He keeps plugging along

Hochstein ready to play as a fill-in

Offensive lineman Russ Hochstein has often proved his value to the Patriots, both in the regular season and the playoffs. (2006 FILE/STREETER LECKA/Getty Images)

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Russ Hochstein was not expected to play an important role on the Patriots' offensive line against the New York Giants in the Super Bowl last night. Hochstein, who has 18 career starts, had performed only on special teams in the playoffs.

But Hochstein was not expected to be in the lineup in the 2004 playoffs, yet became a starter as the Patriots defeated Carolina, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

"He is a guy, when you need him you can use him in several positions," Patriots assistant head coach and offensive line boss Dante Scarnecchia said of Hochstein. "He has started at guard and center and he is always ready to play. He's our sixth-best lineman. He understands his role." And Hochstein was called upon late in the first half last night, replacing right guard Stephen Neal, who hobbled off the field.

Reserve linemen usually keep a low profile, and are seldom noticed unless they make a mistake. Hochstein, though, gained exposure in the Patriots' 38-35 win over the Giants in the final game of the regular season when he somehow found his way downfield after Randy Moss caught a 65-yard touchdown pass. Moss celebrated by leaping into Hochstein's arms, the image captured by photographers taking on extra significance since Moss had broken Jerry Rice's NFL record with his 23d touchdown reception of the season.

With Neal and Nick Kaczur out with injuries, Hochstein started that game, his fourth successive start, but he returned to the bench for playoff games against Jacksonville and San Diego.

"We all realize this can be a humbling sport," Hochstein said. "We work hard and we don't really care about who gets the credit. We have a job to do and if the team is successful with the wins and losses, that's what is important.

"This is not a sport where you can afford to make a lot of mistakes. But if you make one, you have to remember that all that matters is what is in front of you. Dante and Bill [Belichick] do a good job of getting that across, that if something goes wrong you've got to move on."

Hochstein joined the Patriots after being released by Tampa Bay in 2002. He made his first start against Washington (a 20-17 loss) Sept. 28, 2003. Though the Patriots lost that game, the team rushed for more than 100 yards and allowed only one sack.

Hochstein went through the rest of the regular season in a backup role. But in the playoff opener, he replaced Damien Woody, who was injured, at left guard and the Patriots did not allow a sack in beating Tennessee, 17-14. Hochstein remained in the lineup for two more games in which no sacks were allowed, wins over Indianapolis (24-14) and Carolina.

In 2004, Hochstein started the first two games at left guard, then returned to a reserve role behind Joe Andruzzi. Hochstein performed as a fullback in the 2005 Super Bowl, blocking as Corey Dillon scored the Patriots' final touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 24-21 win over Philadelphia.

But Hochstein might not have even joined the Patriots had Ruegamer not departed. Ruegamer was a reserve lineman for the Patriots in the 2002 Super Bowl, then departed as an unrestricted free agent to Green Bay.

"There are role players in the league who might be starters and might not be starters," Scarnecchia said. "But they can stay in the league a long time because of the versatility. And [Hochstein] understands that."

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.