football player, but I’m sure Bill Belichick will have them focused on the task at hand. He’s done that for 18 straight games, and I’m pretty sure he’s not going to change his routine now [laughs]!"


Steve Grogan played in 149 games with the Patriots from 1975-1990, and was named to the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1995

Playoff Stat Facts

Most playoff wins in a decade:
Patriots (2000s) 14*
Cowboys (1970s) 14
Steelers (1970s) 14
49ers (1980s) 13
Cowboys (1990s) 12
Redskins (1980s) 11
Bills (1990s) 10
Packers (1960s) 9
Packers (1990s) 9

* The playoff format changed in 1990, so the Patriots had more opportunities to win playoff games when advancing from the wild-card round

Super Bowl XLII will mark only the second time that two teams met in the final game of the regular season, then met in the Super Bowl. The last time was in 1977 with the Cowboys and the Broncos during Super Bowl XII

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good:

Perfection is in the cards: The 18-0 Patriots will try to complete a perfect 19-0 season by defeating the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII! Let’ Mercury Morris know that Patriots are not only on the block, they are now knocking on the door!

Running attack in New England: RB Laurence Maroney totaled 122 yards rushing on 25 carries (4.9-yard average) against the Chargers. This also marked the second straight game Maroney has hit over the 100-yard mark. The Patriots have been using more 3-tight end packages to establish the run.

The X Factor Kevin Faulk: Faulk finished with a team-high eight catches for 82 yards, including a remarkable diving grab on the final drive of the game. He is a definite gamer! Should have been co-MVP at the AFC Championship game (Maroney being the other)

Bend not Break Defense: Many might say they are too old, but the Patriot defense will say they are seasoned! The Patriot defense is giving up the yardage, but are holding strong when it comes to giving up TDs (Chargers limited to four Field Goals). I am sure the Giants now know that Field Goals will not be enough to get it done against the Patriots. This is probably a good thing in Laurence Tyne’s mind!

The Bad:

The Boot: Brady appeared to be limping Sunday as he left his news conference. On Monday, there are published photographs of him in a cast! What are fans supposed to think? At least the reports right now are a high ankle sprain and he will play.

Interceptions: Ball protection is usually Brady’s strong suite, but against the Chargers, he actually looked average. Brady was 22 of 32 for 209 yards and two touchdowns, but intercepted three times, including once in the end zone by Antonio Cromartie. This was Brady's first red zone pick in two seasons. Brady actually lost the turnover ratio, but teamwork prevailed.

The Moss Factor: Randy Moss in the Chargers game finished with one catch for 18 yards, and one rush for 14 yards, and dropped a pass. The good thing though is that Moss still draws double coverage which means some else is not covered. We are just not used to seeing this Moss versus the one we saw all season. Brady says not to worry though, that Moss will be a factor in the Super Bowl. Let us hope Brady does not force anything though to make this happen.

The Ugly:

Backup QB: If Brady were unable to play so some reason, Matt Cassel would be the starter. Matt Cassel, who in six games this season has completed only 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. That is a scary thought for the Super Bowl. In Brady we Trust.

Does Father know best?

Tom Brady Sr. tells ESPN 1050: son's ankle is tweaked, but he will play

During a radio interview today with ESPN 1050, Tom Brady Sr. said that if the injury were serious, he and his son would have spoken about it. They have not. Tom Brady Sr. said that the ankle will not prevent Brady from playing.

"If he had to go out there with two crutches and a cast on each leg, he is playing. He won't voluntarily walk off the field. He would have to have a couple of casts on his legs and couple of casts on his arms to prevent him from going out there. Anybody that thinks a little tweak is going to stop is just wasting ink."

Let's hope that Father knows best.

Cast Off the Cast!

One day after Quarter Back Tom Brady was photographed with an cast on his foot, a league source now reports that Brady has a high right ankle sprain. This explains why he was wearing a boot during Monday's visit to New York.

The sprain, which is minor, will not jeopardize Brady’s chances of playing in Super Bowl XLII, the source said. The Boston Herald was first to report the story today.

Brady did stress that the problem was minor, he would be having treatment for it, and he would be ready for the Super Bowl. This should alleviate some fears for Patriots fans.

Since the initial photographs were taken, the Pats quarterback has shed the removable cast.

Brady Banged Up?

During his weekly appearance on sports radio WEEI, Brady was asked if he had sustained a leg injury during the AFC Championship game. The question was raised based on a picture posted in the New York Post.

"There are always kind of bumps and bruises," Brady told the Dennis & Callahan Show. "I'll be ready for the Super Bowl. I'm not missing this one. I'd have to be on a stretcher to miss this one. There will just be some treatment this week and like I said, games like this you get a little nicked up."

A foot/ankle injury during the game could explain Brady's less than stellar performance at the AFC Championship Game. If he can’t push off that right (plant) foot, he can’t get power on the ball. Remember, Brady is a tough player and would do whatever it takes to get his team to the Super Bowl, including playing injured. This is reminiscent of Titans game in 2002, when he played the whole game with 2nd-degree separation in his shoulder.

Players Views on AFC Championship Game (snipits from press conferences)

QB Tom Brady
"It's exciting. It's exciting. You know, there's been so much energy expended each week with the expectations and the pressure our coach puts on us. [I'm] glad we have the week off here, regroup a little bit and try to elevate our game for one last performance. Whoever it is, it's going to be the toughest game of the season. I'm glad it's warm weather but weather won't be a factor. Should be exciting.

Every time I've played in the Super Bowl, I've cherished that and it never gets old and standing up there and accepting the Lamar Hunt Trophy for the team for the fourth time is pretty outstanding."

RB Laurence Maroney
"It felt good. You had a lot of critics talking about our running game and the productivity of the running game early on in the season. It felt good to go out there and run the clock out with the running game."

CB Ellis Hobbs
"Big, big. You talk about time after time how offense puts people in the seats, but defense wins championships. Tonight you saw that how time and time again those guys got into the red zone and time and time again we kept saying no, no not today. We were making them score field goals. Eventually the offense started clicking and we just got rolling, like I said it was a team effort."

S Rodney Harrison
"I think, the older that you get, the more you appreciate the opportunities that you get. When you get older, those opportunities start winding down because you can’t play football forever. It’s pretty special to be a part of this team: 18-0 and just to have the opportunity to go to Arizona after all the distractions and everything that was said and everything that was done with this team. To keep that focus, I’m just proud of it."

LB Junior Seau
"Every game's emotional, every game's emotional. You know, to talk about the history of myself and San Diego Chargers, I am always a Charger. That's my home. You know, I took the scenic route to get here. I took the scenic route. But we played and experienced it together. That's how I look at it. Emotional? I'm always emotional. I can't get up higher for one game over the other. It's not going to work that way. It never will."

LB Tedy Bruschi
"It was crucial that we had those red zone stops. I mean, when you hug your coach after you've won the AFC Championship and the first thing he says was, "Great job in the red area," you know it was important. It's something we've been emphasizing and of course we had our struggles early in the year and then we make some progress and then give ground a little bit and then make more progress. It's great to see in the biggest game of the year that we come up and force them to kick field goals, because when our offense can get in the end zone and they are scoring field goals that puts us up."

Snipits from Norv Turner Press Conference

(Opening Statement) Anything I say isn’t going to change the disappointment I feel or the guys in our locker room feel, because we came in here with every intension of winning this football game. I think our guys executed the plan we had. I know our guys competed. We had some unbelievable efforts, some guys make remarkable commitments in terms of laying it on the line when they probably shouldn’t have been out there on the field, and I can’t say enough about guys who care that much. Obviously the game, you know, we had opportunities and ended up having to kick field goals. Chris [Chambers] had a ball in the back of the end zone – it was close. We had the third and one where Junior [Seau] ran through and made a heck of a play. We knew we’d have to find a way to get touchdowns down in there. Even with that being said, the biggest play in the game was when Philip’s [Rivers] getting grabbed around the legs. He tried to get the ball to Chris and [Asante] Samuel made a great play. Chris had his hands on the ball, Samuel went up and got it and when you look back, that’s probably the difference in the game. They end up getting a touchdown off a short field and that was a big part of it.

Q: With about nine minutes to go, you chose to punt down two scores. Was that a hard decision? "It’s a hard decision, but we’ve been playing good defense. We didn’t do a good job getting them off on third down and if it was fourth and four, it’s a different deal. We had a chance to get in that situation. It was fourth and 10 and we just barely avoid a sack on third and 10. If we could back them up and get them out, we could get back and have good field position."

Q: Why did you punt the ball on fourth down on the 36 with nine minutes to go? "Fourth and 10? Because, again, as I said, they had a pressure package, they came off the edge, they got us on third and 10, we made the decision with nine minutes – We had the ball against Tennessee down 14 points with 10 minutes and scored twice."

3rd Tynes a charm!

The New York Football Gaints stun the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a 23-20 win.

The Giants will get another shot at the New England Patriots. Eli Manning and Company beat the Packers in OT on a 47-yard FG by Lawrence Tynes to earn a Super Bowl Berth. Tynes had missed two earlier field goals in the game.

Super Bowl XLII: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

Bill Belichick on AFC Championship

“I can’t tell you how good it is to come in here after that game. The players did an awesome job. They have all year. It’s a real privilege to coach this group of guys. They stepped up and made the plays today, like they have all year. I really think it was the players’ game. They did everything they needed to do to beat an outstanding football team, and I congratulated Norv and the San Diego Charger team and organization. They’re a tremendous football team and we certainly had to everything, especially in the second half, we possibly could to hang on and beat them. I thought our red-area defense stepped up and of course Laurence ran well. We made some key plays when we needed to, especially on the last drive, being able to hang on to the ball and run out the clock. That was good. We’ll certainly enjoy this one for a few days. The players definitely deserve it. They’ve worked hard all year. At the end of the week, we’ll start getting ready for the trip to Arizona.”

AFC Championship Winner: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!

Patriots reach 4th Super Bowl in 7 years


The Patriots defeated the Chargers, 21-12, to win the AFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl.

Tedy Bruschi is playing in his 21st career playoff game today. He has passed Troy Brown (20 playoff games) for the most playoff games played in Patriots history.

Rivers was doubtful on the Chargers' injury report due to a right knee injury, but started the game. Tomlinson played in the first series of the game, but spent the rest of the half on the sideline.

In the first quarter, the Chargers strike first on a 26 yard FG by Nate Kaeding (Patriots 0 - Chargers 3)

In the second quarter, RB Laurence Maroney rumbled in for a 1-yard touchdown, marking the fifth straight game (including playoffs) that he's scored a TD. (Patriots 7 - Chargers 3)

In the second quarter, Chargers settle for 23 yard FG by Nate Kaeding. (Patriots 7 - Chargers 6)

In the second quarter, Tom Brady connects with Jabar Gaffney on 12 yd TD pass (Patriots 14 - Chargers 6) This marked the 14th straight playoff game that Brady has thrown at least one TD pass. That ranks as the second best mark in NFL history. The best mark is Brett Favre, whose ongoing streak is 17 games.

CB Asante Samuel's second-quarter interception, which set up the Patriots' second touchdown, was one of the biggest plays of the half. This was the fifth interception of Samuel’s 13-game playoff career. His five playoff interceptions rank second in Patriots history, trailing only Rodney Harrison’s team-record seven playoff interceptions.

The Patriots ability to hold strong in the red zone was key in the first half. The Chargers settle for their third FG (40 yards) by Nate Kaeding (Patriots 14 - Chargers 9) Can't trade FGs for TDs against the Patriots.

While the defense showed some vulnerability between the 20s, it has been sharp when pressed in deep. Rivers has played, and after starting strong, fired two ill-advised interceptions.

Randy Moss recorded a 14-yard rush in the first quarter. It was Moss’s first rushing attempt since 2003 and was the first rushing attempt of his 10-game playoff career. Moss again was pretty quiet in the game (1 - 14 rushing, 1 - 18 receiving)

First Half Pats 14 - Chargers 9 (Rivers two turnovers, Brady one turnover).

Interesting note: Brady has been hit twice in this game. On the play following each of those hits, he threw an interception.

The Patriots held the Chargers to yet another field goal, as the red zone defense came up with its third stop today. FG Nate Kaeding, 24 yd field goal (Patriots 14 - Charger 12)

QB Tom Brady's three interceptions today mark a season high for a game this season.

Tom Brady's 6 yard TD pass to Wes Welker in the 4th quarter sealed the deal in the game (Patriots 21 - Chargers 12).

The Chargers punted the ball away with 9:13 to go, and did not get the ball back. Hindsight will have people saying that the Chargers should have gone for it instead of punting.

RB Laurence Maroney has totaled 122 yards rushing today, marking the second straight game he's hit over the 100 yard mark.

Final score: Patriots 21 Chargers 12

QB Tom Brady was named Game MVP (I think you could have made the argument for Maroney or Faulk). Brady also earned his 100th career victory.

To Pats Fans: Trust us. We know what we're doing

The Patriots are no stranger to the AFC Championship game.

Tedy Bruschi, noting that this will be his sixth AFC Championship game said, "You learn to prepare for these games. These are the games you want to be in. You try to break it down. You break down the game to its simplest form. 'How do I do my job better? How can I best prepare?'

As a team, the Patriots have prepared well for AFC Championship game, appearing in six games since 1985.

The Patriots are 5-1 in AFC Championship Games:
Jan. 21, 2007 -- Colts 38, Patriots 34 (at RCA Dome)
Jan. 23, 2005 -- Patriots 41, Steelers 27 (at Heinz Field)
Jan. 18, 2004 -- Patriots 24, Colts 14 (at Gillette Stadium)
Jan. 27, 2002 -- Patriots 24, Steelers 17 (at Heinz Field)
Jan. 12, 1997 -- Patriots 20, Jaguars 6 (at Foxboro Stadium)
Jan. 12, 1986 -- Patriots 31, Dolphins 14 (at Orange Bowl)

This must win mentality comes from the fact that the Patriots don't worry about their opponents. They don't fear them. They prepare for them. 17 times the Patriots have taken the field this season, and 17 times they have left victorious. The Patriots are not about the streak this season though; it is all about being the last team standing on February 3, 2008. "If we lose," Bruschi explained, "We won't be saying, 'Oh, man, the streak is over.' "

The streak is there though, and the Charger are coming to town, looking to end it. Don't let week 2 fool you...this is not the same Chargers team that lost 38-14. This is a much improved team than the one that started the season at 1-3.

Quarterback Tom Brady knows this better than any one."We've been in big games all year," Brady said. "There was the buildup to the start. There was the week after Spygate. There was the Cowboys. There was the Colts. There was Baltimore on Monday night. There was Pittsburgh. And there was the last game with the Giants. We know how to handle these games."

When all is said and done, it will be the Patriots standing victorious again. Prediction: Patriots 31, Chargers 20.

AFC Championship Week press conference

Patriots coach Bill Belichick and four of the Patriots' 2007 captains -- QB Tom Brady, LB Tedy Bruschi, RB Kevin Faulk and LB Mike Vrabel were interviewed during the AFC Championship Week press conference.

Bruschi was asked about the ups and downs of the season, and how the team has plowed through some rocky moments. He coined this year as the 'Year of distractions'

"I hate to say it, but we're sort of used to dealing with them. I think this year has been a year of distractions since the opening day, to tell you the truth," Bruschi said. "It's always week after week, something different that we have to deal with. The way we do that is [to] sort of feed off it, we feed off the distractions we have and we become closer for it. We just bond together. Whoever is being scrutinized, whoever is the target for any type of criticism, we rally around that person -- whether it is our head coach or our all-star wide receiver, or whoever it may be. ..."

Asante Samuel Holdout, Spygate, Fines an loss of first round draft pick Harrison HGH suspension, key injuries (Seymour, Morris), the blowouts, the close ones, the blueprint for beating the Pats talk, the run for the Perfect Season, Moss allegations, take your pick...definitely a year of distractions!

She represented the Patriots well!

Last week I felt bad for Anna Grant...This was the girl that was booed last week during the Colts vs. Chargers game for representing the Patriots in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

I knew the Patriots would do something to make it up to her...this is pretty cool!

Hannah and Tippett, members of the Patriots’ 1985 AFC Championship team, will accompany Patriots captains to midfield for the pregame coin toss. The honorary captains will be joined at the coin toss by Anna Grant of Stratham, N.H., the national winner of the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition in the girls age 14-15 division.

He Said (Moss), She Said (Washington)

Local defense attorney Joe Friedberg, who remains part of New England WR Randy Moss' legal team, is telling multiple media outlets that the woman who sought a restraining order against Moss asked him for $500,000 last week to keep the story quiet. Moss refused, and the story surfaced on a Florida radio station Wednesday. -- Star Tribune

"Ms. Washington has been unfairly characterized as someone simply seeking financial gain. In fact, it was Mr. Moss' representatives who first contacted our office to offer a "six figure" settlement with hopes of not having this incident become public record."

"We have heard Mr. Moss' statement regarding the incident. He has acknowledged that he was at Ms. Washington's Florida residence and that he was "guilty" of an "accident" which occurred. However, Mr. Moss fails to mention how his reckless and degrading conduct rendered Ms. Washington unable to drive her vehicle to seek medical attention. As the evidence will show, there is serious doubt that Mr. Moss is capable of recalling with clarity the exact details of what transpired that evening. As Mr. Moss has previously stated, "Do your homework and check his resume."

"We look forward to presenting all of the evidence at the court hearing on January 28, 2008." -- NBCSports.com

Allegations swirl around Moss

A temporary restraining order has been issued against Patriots receiver Randy Moss, after a Florida woman alleged he beat her and then refused to allow her to seek medical attention on Jan. 6, according to court documents.

Snipits from the Moss Interview

“First of all, you all probably heard about these allegations. All I want to say is that they are false allegations"

"It’s something I’ve been battling for the last couple days, threats of going public if I didn’t pay X amount of dollars. Before people rush quick to judgment, I think you need to find out the facts about really what is really going on. This young lady, by no means, is hurt. I didn’t hurt her."

“All I know is that it’s a friend of mine, a young lady, it was an accident where she hurt herself, to where they called me, called my attorneys, trying to get X amount of dollars out of me, and if ‘we don’t get X amount of dollars’ they were going to go to the press before this game."

“It’s unfair to athletes if a person makes a false claim. You know, there is nothing we can do. The only thing we can do is either pay up or sit back and listen to what’s been said or what’s being written. I can honestly say I am a … I don’t know what the word is to use … that’s what position I’m in. For someone to make a false claim about me, I’m kind furious. It kind of hurts me deep inside for someone to do something like that, because I’ve always said time and time again that I am going to stand up for what’s right. If I’m right, I’m right. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. And that’s where you have your attorneys, your friends, so when you’re wrong someone can tell you you’re wrong. You know what I mean? My situation is where I felt that I did nothing wrong.

“Like I said, man, before you rush quick to judgment, find out all the facts before you start criticizing me or judging me. That’s all I have to say. Thanks.”

"I spoke with and I support Randy 100 percent," Belichick said. Belichick did not comment further regarding the situation.

HOF: Patriots Linebacker Andre Tippett?

Former Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett, a five-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, has been named as one of 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2008. Tippett is a finalist for the second consecutive year. The Hall of Fame’s 44-member Selection Committee will meet in Phoenix on Saturday, Feb. 2 to choose between four and seven players from the finalist pool for election to the Hall of Fame. --Boston Globe

Don't let the Injuries fool you...Bolts are Charged!

Many Patriot fans are happy that the Chargers have knocked the Colts out of the AFC Championship game (me included). Be careful what you wish for though...this team KNOCKED OUT THE COLTS! This is not the same Chargers team that the Pats crushed week two 38-14. The Patriots still have the edge in this game though. They aways find a way to win (ask the Cowboys, Colts, Eagles, Ravens, and Giants). BTW, if you are looking for the secret blueprints on how to beat the Patriots, Belichick has it under lock and key. Only the Patriots can beat the Patriots this late in the season (penalties, turnovers, etc)

Matchup analysis: Patriots vs. Chargers (My Take):

Quarterback Edge: Patriots
(It's Brady!)
Running Back Edge: Patriots
(leaning toward Chargers if LT is in the mix)
Wide Receiver Edge: Patriots
(Moss will be more involved in this game)
Tight End Edge: Patriots
(Manumaleuna has hands of stone and Gates is not healthy)
Offensive line Edge: Even
Defensive Line Edge: Chargers
Linebacker Edge: Chargers
Defensive backs Edge: Chargers
Special teams Edge: Even
(leaning toward Chargers)
Coaching Staff Edge: Patriots

Be careful what you wish for Patriot Fans:
"[The Chargers] won more games than anyone -- including us -- since Thanksgiving. They have the most turnovers of any team since the Baltimore team did in 2000 and we all know what that team ended up doing" said WR Donte' Stallworth

The Chargers totaled an NFL-high 48 take-aways during the regular season. The Patriots had a league-low 15 give-aways during the regular season.

The Charger offense is definitely banged up. LT (knee), Gates (foot) and Rivers (knee) are all not at 100% by any stretch...but Volek, Turner and Manumaleuna still took it to the Colts.

Lion, and Tigers and Linebackers oh my! The outside duo of Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are getting all the press,but the inside duo of Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are really stepping up. BEWARE!

Don't overlook the Charger secondary either. Cromartie has become an explosive playmaker when the ball is in his hands. Add in Jammer, McCree, and the rookie Weddle and you have a secondary that will give the Patriot recievers a run for the money.

On a good note:
This marks the Patriots' fifth appearance in a conference championship game this decade, more than any other NFL team. The Eagles are next, with four . . . New England is 5-2 under Bill Belichick in playoff games against teams they faced in the regular season. -- Boston Globe

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

Looking back on Saturday's game...

The Good
QB Tom Brady was near perfect - 26 of 28 for 262 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Brady went the entire first half without an incompletion, going 12-of-12 for 120 yards.

You need a good running game this late in the season! It was good to see RB Laurence Maroney in the offensive mix again, totaling 122 yards on 22 carries and 1 touchdown!

Patriots' kickoff coverage unit held MJD to 12.2-yard average on five returns - so much for MJD and the big play!

The Patriots held the Jacksonville's running back tandem of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to just 66 yards on the ground.

The Patriots' registered their tenth straight home win in the postseason, the second longest streak in NFL history.

The Bad
WR Randy Moss was just 1 for 14 yards, but if teams want to double team him, someone else will always be open (i.e. see Donte’ Stallworth’s 53 yard catch!)

K Stephen Gostkowski misses a 35-yard field goal – let us chalk it up to playoff nerves. If he makes this kick though, the Patriots cover the spread!

The Patriots “bend but don’t break” defense gave up 350 yards of offense. The defense seems to be bending a lot more lately.

The Ugly
Rodney Harrison’s TWO unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for late hits

The Patriots were 6-74 in penalty yards…45 of these though were from the tree unsportsmanlike penalties.

AFC Championship Game: Pats vs. Chargers

In an Upset, the Chargers beat the Colts, 28-24, at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. The AFC Championship game will be held Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.

The Patriots beat the Chargers, 38-14, in the second week of the season. “A lot has happened since then,” Belichick said. “We’ll definitely start all over on the preparations with them, almost like it’s a new team, and then look back at some of the things we had from September. That’s a long time ago. I think the most important thing for us to focus on is what the Chargers have done the last couple months. They have a long winning streak.”

Records were made to be broken

Tom Brady completed 92.9 percent of his passes (26 completions in 28 attempts) setting an all-time NFL record for the highest completion percentage in a game, including regular-season and playoff games (minimum 20 attempts).

Laurence Maroney totaled 122 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, recording his first career 100-yard rushing game in the playoffs and the third highest single-game rushing total in Patriots playoff history.

Benjamin Watson caught two touchdown passes, tying the Patriots playoff record for most touchdown receptions in a game.

Rodney Harrison intercepted a David Garrard pass recording his seventh interception in seven playoff games since joining the Patriots in 2003. Harrison’s seven playoff interceptions are tied for the fifth-highest total in NFL history.

With three touchdown passes, Tom Brady raised his career playoff total to 23 scoring tosses, tying Troy Aikman for seventh place on the NFL’s all-time playoff touchdown pass list.

Tom Brady threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Benjamin Watson in the first quarter, marking Brady’s 13th consecutive playoff game with a touchdown pass, tying Dan Marino for the second longest such streak in NFL history

Donte Stallworth’s 53-yard reception in the fourth quarter ties the fifth longest reception in Patriots playoff history.

The Patriots defeated the Jaguars, 31-20

Game Notes:

Jaguars score opening drive points (again):
The Jaguars scored a touchdown on their opening drive, marking the first time since 1998 the Patriots have allowed their opponents to score on their opening drive. The last time was during the 1998 wild card playoff game, when Jaguars Mike Hollis converted a 35-yard field goal to give them a 3-0 lead over the Patriots.

Challenge Flag on the first TD, yes or no?:
Patriots coach Bill Belichick looked to be racing up the sideline with his red challenge flag, and he made a throwing motion as if he was ready to throw it, before deciding against it. Had he throw it, it would not have mattered. I don't think there was enough to change the call on the field.

Another Brady Record achieved:
Tom Brady's 3-yard touchdown pass to Benjamin Watson in the first quarter was his 13th consecutive playoff game with a touchdown pass. Brady now ties Dan Marino for the second longest such streak in NFL history. Brett Farve still holds the record 17.

Defensive Big Play:
DE Ty Warren blew past Jaguars right guard Maurice Williams to strip QB David Garrard. The fumble was recovered by the Patriots at the Jaguars' 29 yard line. Later the Pats would score a touchdown.

Missed Field Goal:
K Stephen Gostkowski's missed 35-yard field goal is his first career playoff miss. The Patriots don't leave points on the field too often. This would have made it Patriots 17 Jaguars 14.

Pats have a running game:
Maroney rushed for 111 yards, and one TD by the end of the third quarter. Maroney's 100-yard rushing performance is the sixth in Patriots playoff history (the last being Corey Dillon - 2005). Maroney finished the game with 122 yards.

Playoff Tidbit:
Since being picked off in the Denver Playoff game, Brady has thrown 60 redzone TDs without an interception.

Maroney's 100-yard rushing performance is the sixth in Patriots playoff history (the last being Corey Dillon - 2005).

With two TD receptions, TE Benjamin Watson ties a Patriots playoff record for most TD catches in a game (ties WR Stanley Morgan - 1987).

Harrison Interception:
Patriots S Rodney Harrison snared his 7th interception in 7 postseason games with the Patriots. He is the all-time Patriots leader for postseason interceptions. It also marks Harrison's fourth consecutive game with a postseason NFL interception, which ties the NFL record.

Trash Talking Jags...just fuel for the fire!

The Jags are talking the talk...Saturday they face the Pats...can they walk the walk?

"We're just blessed to have another opportunity, to be on the same field as the New England Patriots," a sarcastic Maurice Jones-Drew told reporters this week. "Tom Brady is my idol. He's from the Bay Area, dates supermodels. He's everything a kid wants to be."

"They're beatable," guard Vince Manuwai said. "You've seen the other teams almost beat them. We just can't make the mistakes that other teams did."

"It's us against them. They're 16-0, they're wonderful, they're great," said DE Paul Spicer. "But the bottom line is they have to beat us Saturday. Until that happens, we're 1-0 and they're 0-0."

Rodney Harrison has the right perspective though ... "For us, our record is not 16-0, It's 0-0. If we don't win, we go home."

Pats edge Jaguars ... in Madden NFL 08

something to check out just for the fun of it!

PATRIOTS 34, Jaguars 31

Pats edge Jaguars ... in Madden NFL 08 - By Chris Forsberg

Pats Injury Report Released

Here is hoping Harrison and Hobbs can go!

Questionable
S Willie Andrews (elbow)
TE Kyle Brady (foot)
FB Kyle Eckel (stomach)
S Rodney Harrison (thigh)
CB Ellis Hobbs (groin)
OT Nick Kaczur (foot)
G Stephen Neal (shoulder)
TE Stephen Spach (knee)
DB Antwain Spann (hamstring)

Probable
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)

Patriots' 2007 Ed Block Courage Award winner

The award, presented annually to one player on each NFL team, goes to the individual who displays "commitments to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while serving as inspirations in their locker rooms and communities."

Winner: Patriots offensive lineman Stephen Neal

Patriots vs. Jaguars Breakdown

Matchup analysis: Patriots vs. Jaguars (My Take):

On paper, this is how I see the game breaking down. But then again, they don't play the game on paper, but on the grid-iron!

Quarterback Edge: Patriots
Running Back Edge: Jaguars
Wide Receiver / Tight End Edge: Patriots
Offensive line Edge: Even
Defensive Line Edge: Patriots
Linebacker Edge: Patriots
Defensive backs Edge: Patriots
Special teams Edge: Even (leaning toward Jags)
Coaching Staff Edge: Patriots

I was surprised that my choices matched up closely with the online poll at Boston.com. Then again, it is probably biased! LOL

(Great Read) Matchups analysis: Patriots vs. Jaguars - Text by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels = Class Act

I really think that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a class act.

"I had always said that if that opportunity presented itself that I'd take all the information I had at hand and try to make the best decision for me personally and professionally, and my family, keeping them first and foremost in my mind relative to moving on at any point of my career," he said.

"I was grateful for the opportunity that those teams gave me. At this time, the best thing for me is to be here and focus my efforts on this preparation for the playoff run here. It's really as simple as that. That's all that went into it. I want to be here in New England."

Here is hoping that a Super Bowl win is in his immediate future!

McDaniels checks in - by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Pats college scout up for Falcons GM job?

Atlanta team officials held a satellite interview last weekend with Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff for the Falcons' soon-to-be vacated general manager job, two people with knowledge of the interview said. Rich McKay will step aside as GM but remain as president of the team. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The other Brady...

He knows these foes:Ex-Jaguar Brady has the lowdown - By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

"What you hear about them is true," Kyle Brady said, drawing upon his eight years (1999-2006) in Jacksonville, where he made 241 catches for 2,500 yards. "They're big and strong and physical guys. They've got a few quick guys, too. So you have to be ready for just about everything."

New Deal for Warren

Renewed Warren fit to be Ty - By Jeff Horrigan, Bostn Herald

Deemed every bit as vital to the team’s success as higher-profile linemen Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork, Warren received a new deal that could end up exceeding $36 million, with at least $17.5 million guaranteed. After a breakthrough season in 2006, however, the 26-year-old saw his tackles and sack totals take a significant dip this season. His tackles dropped from 117 (66 solo) in 2006 to 83 (47 solo), while sacks fell from 7 to 4.

AP All-Pro Team

The Associated Press named its All-Pro team and the Patriots had five players selected: QB Tom Brady, WR Randy Moss, LT Matt Light, OLB Mike Vrabel and CB Asante Samuel.

Moss, Tomlinson unanimous choices for AP NFL All-Pro team - by Associated Press

Blog-Links: Pats vs Jags

For your reading pleasure!

Time for some swagger - By John Tomase, Patriots Beat

Simms & Dierdorf views on the Pat vs Jags - by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Three coaches offer their informed opinions on the Jaguars - By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Brady: Still Team First

“Individual awards haven’t been as important to me as team goals, and I’ve said that for a long time,” said Brady, who led the league in passer rating (117.2) and passing yards (4,806). “While I’m very flattered to be honored in that way, I understand that my greatest satisfaction comes from winning games and being the leader of this football team. I take that job very seriously and I hope that translates into a win this week.”