Sidelights to the game

By Joe Burris, Globe Staff, 12/15/2003

BESTS AND WORSTS

Best pass play: A 67-yard pass from Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich to wide receiver Jimmy Smith, who eluded Patriots defensive back Eugene Wilson near the line of scrimmage and scampered for a huge gain.

Worst hands, Part 1: On third and goal from the Patriots' 5, Jaguars running back Fred Taylor allowed a sure touchdown pass to slip through his fingers.

Worst hands, Part 2: On third and 12 from the Jacksonville 13, Patriots fullback Larry Centers dropped a pass in the end zone after the ball hit his hands then bounced off his helmet.

Best catch: A 32-yard reception by Patriot David Givens, who leaped to catch the ball with two hands then came down clutching the ball with one.

Best sign: "Snow Place Like Home."

Best singing: The crowd joining in as "Let It Snow" blared over the public address system.

FAST FACTS

The Patriots' 10-quarter home shutout streak ended when Seth Marler hit a 24-yard field goal on the Jaguars' first possession.

The Patriots scored a touchdown on their opening possession for the first time this season.

Leftwich had a 39.89 quarterback rating in the second half.

Richard Seymour sacked Leftwich for a 6-yard loss in the second quarter, giving Seymour 7 1/2 sacks, a career high that also tied Mike Vrabel for the team lead.

Yesterday's game was the sixth home snow game in franchise history. The Patriots have won all six.

QUOTEBOARD

"It was just like old times."

-- Leftwich, a former Marshall standout, on playing in the snow

"It was nice to see everybody and get a nice response from the crowd, but the bottom line in this business is that you still want to win ballgames."

-- Jacksonville fullback Marc Edwards on playing against his former team

"You have to ask Coach Belichick what he's thinking. I just play. I go in when my number is called and I just want to give maximum effort. When I'm called, that's all I can do."

-- Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour on not starting

"This is my kind of game. I've been here 11 years and I am used to the bad field and bad weather. This is the kind of situation I like to be in."

-- Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown

INJURY REPORT

Patriots: WR Deion Branch, arm, did not return. Jaguars: S Donovin Darius, wind knocked out, returned.

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