Patriots Playbook - 10/30/2008

[30:21] ..." bill I was hitting right there in the front -- talking about. Robert Mathis. And Dwight Freeney who I think he's there were probably the best tandem of pass -- or at least -- our. The"...

[52:01] ..." say this I also saw David peoples of the Falcons. And we're Trent Cole sacked Tom. Matt -- last week and you can't tell me. That that was rushing the passer. At all I didn't I"...

[1:16:38] ..." I'm going to be looking that is. The Colts pass rush would Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. The Patriots gave up a lot like twenty not exactly -- already yeah you know a lot of that"...

[1:49:39] ..." press conference earlier this week was. The praise that he gave to Robert Mathis and point for me. Probably at the two that the best tandem of pass rushes that there they have a this year"...

[1:50:32] ..." I think I think Robert Mathis. It is going to be very -- for the game he'd eaten -- last year and -- back in there I don't"...

[1:54:54] ..." nobody listens ha ha politics it ride out that write them yet Gary Brackett -- and -- and Dwight Freeney. Roy -- Dante Hughes -- Jack while wearing a lot Marlin Jackson. Tim Jennings all did not participate. Freddy -- a -- With a -- was limited. Robert -- not injury related did not participate. This"...

[0:00]" Let's go let's go let's go Tampa without golf I want to go -- five. Good name one pair of skis Patriots playbook got back on combat odds that they. Brooking Dunn left Sunday's game -- for me. And please get ready for the great. Right -- the rest of the 2008. NFL. And some of the -- stuff in between. Our feelings John look on Patriots playbook."

[0:41]" Now have to correct our voice over guy again for the second McEnroe John -- is not here. John -- has other duties. With the in radio guys you know calls college football games on Thursday -- Or whenever the game of the week is but lately it's been almost every Thursday and John has once again. On the road where is he the time to gender which was the other and I -- that it -- yeah against south Florida Florida. So John won't be here today he might. Have a chance if he does he might calling during the show but for now we've got you've got me Eric -- from Patriots football weekly my putter behind the window there is. -- gender. We have later on in the show we'll have our Russell Baxter for me at the end. Mr. football over there will join -- usually usual Thursday segment. And we also I view of course 585437. For a to a phone number web radio a Patriot. Patriots dot com the email if you'd like to talk about. A pretty interesting game coming up this week -- week Neitzel who the Patriots going but of course the Indianapolis COLT is the fourth or corona they've they've met."

[1:47]" On week nine in the schedule. And or. Not liking your girl they're playing that game was more than that at they're playing in Indianapolis. But in any event. At least the last two years about the year before that they play that game expecting that was I was home game the but. Nice win. Against the -- past week. Some serious injury -- throughout the game high in the in the backfield were juggling to try to get. And players cover the Rams offense in the game but they pulled it out at the end Deltha O'Neal would want to would gone -- via. The head injury earlier in the game came back in made the key interception at the end of the game and but it is going to taken either but he kept running and running and nobody wanted to tackle him but -- is going to take the house at that point but. Good win over the Rams who worst start in place and good ball and Jim has. But now the we we've got. Peyton Manning and the uncharacteristically. Uneven. -- three and four. And could easily be a lot worse than that because they they won two games at the very end miracles they should -- one. They could easily be -- out of playoff contention at this point but. Going to be our first visit the new low Lucas Oil -- Indianapolis. Where the Colts haven't had much success by the here they've lost a couple of games are there. But the Patriots Colts Manning. Versus banged up during the secondary. And -- in the -- certainly have injuries of their own that there's good news for them they're getting back it looks like. Running back to -- And NFL defensive player of the -- Bob Sanders. Who both were out for the past few weeks but that this week at least so far. -- part -- reports show them both having played and Tony Dungy and and a that if they both perform well in practice this week he expects in the play I would expect that the players got excellent ago we practice not not -- They were targeting the whole time this week nine game verses of the past their comeback and looks like that's going to happen just in time for the that couldn't happen at a better time for the Colts but. Certainly not a good time for the Patriots either of those guys whether they're -- injured or not but. This is not going to be any game of course. The white Indy in four record and and the fact there there office has not been Peyton has been throwing. Way more interceptions and where you're seeing him throw and just doesn't. Doesn't look like the Peyton Manning in the pocket back there looks a lot more like the Peyton Manning were on in his rookie year. When you -- in thirteen but. That being said. This would be there's no better time than now for known for a seventy to get pressure and more act. And again the quarterback who. Pakistan after early. The injuries in the shuffling it took place in the secondary last week against the Rams they can ill afford it. Have a letdown against against Peyton. And all of his weapons on offense but. Your thoughts on the game. Again 5854374. Twos on number way Brady a Patriot on the notre couple little housekeeping notes before go further. The NFL announced today. And good news for the Patriots. Linebacker Jerod Mayo. Named a defensive rookie of the month. For his stellar play. Led the team with 24 tackles and a month. Patriots went 31 -- you know first linebacker selected by the pats in the first round NFL draft under Bill Belichick. -- started all seven games so far this season at inside linebacker and he leads the team with 55 tackles and has also added. A fumble recovery posted his best performance early as. In his first appearance on Monday Night Football against Denver had eleven tackles. He's also the first Patriots player earned rookie of the month honors and wide receiver Deion Branch. Did it on the offense that I -- September vote to. And the first during -- clear to win defensive rookie of the month since the weeks started the Award in 1996. Yankees are wondering. Felt a quarterback Matt Ryan was named the offensive. Rookie of the month also. Offense defense and special teams players of the month not rookies. Were named and even to how he kicker for the pats was named. The did the defense of Award he made nine of ten field goals in the month. And has 38 point lead the pats scoring so -- may sixteen -- seventeen on a year. And as a perfect ten for ten under forty yards. And two games this month this -- he's made all three field goal attempts Patriots won both games. By fewer than ten points at notes here. And he's made point four two point three of -- past point for Google attempts dating back to last season career accuracy 85 point 1% is the best. In Patriots a -- 57 -- 67. In his career. So is how he wins special teams player of the month. For October. And if you care Texans wide receiver -- to the -- of Award in nine Dolphins big mouth linebacker Joey Porter got the -- that it. Not. Also wouldn't make a quick little note here. -- delicious. Goodies delivered to us by. A woman who is now. Gorgeous young woman who's now my."

[7:25]" Now my favorite. Let's used to be hiding from London whose nickname I gave her a while back because the picture Houston. Yes they did. I did so get that name. Don't try to don't try to take that credit -- now -- Now it makes an appearance -- the what do you -- I was -- but you can't take credit for that name I can't -- cold -- since he's at those pictures and -- you refers to herself does not -- on -- which all. Your first herself is that I started calling her hot -- to agenda -- Yankee Amy from London and you are calling -- you take credit for that. Now but I started calling her hot Damian and Paul that when I started doing that Paul thinks is not that are not taught overseas or whatever not a Yankee Amy from from one. Anything Griffin -- if he had she was hot in the from London and yet you can take credit for that which because even though he has. My point is she calls herself that because I article -- her hiding from one. No she calls of that because Paul -- oral. My -- Anyway fifth Amy I think you've been appointed because. Young Emily college student from a beliefs is LA California but let's get a hall of famers opinion on -- in their address I'll -- that. That's Hall of Fame quality. Yes both of them in the same girl who looked a little different. And taken long man c'mon beat both. That that's all the -- and it -- Anyway and only sent us. And delicious chocolate chip homemade cookies and you -- and -- it took me along and the my had a genetic and anatomy exam while miked up -- even if you want. Amylin then had to spend the weekend recovering by drinking. And needs some time to recover from all the parting I'm not exactly available but our relationship as a fluid situation. But it drinking references and that. I'd -- and picks anyway you know -- and by the time again let's hope so. Over the with."

[9:32]" But anyway back to. Back to the game at hand and we did it at three and four. New England at Indianapolis this weekend. 815 and a night game. And one of the hotter players are always been playing this week Dan don't take me -- don't dig out of context through dinner. Is tight end Dallas Clark caught a couple of touchdown passes last week from Manning. And I he earlier this week I had a chance beat with the New England media and here's what yet."

[10:11]" It. Dallas how -- And I think we've taken a few minutes. -- Without Colts and a little bit of an unfamiliar position not. From past years that at three and four what we didn't how would you answer sort of -- the Colts three and poor in."

[10:31]" You know we're you know we're doing our best -- that -- every day. But you know I think just tell compact it just. A combination of a few things just you know just people make a little mistakes that. Normally not make ends are. It's it's just got a younger guys -- on this. It's timing it's dumb. You know just misfortune. You know just opposing -- and -- well. You know this is really. Really not trying to. You know. Try to put blame on anything or any -- you know we're we're just trying to get better or just trying to you know keep the focus on. On getting better every day and you know we should type of that. Last week getting his hand you know distance. You gotta put the -- or worse and you know we're learn how to do that and you know assistant just been you know on this year for whatever reason."

[11:30]" How odd is it to be facing the Patriots under these conditions and usually we -- that meet her. You know supremacy in the -- both teams are undefeated or maybe one loss but now both teams are. They're fighting for their lives here. Yeah."

[11:48]" Both seem to think they'll. Very confident themselves. At great leadership then. End you know -- both teams are really. You know kind. You know and -- you know in the panic button you know yet to think differently I think the leadership -- become just. Just you know just kind of leadership but I I think that's really going to Church really going to help -- all the teams and really helped get through this tough time for both teams and you know I think both teams are definitely you know going through some adversity that. You know not used to threesome -- you know I think everyone has. This purgatory. You know this is definitely a different situation for -- split. You know definitely hurt you know look -- to the challenge."

[12:36]" How hard was it after the Tennessee game at its sound like Tony all but conceded the division I am saying it was but that's going to be tough since. To get back and try to make plans but really the division was probably out of reach how tough is it to hear that you now halfway through the season."

[12:52]" It's very difficult but. You know that's just. We've put ourselves and then let you know that we have nothing not to blame but ourselves of that. That's Dolphins you know boom -- we do know. On this last few the last he'd played an inning and get an at the net and -- still can't force them. No we're definitely not you know we're back check it out yet them. And you know no matter what you know some people might be -- whatever you know whatever you -- right ear bud. It is you know we're we're definitely we definitely put ourselves. -- came from here on out is just it is critical and handle -- we gotta throw you know get focused. Not -- night you know we 1516 you know we we got to put our focus and and any tweak in each game. And then just keep that that would just take care this week. And then just you know then that Horford -- what happened this -- put our effort in the the next -- And you know just keep our mindset that the -- You know attack keep the blinders on not through the games on the road and just really just put our energy and focus and castration I don't know what we -- at times."

[14:02]" You talk about your past battles with Rodney Harrison who obviously isn't going to be there this week and how that might affects your game of the game overall. Yeah."

[14:13]" You know just regular. Our big lift for there dig deep threat than you know I know. Or is very next guy. Just on this side of the -- you know I think Rodney. A tough guy and whoever plays he -- You brought -- you've got so much versatility. The end and just that toughness that you know that that that that the defense -- You know I think he you know he's able it -- our -- to do a lot of different things that he can cover tight dancing cover. Don't you know he -- and -- sure. Wide receiver and stuff like that so. When you don't have a guy like that that's stuff you know but they have they have great leadership bond on the -- and they have -- they have guys who have been there again and have been and you know situations like this before it's. And it you know that there's just -- rallied around each other then you know help the younger guys. Power that you know you know they're they're definitely you know not give up. Do you -- think -- training camp and they're they're they're going to be able the other so get ability to dispute this saying -- and prior -- And they do love every every."

[15:23]" I guess if you were making a list of the things to feel good about what the Colts your performance Monday would be one of them do you feel like you're. But -- stride after the knee problem."

[15:34]" The it was very disappointed. But. Last week. I just dead if you you know especially the ball -- through my hands for the interception that really it was a turning point for that men are just very frustrating. Nothing like that is just you know. You know on and so close games like that every play counts -- nation forget about what you did in the first -- No points and so therefore of course like Townsend here can't expect me to make plays you know I didn't make that -- that's very frustrating so. All of them very very. The very satisfied with the with the performance and had to play expected. Keep -- he'd get better."

[16:19]" Yeah start you've been asked this but considering the hype that's generally around these gains between you guys in the Patriots and and I guess in particular last particular last year on the way it was how different does this one feel."

[16:33]" I don't think it's any different in I think that's you know I think. -- I think. On their -- on the Patriots it was part of the family you don't you know you you know what you let everyone else -- build. Game hype didn't at all into thanks. You know I think it's best for Tom for the players who were just kinda look at every game the same every game's important. And you put every effort to put everything into it each week that when that game's over it's over can't do anything about there's no. You know we should definition that they -- do you there's no second chances so. Really matter. Record doesn't matter where. You're facing support at the same could be put all the -- the same. Routine of game film. You know personnel. And all that didn't you know that matter you know -- and so. But it just. What's great about -- not certain why it's such a big. Always you know hyped up and because you know both teams -- You know this year we have -- You know so that different but there. It agreed to -- between us and our. And it's usually a close game that's the end and so you know definitely work you know people will."

[17:57]" Does that mean -- almost more at stake and anywhere is less Seattle heightened both teams are here everything else. Now because of where you guys are where they are there might be more state and has been in the past."

[18:11]" My answer is just that you can't sustain you know every every aspect. No matter -- I think that's kind of what are trying to explain this you know it doesn't matter what threat that it doesn't matter you know where you have the divisional every -- big. Away from we want the sweet sixteen. I think that's anyway that's how I handle every game. Our base every you know every game is big you know it doesn't matter if your -- and oh. Yeah -- on the same. And you get this you know -- the -- percent of."

[18:46]" Well Dallas -- on the new stadium now how fast is it has -- style of play."

[18:51]" In the least bit before -- It's definitely different and they are quite different than they RCA -- and in many many here. I think it's it's definitely. -- think we're getting used to woods in the I think we're getting comfortable with that but it's you know to great. Great thing for the city at. For the we have for the for Indianapolis and at I think everyone. -- even players -- you know. Have been excited. Have -- that this year. And but in the same sense you know stuff like you. It used to it took you know took full time but. I think they're you know very very comfortable but. It's a -- far post player."

[19:33]" Dallas how alone has Dominic Rhodes healed and her just in the diet. To a degree as you're often changes -- in the lineup."

[19:40]" Our government dominated these. Fantastic player he you know he just brings so much energy and just you know -- play maker. And you know. I think that was kind of the point you know what we brought him back -- this year I think just tell -- what what he's been able to the past for us and and does have an impact it you know especially a situation like that with -- get hurt. And you know have a bad you know just not. Leaves him much and yet they're two different kind of stuff. You know because -- to prepare differently for them let's. But army is. He's he's a spark plug these he. Can he can make big plays happen and this big plays happen and play happen them and if there's -- the -- poor blocking or else -- are nobody can make guys miss and and just -- You know that elusive but just you know more power runner and and it's the whole. But and you know it's kind of one of those things. You know that doubt that there are big addition. Fourteen. Human and just get by -- settle our."

[20:53]" Colts tight end Dallas Clark speaking with the New England media earlier this week. About the week's matchup between the his team the Colts in the New England Patriots and night. And NBC 815. Clark brought up a couple of interesting points during. His line of questioning there. With regards to. First off how he'll be defended he spoke glowingly about Rodney Harrison and obviously out for the year for knowing when. With his quad injury. Last year's game you -- called. The coaching staff for New England decided to put Harrison man up. On Clark throughout that game and worked. With with. Considerable success -- Harris -- a great job of covering Clark throughout that game. Wasn't quite the fact that he could have been. But this year. Clark won't have Harrison to worry about. The question remains. Who's going to cover. Couple of options I think the Patriots might -- might do in the scheme. One of the two safeties either meriwether Brandon Meriweather -- James Sanders could do it. And I think they might be able to do that probably. May be seen them do it typically is as Rodney Harrison did that with his eyes and strength and speed. And that it's going to be a tall order with -- capabilities. But here's on approval recollection here how about. Rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo who coming out of the tennis you left here and and in the draft was. -- exactly Paul was noted for his his speed particularly his lateral speed but. Maybe not much down field coverage. But I but I think he might have a chance to do that. Size wise early matches up with with Clark much better than either Meriweather or Sanders would. And I think he might have the speed to do it we haven't really seen him in that role has been. Predominately. -- in the middle and like like we mentioned earlier he's leading the team in tackles right now. On but Gary got another rookie linebacker has been seen considerable minutes more and more of late on the and I sometimes along with mail and there. And they do start out with a nickel cover all of the the -- weapons on offense. Gonzales -- Harrison. Wayne Clark obviously Addai coming back. I think it. Belichick always of course is known in on his excellent defense for mixing things up for further quarterbacks and you know -- may be an experiment that that won't work but maybe that maybe there will try maybe they'll put the rookie out there and Dallas Clark. Will this have a I know us some of the guys -- to -- progress earlier this week we're talking about it kinda. Felt the opposite waited they thought it wasn't really that plausible but you never know I'm not -- I'm not going to -- to say not. Because the more I think about it more -- Mike the might be a way to go for them more have to count on their court but. That was one of the things that Clark brought up another another point talked about was. The panic button and adversity that. His calls have been facing this year and that that they're not really quite ready -- panic button but. At three and four at this week Tony Dungy kind of all but conceded the the division at the seven in -- Titans after losing to them on Monday night. And you'd you'd have to think at three or now. They're there if they're conceding the division for all intents and purpose is there they're fighting for awhile cart -- and if they lose to New England their three and five. They can afford that ended their season is it you know. Pretty much over so. They're kind of he's he's as they're not -- in the bank but but I think that kind of our. In that they really have to win this game not just for pride and you know what what these games have -- in the past but. Their season could be on the line here they win at their fourth or their right back in the thick of things and only one game behind New England in. Any wild card chase knowing would be -- and three at that point. So it's kind of it's obviously a must win. And no game in this league isn't but. But the call I think they are close pushing the panic button there's that they don't win game can be a turning point or. The first time in. And pains rookie year pilot did it. Colts wouldn't make the playoffs that he's kept going out of control the -- and characteristically has so far for them this year. But that's the Clark factors -- Many. Often effective at the Patriots going to have to try to find -- to."

[25:50]" So holds the weekend because. Like we said earlier the the Colts are getting -- died back it looks like off of his injury he he's practiced this weekend. Dungy said that he expects him in. And on the other night about standard of play so. And with all the injuries and chuckling -- they had to do in the secondary last week New England that is. Going to be tough and it's a matchup on off on the other side of the ball though. Cassel coming off a pretty -- we began managing the game pretty well the two interceptions you threw against the Rams you can't really blame him for one of them was a a ball that went off of it was offer Randy Moss is and that at tipped by defender and -- a safety stands. And the other one Wes Welker was crossing over the area. On the left side and -- and Allen gave the defender ticket office but he really can't. Get on -- for that. And he may have run into a stroke of good luck when the Colts -- now. This week that cornerback Marlin Jackson is now out. -- the year with a the knee injury. That'll help somewhat underneath and on often on the -- For the Colts defense but. The return of Sanders which. Are looked like is going to happen. You know that that Indy defense is completely different team. When he's out there especially against Iran. And he's proven it time and time against her I was only about 58. To barely 200 pounds he's he plays much bigger than that. And from that safety position coming up and hoping against Iran. With new England's banged up running back situation that also brings up a concern about who's going to run the ball week last week the rookies and Jarvis Green Ellis got. At the start and got. And their LaMont carries. Did pretty well from office thank. You know wasn't expected. To shoulder the entire burden of course and -- Good news according to this week apart page report so far is that. LaMont Jordan has been out there and maybe closer to getting back anymore we know is probably more. I think even said this week he's more like about three weeks away from may be getting back into the rotation but that's certainly good news because you know after last year. His injury coming at. Coming off one of his best performances of the year and then. Losing in the years that my immediate thought when he went down again. It was a two weeks ago San Diego. Was that. He might be out for the year but it sounds like he's not going to be conflict will be back pretty soon but in the interim. If they can get LaMont Jordan back in the lineup. That's going to be a big help because it's kind of a lot to expect the rookie elect Benjarvis. It's have to go into hostile road environment like Indianapolis and trying to. Get the bulk of the Kerry -- Kevin all pitched in a lot to an outstanding game went -- again Rams but now in the passing game. -- carries well but. As we are earlier this year when they had the one to even 123 -- Maroney more ball. Usually Jordan. That into work for them and the more running backs that can get back. For the game. The better because. Particularly Sanders comes back and plays you know he you know maybe he won't be at a 100% exactly but still the fact that he's out there. It's going to be a factor that the pats going to have to. Try to find a remedy or. And you know like I said -- Green-Ellis has shown that he's he's capable of of contributing an offense I don't know I'd go far and be comfortable having him carry the load for an extended period timer. On. Or even against against the team like the idea. Electrical -- and who granted isn't the same team that they've been in the past but still any given Sunday and especially in this. In this rivalry -- series."