The Patriots' pursuit of perfection has become a weekly prime-time series. Tonight's game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium is New England's third consecutive prime-time appearance and its fifth of the season.
The Patriots will make the NFL-maximum six prime-time appearances this season, as they close out the regular season against the New York Giants Dec. 29 with a Saturday night game that will be broadcast by the NFL Network and locally on Channel 5.
"Now, it's just something that comes with the territory," said defensive end Ty Warren. "Right now, the New England Patriots and who the opposing team is, people want to see [them] play. It just so happens that's the way it is. The only difference is [with a night game] it's just more time on your hands."
Warren said he uses the extra time until kickoff to do additional film study.
This is the Patriots' second "Monday Night Football" appearance of the season; both have come on the road. They beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-13, Oct. 1.
Earlier this season, quarterback Tom Brady said Monday night games on the road are particularly tough because the Patriots arrive home late and are dragging the next day, shortening an already short week as they prepare for their next opponent, which in this case will be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It's something you have to deal with," said safety Rodney Harrison of night games. "If it was most of the guys' preference, probably we would like a 1 o'clock game, but what can you say? It's 'Monday Night Football', let's go play."
Same old story
With uncertainty at linebacker following the loss of Rosevelt Colvin last week to a season-ending foot injury, veteran Junior Seau could see an increased role tonight if the Patriots stick with their base 3-4 defense. Seau took over at inside linebacker after Colvin's injury last week in a 31-28 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Adalius Thomas moved from the inside to the outside to replace Colvin.
Normally, it would seem unwise to rely on a 38-year-old who is in his 18th NFL season to take additional snaps. However, Seau, who has been credited with 44 tackles this season and has intercepted three passes, has shined as part of the substitute passing defense, and his energy and athleticism belie his advanced - by NFL standards - age.
"He doesn't look old. He doesn't play old," said coach Bill Belichick. "He looks just like everybody else does that's a veteran player. He's got a lot of energy; he can run; he's quick; he's explosive; he's smart, he's on top of it. I don't want to say he doesn't look his age, but [when] you watch him on the football field, you don't look at him and say, 'Wow, there's an old man. It looks like he's getting ready to retire.' I don't think anybody thinks that.
"You just don't see it. You don't see it on the practice field, you don't see it on the game field. I think he has as much energy out there as anybody. I wish we had more [players] that had the same kind of energy he does, to be honest with you."
Mason their target
One key for the Patriots tonight could be slowing down Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, who has enjoyed success against New England. In three career games, Mason, Baltimore's leading receiver, has 15 receptions for 193 yards, but 12 of the 15 catches have been for first downs . . . Wide receiver Randy Moss's next touchdown will tie the Patriots franchise record for TDs in a season. Moss, who has a club-record 16 TD receptions this season, is one shy of Curtis Martin's record of 17 scores, set in 1996 . . . Brady's next touchdown pass will be his 40th of the season, making him the fourth player in NFL history to reach that mark . . . The Patriots are 9-0 when running back Laurence Maroney has 15 carries or more.
