Old friend is no help this week
FOXBOROUGH -- As part of his preparations each week, Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel gathers as much information as possible on the opposing defense. One of his top sources is Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.
Cassel and Palmer were roommates at Southern Cal, and the two had an instant connection from the time Palmer hosted Cassel on a recruiting trip. In many ways, Cassel said, his situation with Palmer was just like what he has now with Tom Brady.
``Carson helped with the offense and whatever questions I had to ask," said Cassel, who spent three seasons at USC with Palmer and saw action in 10 games as a backup to him in 2002. ``Similar to Tommy, he was the teacher, he'd help you out, do whatever he could do. He was always encouraging, a great guy in that regard."
Now that both are in the NFL, Cassel said he'll talk with Palmer every few weeks. The topic of discussion varies, although it often revolves around defensive players their teams might be facing.
This week, those calls naturally will be put on hold with the Patriots set to visit the Bengals. Cassel knows the Patriots have a great challenge in facing Palmer, whom he calls ``one of the best I've seen from a physical standpoint."
Cassel said one area that impressed him about Palmer was how he handled the 2002 season, when Palmer led the Trojans to an 11-2 record as a senior and won the Heisman Trophy.
``Just his preparation, he never got caught up in the hoopla and was always focused on the job at hand," Cassel said.
``He was never interested in any fame or recognition, but instead was always interested in trying to be the best he could be, and winning. Even when he won the Heisman that year, he wasn't asking for publicity or was never involved with it. He always stayed the same."
Last January, in a playoff game against the Steelers, he tore ligaments in his left knee, shredded a ligament, damaged cartilage, and dislocated his kneecap.
Cassel remembers seeing Palmer in February, wondering if he'd make it back.
``I know it was hard for him, he was on crutches and he wasn't able to walk without them," Cassel said. ``Then when I came back in July and saw him, it was just amazing. He was leaps and bounds ahead of where he was.
``To see that was just amazing. It was a testament to his hard work and dedication and how willing he was to push himself.
``Not a lot of people could do what he did, and come back with as much confidence and ability to play the game like he did before."
Last week, the Patriots worked out quarterbacks Tommy Maddox and Todd Bouman, as well as defensive backs Lance Schulters, Brent Alexander, and Keion Carpenter.
Testaverde has played 19 seasons and he appeared in six games with the Jets last season. The Patriots currently have two quarterbacks, Brady and Cassel, on the active roster, with J.T. O'Sullivan on the practice squad.
At defensive back, the depth has taken a hit as Artrell Hawkins (thigh) has missed the last two games and Eugene Wilson pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss.
The 33-year-old Mickens has played 10 seasons, with the Jets (1996-2003) and Browns (2005). Bill Belichick was the defensive coordinator of the Jets from 1997-99, so he has a background with Mickens.
Poteat is a five-year veteran who has spent parts of the last two seasons with the Patriots, playing in 15 games.
Walls is also a five-year veteran who has played for the Colts (2001), Browns (2002), Ravens (2003-04), and Cardinals (2005).
In April 2004, the Patriots traded the first of their two second-round draft choices to the Bengals for running back Corey Dillon. The Bengals used the pick on Maryland defensive back Madieu Williams.
Dillon set the Patriots' season rushing record in '04, totaling 1,635 yards, and he's scored 27 touchdowns in 30 regular-season games with the team.
Meanwhile, the 6-foot-1-inch, 203-pound Williams started from the get-go for the Bengals, providing the team flexibility as he lined up at free safety, strong safety, and cornerback. After missing all but four games last season because of a shoulder injury, he already has two interceptions this season, one of which came in Sunday's win over the Steelers.
``Madieu has been a man on a mission," said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. ``He's added some more body mass and hasn't seemed to slow a bit. He's more vocal and has become a leader."
Meanwhile, Cincinnati reporters were hoping to speak with Dillon on a conference call today, to preview his return to the city where he played from 1997-2003, but the request was denied.
The Broncos converted 7 of 16 third-down attempts, and scored both of their touchdowns on third downs.
The Patriots mixed and matched their blitz schemes on third down. The team sent only three rushers on Javon Walker's 83-yard touchdown catch. On the flip side, the team had six rushers blitzing on Walker's 32-yard scoring grab.
Of Denver's seven conversions on third down, one came against a three-man rush, two came against a standard four-man rush, two came against a five-man rush, and two came against a six-man rush.
Translation: Whatever the Patriots tried, the Broncos had the answer.
The Patriots punted seven times and the Broncos returned just three of them for minus-4 yards. Gay, working as a gunner on the outside, had the coverage play of the game, dropping Darrent Williams for a 2-yard loss early in the third quarter. The unit also ganged up on Williams and nearly tackled him for a safety later in the quarter.
Through three games, Patriots punter Josh Miller leads the NFL with a 43.2 net average. The Patriots' coverage unit is ranked second in the NFL, allowing just 0.4 yards per return.
REISS'S PIECES: For the latest from Patriots camp, go to boston.com 