Patriots Playbook - 11/4/2008

[27:18] ..." Right and speaking of Aaron Schobel hum how did he end up injuring his foot do you recall. What happened when it happened."...

[30:43] ..." And Donte Whitner is he out for an extended period of time."...

[1:09:52] ..." think that's going to be the type game where. On you know. Ronnie Brown is is it is a tough tough got a handle on Pennington. Has had that -- specially here in September. And I"...

[1:29:07] ..." November Jabar Gaffney in October on a guy who's the other the Artrell Hawkins was another one of those kinds of guys. On they're not afraid to bring in these guys if they can help the"...

[1:48:45] ..." him in if you bring him in in August and you know. Ronnie Brown coming off an injury in the -- Not a great team a request marked the fact they're 44 is very impressive. On"...

[0:00]" Let's go let's go let's go talk bout another golf I want ago bought them quiet. That they've won -- excuse Patriots playbook cut back on combat odds that being on there yeah. Breaking down last Sunday's game for me. When these -- for the great. Right at the rest of the 2008. At. NFL's. And some of the points stuff in between now here's John look. -- Patriots playbook and."

[0:41]" Ultimate in sports day here on Patriots dot com radio I'm John brook. And -- now it to their attention right toward the AFC east division. Because they've got not one not two but three straight divisional opponents to come. Through Europe at home. -- want him on the road -- looked to me that we have arrived at the -- would -- junction point. Of the season the make or break time the do or die time the the focal point the fulcrum what do you every want to call it. This is the spot of the season. This is why he's in the going to make or break this game. I'm convinced of what about you. -- get we welcome -- on the play book it's obviously very very special day in this country. As we have tried to elect the new president. I can't that I am terribly thrilled -- With the either the truth is to be honest with although I did my my my civic duty and didn't -- my vote. Earlier this morning when the lines -- were lol I would be curious to notice on I don't really want to get into a huge political debate because. And on many of the talk radio stations that and I."

[1:52]" You're listening to today including the sports talk organizations that. Invariably. The topic is going to get around politics. Politics as we all realize is a sports. That's just what it is it's again it. If it's adult playing a game that's what -- is -- broader and January weren't away mark I -- you kind of have to turn things on its. On the side your little bit just to have an enjoyment out of it because you know it is a game it will probably shouldn't be but it is. RI would like I would mean you know I've I'm not want to. Give my. Voting preference as. You know when I'm asked by pollsters out subtle pulling play -- the exit pollsters I don't usually do that. Hello everybody today. No no there I saw some example hours early this morning though but I haven't whiz right by him and they didn't stop me. And I usually don't do that but I'm going to break from that. Tendency here and I'm going to ask those of you who were listening to this program right now. Okay I'm going to ask you if you have voted today. And and by the way if -- listening outside the United States and you're an American citizen did you major -- And how long ago did you vote. But I'm going to ask you who you voted for I think we should do Patriots dot com. Radio. Such is the is. Example that it let's find out who are Patriots fans. Prefer. For a presidential candidate you know Barack Obama or course them all the other guy. John -- You act like that you got a mile a little bit today -- because. And in Italy recently because in all those days the gimmicky to you out. Italy in all the campaign rhetoric and over the LO. What I want to I've wanted to sort of an an exit poll and strategy today all right please. If you just give me the favor if you want to reply. Anonymously. By all means I would like to know though is actually if you were out side. The United States America if you voted in the election obviously -- absentee who you voted for. And if you're listening in the United States of America who did you vote for. -- you haven't voted in January. If you haven't voted yet today maybe you live on the west coast -- live in Hawaii or Alaska while living Alaska I think I know you voted for prior didn't January. Exactly. Who vote for. Who are you planning to vote for who do you support it was too little. You know Patriots playbook example -- what they wanted to ask you today just in in in the you know in in along with the fact that this is an election. By the -- dude what's this. Other Arab it would necessary -- thank you bet she's not going to be a vice president we have a lot of fun that. Not going to happen. I don't mean influence -- the voters if you have not voted yet. I highly encourage you because frankly based on the last two elections every vote does count so I don't want to dissuade anybody from voting today. If you -- you know their vote yes exactly. Exactly I'm holding out hope look like that. I didn't really I'm not enamored with -- guy I think both candidates actually you have good points to them. Even -- even Barack Obama I think there's some things that frankly I do like about him. I voted today for John McCain and the reason I voted for John McCain was not entirely because. Off I voted for John McCain because he's more of a entry and I found my oval that more of a centrist politically I will admit I was dyed in the wool hard edged. Right wing Republican several years ago. And maybe as I've gotten older I've mailed out some. From there -- a lot of things that I've seen in this country in my travels. And especially working in -- maturity circles not province circles that over the last few years that I've seen that they have caused me you know to change my flaw in. I am a perfect example of you can teach an old dog a new trick. You can't because I've learned. So that's partly where I'm coming I however I did not vote for Obama to. Just because. I just I believe that he's just not experienced enough from my liking. He's not experienced enough. Within our legislature. He's not experienced enough com. Within our world culture. He's not experienced and it went in our world politics and foreign policy he is an experience. You know if you if you told the Bronco -- We could take the current day Barack and run him for president eight years from now I'd say you had yourself a slam dunk winner. Most most likely. He'd be older he would had eight more years in the and it. Any -- had an opportunity to gain that it parents. I'm just nervous in this current day and age in this world that we -- having a guy who. You know wants to go to the table with you know -- Libyans and and here you know Iraq Iran eons and I just -- c'mon. You gotta know by now houllier who your friends are and who are not your friend. And I'm not going to the table and look who's not my friend. That is what am I I don't believe in our league has ever worked. You know because people who you think your friends are going to try to pull the wool over your rise and you have to fight fire with fire you have to beat the you'd have to dictate policy not have policy dictated to you. I'm all for this country being. More self sufficient. I'm all for this country pulling in the -- I don't know early we got put you know and I. No offense is up on our borders. But I I'd I'd think we need to be less reliance on foreign oil and we need to have you know partners trade with that are willing to take our product as opposed to. You know us taking -- in -- turning hours away at the border in other all sorts of things right so now lets you know little bit more about me politically. That's going I actually a run for office before. I have about twelve years ago I ran for a local legislative position at a Rhode Island. It was a Republican greatest Republican actually am -- registered Republican but. I don't really supported it local Republican -- reason I don't is because I think they'll think. I probably should on -- it from the Republican Party but I guess there's just you know all the little voice in the back in my --"

[8:25]" Don't do and it's -- Bill would be true outta here."

[8:28]" Now and so I haven't on the but I've found myself today. Looking at all the candidate I voted for two democratic had voted for democratic senate candidate -- live. I vote for a democratic. -- how representatives congressman run live. And I voted for a democratic. State senator Bradley -- philatelic I am I look I try to look at the candidate and I probably should on affiliate in in. Become on a registered Independent that because that's really how I believe now. And I think more and more people this country quite frankly believe like I -- I think that number grows almost every day. But I still consider myself a Republican because basically I am a fiscal conservative. A fiscal conservative a social moderate. And based on those facts that I told you I was a little bit more comfortable not entirely. But a little more comfortable album with McCain -- that my vote went to. And I'm sure that you'll you know if you care to share with me why you vote the way you did I hope that you will. Because you know there's no debate here -- whichever way. You feel like the way you want to vote or you've already voted. And we're going to have to live with that choice is for the next four years and just don't were all going to try to work to make about it. Now that's enough of the politics but I didn't want to open up with that -- be quite -- going to be interesting to -- how Patriots fans. Vote. And how Patriot fans sighed and -- Patriot fans. Are reporting. Not that it means anything one or the other I'd like to be an interesting little slice of Americana. Little interest in little likes of the sport. Find out what Patriots fans are thinking. And of course you're not a Patriot fan and I know the we do get a lot of listeners on to this particular program from. Other teams around the league who are -- is going to build -- calmer. It will probably a lot of bills fans know able Colts fans from time to time. Listen to the program because they don't have -- more programming. I'd be interested -- know how you voted as well you don't that is the pats have public sic football fans. What does football America voting -- today. Web radio at Patriots dot com is email address web radio at. Patriots dot com and if you like call you -- 5 wait 5437482. I've only 5437482. As the telephone number and you are. This normally is -- Tuesday. And again for the uninitiated with tickets on Tuesday we will look back -- the previous game and even if the Patriots when we find things that we don't like. And we pick and we pick and we pick -- more until the gamble leads. And etiquette -- over for another day picks immoral because that's what we do. Well obviously I think today we've all got double -- that we can pick and so that the other thing -- I want as they would nitpick. On from Sunday night encounter with the -- What won -- or two facets of the game bothered you most and I know that there are several and I just got the listing off. You know several major ones who -- a couple of moments goes he closed up PFW in progress today arm. But. Pick one. Pick one of the things that you thought about money -- that really."

[12:06]" That you wished you could change that you would do work hard -- if you could do over. Or maybe. You have the coach to ever the players to over epic duel over what is the one. Miscue. From Sunday night that you really like to pick a nit -- at this point in time. Web radio at Patriots dot com I've got several as I mentioned. I think over the top of the list. Is something that I mentioned with Michael little bit ago that quite frankly I'm I'm surprised it happened because it's very uncharacteristic. Of coach Belichick to do. The one that picked that I really head that really just kind of stuck in my -- and I'm not sure I'm going to get rid of it anytime -- game -- do with the fact that he called time out. When they had the -- that wonder on the yard line. And decided to kick the field I I thought that that was like -- told like that was a triple whammy. Number one they had the first down play they had the first down -- Number two. Why did you call timeout to -- for a field goal. If anything you want to call a timeout and extreme you have the proper you know personnel on the field good for fourth don't. And I and and the number three. You already -- in the red zone you're already struggling in the red zone make that statement. Go win a game on the -- that completely and totally blue in the face of everything you're supposed to do when you play on the road in the NFL you don't play conservatively what do you have a chance to go for the jugular you goal for the jugular. They play the game like they were at home. All conservative. Mild mannered. You have to be you must be old or older aggressive. On the road. And they weren't. That one -- that one time that one in the fourth and want at the Knicks an opportunity. To go for it. And that was the worst is going to happen the worst that what I have what they got stopped. And you put the Colts in bad field position and then you don't know what happened from there. I just I I just thought it was just it really was very own Belichick Ian. That are just coined the phrase under Belichick yeah that's what it what. Not a one count not to count on three separate count. And that disappointed me more than any other aspect of the game -- it -- that. Jabar Gaffney dropped touchdown Kent. At the hi -- he had it in his hands and only did he drop but he booted it. After. Army could not have been a more fatal law. In Gaffney dropping a touchdown. That's another one that you surely -- to fall -- a -- come. They're there are several others that you can look at. I -- I don't even know that I want to go there is quite frankly I am soul and completely. Baffled. By the choice that was made I mean I told Mike. I told Mike that you know frankly because of all the good things that have happened an example of good calls that have been made and all the strategy that has been one in a positive. That you know I think it's time that you don't you give you have to give coach Belichick passed because he's not one -- he's not going to bat a thousand. On every call every gamble that he makes. The problem I have with this one. Is that I just don't think that the -- the situation was gone completely through number one you've RD way that a time out as I suggested earlier. You waste the timeout based on or information. You know the twelve players on the field on that happened earlier in the game. It'll -- in the field were confused over who was coming off the field and if there was any doubt at all you don't throw the red flag. Somebody's head coach Belichick some bad information so the fault on that has got the lies somewhere in the press box where that's concerned with one of the other assistants. Because. You have that support information and you lost the challenge and you lost that time out you have one or challenge and one last time out play. You hand knocks. Under any circumstances. Going to a close game late in the fourth quarter where it. With which is exactly what the Patriots did. They got the ball that that I had no prayer of getting the ball down field and getting an imposition. You know Steve but it goes out there is no shot. No shot at all and that's unfortunate. So you know from. Field position from red zone from timeouts remaining. From philosophy from everything it was a complete and total abomination of a call. And I just was less scratched my head over that one go over the field goal that would of the field. I'm sure the call the timeout they're not I wasn't smart now you're down to one timeout on -- or maybe they're going to get the per per personal package and of course they make the first down. In -- You know how he has to be seen -- right. You call a timeout you try to freezing guiding this kitrey or the other team tries to threes gotta make -- whatever you know could you have a timeout currency -- called without their. On make the first down and currently -- he's going to you know bring the right people on the and and the Eagles were again and then you kicked a -- I'd yeah idea. That was going to stick -- for a while I don't know what you that's going to stick and for while this team had a chance seize control of the AFC east. The team had a chance to play from the league. Like they're normal. Elves have been a lot of New Year's and they blew. Now it's not the only reason that the team lost the game on an artillery. But I think it was a large contributing factor on several front. And to me it was the most. Juan Nady of all the picks. I'm sure you have your own. Web radio Patriots -- Shared my biggest nitpick from Sunday night would you. And I hope that you will share viewers with me. Mark Kelso -- radio color commentator on is scheduled to join us oh within the next ten minutes of the program. And then Brian -- Patriots today and then loaded or join us in the 3 o'clock on the second the program today which caught up to internal things Patriots from. The bills -- and storing their own right are simply because they have struggled over the last. -- three weeks four weeks. They've lost that come back down to worse. From five and 15 and three. For -- to five in three basically. As -- out -- for themselves and flat footed tie with both the bills and the Jets and Miami Dolphins are only game back of foreign four. I I find the fact of the Dolphins are only a game back at four in -- be one of the true up at of the entire season for. Dolphins should be getting a lot more credit they're getting. For being born four. Forget the fact that the Jets are doing the five and three thing with smoke and mirrors. Forget the fact that clearly having the bills are beginning to slide downward now on playing more to perhaps they're real potential. Fact is the Dolphins are playing way above where nobody thought that they would. And if you ask me. All the other teams within the AFC east who worries me the most. The Dolphins. And I'd like to ask you that question today as well here's another email question of the day for you don't want to deal with politics that's fine although I hope you'll choose to do so. If you don't have a particular nitpick. Although I think you probably do. That's -- too. Which of the other teams in the AF CE at the halfway mark of the season which is where we are. Through nine weeks eight of course on the playing field for the Patriots and and the other opponents in the division so your halfway through the regular season. Which of the other three teams worries you the most. The Dolphins from me. The Patriots have the bill the Jets and the Dolphins bang bang bang right row over the next three weeks. On the going to get -- pretty doggone quickly. Dolphins the one that that worried me the most of because -- Patriots have to go down there to play. They got to go down there and play and of course we all know what happened the game appear few weeks ago. Little over a month ago they -- banked. Now let's not the -- I think the -- the bills or the Jets lightly no quite the contrary. I think the Patriots actually will focus and I think they realize that the bill are legitimate. All the bills -- true recognizable threat that the bill doll or off to a great start this season while that may be a little banged up -- certainly capable of turning it around. At some point a model was they would have already done what they've done and I'm sure the bills are going to get the Patriots on divided attention. And idiots around on a short short work week as of Thursday night game the following even -- year at Gillette. He got Thursday night game against the Jets team that you Marty you know one on the road again. It's the one road win it's got to hang your hat on right now. And then of course you'll have. Couple extra days to prepare for playing down in Miami and and the Patriots will be ready for that but frankly -- have never faired very well in Miami you know what I know what Patriots don't always know. Terms of historical perspective. Was quite that -- last year but then again. This isn't the team that the Patriots at last. And I'm sure the Dolphins are looking like it is there. There one chance at its legitimizing. And their licking their chops already. Big Three weeks your -- Big Three weeks which of the three divisional opponents worries you. The most. Web radio at Patriots dot com. That's you give to us here today on the program arm. Couple things that you know did transpire on Monday night skis Sunday night. Arm. That you know surely. Come out in a positive. Wes Welker tied the other record for most games six more catches to open season. When he got his six catch the game which came -- in the fourth quarter. He tied the NFL record for most games with six or more receptions to begin a season. Welker now is at six plus receptions any of the Patriot eight games this year. That ties into the record which was established by Jimmy Smith from Jacksonville in 2001. So congratulations to Wes Welker that is one of those obscures that that early don't eat a lot of and yet. Com it certainly worth mentioning here because of his valued the team. Steve is -- he hit three field goals so he's now nineteen for wanting. On field goals this season which if my math is correct 95%. Is what he's connecting right now. That's pretty amazed. Pretty amazing he is now the Patriots all time leader in field goal percentage is sixty or seventy in his Patriot career which is 86%. Yes that's better than Adam Vinatieri. Who by the way congratulations with a 52 yard the other night -- have been the difference in the ball. Doesn't surprise me in the weeks that he hit it probably should surprise you either. -- I thought for sure the Patriots team was dead on arrival. I'll win the broadcast came on and that all the LaMont Jordan wasn't going to play either so no Jordan no Mora and yet. Benjarvis green -- starting to make a believer out of two I think he's an every down every day back every game back now. But do I think he has some value to the team most definitely. Had a yard touchdown run in the third quarter his third scoring on of the season. And so he is play is beginning to win me over a little. -- let's get the matters at hand with the Buffalo Bills are concerned on in mark Kelso who it is on the bills radio network with their and now is joins us here and a Patriots split. Mark thanks again for a few minutes it's greatly appreciated. Mom let me ask you the obvious question that. What's going on with the team having lots of -- out after an outstanding start what would you consider to be the big problem around built right now."

[24:55]" Well you can you can take away years old Los that was just trying got -- GP -- and -- Fairly effective job but but again coming in. Of the game called like a lot of practiced it was very difficult. And they had some success so that -- he came -- right. But Miami game. In my my it was the biggest concern because they just didn't play well against a team that they're better. Personnel wise they seem to every game we complete control early in -- court that let it slip away which is. Not a market for good team this team has demonstrated a lot of great qualities this year. And in the wasn't that what little bright spot a question they come back off that again is subjective I think pretty darn good. Especially playing against the run so things can do defensively and and in really really never got things going as well they need to and then a couple turnovers and been on the negative and that. Give away take away which -- talks about it with -- did not fare well sort of I think there's a couple of reasons. I do think it in this as an excuse because everybody's in the same boat -- some injuries. Or start and six. Some minor problem and that the pats Russia has not been as effective as it was earlier in the year in that is because. Eric show what they get -- big reason like this he's don't expect him back this week. That's a cause for concern this secondary -- I had some issues and we'll have more issues this week that it Whitner injure himself last week I don't what his status will be. This week end everything orchestra was beautiful little bit too and they're getting great push from their. End and I think because some -- that it is not quite Kitna in the offensive line has. As played well in spurts but they have put together their best game yet by any means and and they've got some guys nicked up and and that could be. Yeah -- can be part of the problem letting him but it put together this game is -- continuity and now it's that most guys around with Jason what hopefully to Preston. And because of the injury Brett butler so. Indeed there are very good football team I believe we're going to have to come up with a exceptional effort in England existed in the it's kinda rebounded in and found themselves a little bit after the after the discipline with Brady's injury."

[27:18]" Right and speaking of Aaron Schobel hum how did he end up injuring his foot do you recall. What happened when it happened."

[27:25]" That I do not obviously MF -- there are here last week it. And it's come along but again I don't know that I would expect in this -- I don't know official report is. One goes strike put he's he's a big part I don't know. You know sultan and his political -- we know what it is scorer or. What the what the terms of the injury are what they feel elated that will be -- certainly. -- contribution that this game each key you know less sure hope he has many sick he didn't honestly tech people like it is going to year -- when he. He played. He played terrific really deep in just just play through it many. It again it really understands became an inning in what often was again it was a primer that structure and and pepper primary -- is being -- in -- quite fit in like create a lot of havoc but played extremely well I guess we just want to any. Well look guys in nine year veteran. 39 -- is the media the only he has a Moehler that just subsequently he'll make plays downfield across the other. He's a big part of it deep and very quiet guy but quiet leader I think. I think he brings a lot of table these potentially in the certainly missed him an awful."

[28:38]" He's not out there of 94 is not out there I can assure you Matt Light will be very happy. Right but not a good -- who who normally has been playing in his place."

[28:50]" Well -- they're getting used to Chris Kelsey and Ryan that it used those two guys. Ellis has been useful -- Copeland Bryan. No royalty -- rotate those guys through there as they do it deeper to tackle. -- struck so W as the host of people in that spot sometimes they might with. With three defensive and desperate situation so the use of -- to -- reporters it is."

[29:16]" Defensively as well of for the for the bills I have to admit I've always been a fan of Paul Posluszny and when he was here -- years -- and at that big knee injury is certainly was a devastating blow at the time but that. How is his play how would you characterize his play thus far this year."

[29:30]" They're testing I think he's doing great jab and be considered it at least Italy he spent about seven years he's your guy yeah which is. Like he'd been here forever and a year it will what what -- knee injury time like college."

[29:44]" Pot luck heat yeah lasting injury brokers are now that's right broke the army are rendering and that was that's get an injury was -- college junior college careers in the respect about but he. Yeah is that he has a terrific young I think is important really really well. And -- part of that's because that these such."

[30:05]" had complained so well the last week they didn't play badly by any stretch that mean I think it's offense a lot of for the Jets got the second level that. Little bit more than that I think look and so linebackers were like they were trying to fight off. Some of those off -- saliva to say make tackle and in us and that's why I think the Detroit it was a little more effective last week and then. It had been in previous weeks -- the bills had previously allowed but. I think he's he's really exceptional player understands the game great leader. Strong work ethic just just to really questioned him in this and you know happy to see him as a as the leaders and."

[30:43]" And Donte Whitner is he out for an extended period of time."

[30:47]" I can't can't tell I mean I comment on it put. There's little accuracy to what -- stakes who have -- over one bills drive this week yet. He went out of the game did not return on Sunday so. That's that's really think confirmed it was shoulder separation personal thing but they did not confirm or deny that he would play or not this week."

[31:10]" But suffice to say that everybody walks round with a wounded. And the bills have their fair share."

[31:15]" There's no question the first week of the season that -- knew what people that game with very little take what -- after that. It seems like yeah there's always welcome that bother intensity we can weather those injuries in in players -- the complete person that sponsor. -- find -- successful -- in the year -- teams that -- remain -- the -- There's so many injuries last year that on the Beckett will give it -- because. Yet they have guys a lot of guys have experience and and everybody on the roster has has some extended experience I think because of injuries last year so. So that well it helps somebody asked what are weaker to somebody else's place."