The Globe's Greg A. Bedard and the New York Times' Judy Battista teamed up to talk about a few key issues regarding the Super Bowl. Among them: Does media day matter, is revenge a factor for the Patriots, and which city has worse drivers, Boston or New York.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS - Veteran Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia indicated that right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is on track to play in the Super Bowl against the Giants on Sunday.

Vollmer has played in six games this season, and none since the Nov. 27 game at Philadelphia. Vollmer had a bruised back earlier in the season, and then a foot injury knocked him out for the rest of the regular season.

"He’s back to practicing and being healthy," Scarnecchia said.

Asked if it's a tough chore going from not playing to suiting up in the Super Bowl, Scarnecchia didn't flinch.

"It doesn’t matter," Scarnecchia said. "Anytime you step across the line and you’ve got (Giants end) Justin Tuck on the other side, that’s always a tough proposition."

Having Vollmer back against Tuck and the rest of the Giants' line would be a big boost. Vollmer is better able to handle Tuck's power game. Rookie Nate Solder's forte is against speed rushers, and having Vollmer in the lineup would allow the Patriots to use Solder as a third tight end.

Whoever plays, Scarnecchia knows his unit must continue to play it's best, something he admitted his line failed to do in the three consecutive playoff losses before the season, starting with Super Bowl XLII against the Giants.

"Quite honestly, we hadn’t played very good football on the offensive line in three playoff games. That’s the truth. That’s the truth," Scarnecchia said. "And we felt like if we wanted to be successful and get to where we wanted to go, we had to play our best football each week in these playoffs. Whether anyone thinks that or not, I don’t particularly care. But I just know this: that’s our challenge and it’s again our challenge again this week. We have to play our best football on Sunday afternoon against a very good defense and see where it goes from there."

Scarnecchia, who doesn't talk to the media during the season, commented on some of his players heading into Sunday's game:

Left tackle Matt Light: "He plays a very tough position and he’s been a consistent player for a long time. He’s been a leader on this football team for a long time. We’re all glad that he did come back to us and he’s had a nice year. He really truly has had a nice year. I don’t know if there was a turning point. I felt like from the first game against Miami all the way through, I think he’s played consistently good football, he hasn’t made many mental errors and he’s stayed out there and done a good job."

Left guard Logan Mankins: "I think he’s had a great year. I think he picked right up where he left off last year, coming in late and playing really well for us last year and I think he’s had a really exceptional year -- very, very consistent, great effort throughout, really has taken on the leadership role. He’s an outstanding player, a good person and a pleasure coach in many respects."

Center Dan Connolly: "He’s a really gifted athlete. When he came in here, this guy spent his time on the practice squad, he did everything he was supposed to do, he improved himself as a player and he’s a very, very good center in this league."

Right guard Brian Waters: "He’s done a great job from the very beginning when we told him against Miami that he would only play about 30 plays and all of a sudden we lose (center Dan) Koppen and then it was, ‘Well, Brian, you’re going to stay out there.’ And he did.

"The one thing I think that’s been, to me, the most satisfying thing is that here’s a guy, to use an overused phrase, he’s an old dog, and he’s got his own way of doing things, but he’s been very, very receptive to the way we do things and he’s tried to embrace those things and he’s played really, really well all season long. The most important thing is he’s a leader that all of a sudden has really stepped into that role for us along with Light and Mankins. They really respect that guy, the team respects that guy and I think that’s really the most satisfying thing, that he has that same status here that he had in Kansas City as a very veteran player, a very good player and now he is one of our leaders."

Right tackle Nate Solder: "He’s gone through the usual rookie tough times and the bad times haven’t been as much as...Let me give you a comparison: his bad times weren’t even remotely close to Matt Light’s bad times (as a rookie). It ain’t even close. But he’s a gifted athlete, he’s a very smart guy, he’s very tough.

"Thank god we took him, really, when you think about it because we didn’t have Light at the time, all of a sudden we get some injuries at tackle with Sebastian and all of a sudden here’s this guy, ‘You’ve got to start, you’ve got to play against these really good players,’ and to his credit and the fact that he’s playing tight end and tackle – either side – to his credit, how could you want anymore out of a young kid than what we’ve gotten out of him this year? And he will continue to be a better player as the years go on. We’re very, very pleased to have him."

Tackle/guard Marcus Cannon: "We all hoped for the best in Week 6 when he was able to come back (off physically unable to perform list-illness), but there’s another one. I think what really hurt him the most was not being in training camp and OTAs and all that other stuff let alone the illness that he had and to come back when he did. He’s behind, he truly is behind, but he’s a wonderful kid with a great upside and another tough guy, smart guy that we’re very pleased to have so we’ll just see how that goes."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- New York Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck, who played in Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots, was more forthcoming than his Patriots counterparts when it came to tight end Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury.

"Hopefully that ankle hurts a little more than everyone expects it to and he is not as versatile as he has been," Tuck said. "You talk about the talent that he is, he had probably the best year for a tight end ever."

Slowing down Gronkowski, even if he's less than 100 percent on Sunday, will be a tall task for the Giants.

"It's a team effort," Tuck said. "We know how to play against him. Obviously, we got the opportunity to play against him to see what he is all about in Week 9 and he had a great game that game. If he plays and regardless of what percentage he is, we will have some things in place to kind of have our best foot forward as far as stopping him."

Gronkowski had eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 loss to the Giants in Week 9. It was the last loss the Patriots suffered before going on a 10-game winning streak to reach the Super Bowl.

By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Although it was a difficult to accept a reduced role in the Patriots passing scheme when he was brought in from Cincinnati for a $6 million free agent deal, Chad Ochocinco said it was well worth it to him to be able to finally make it to the Super Bowl.

"The winning experience is always great,'' said Ochocinco, who made 15 catches for 276 yards, both career lows, in 15 games (including three starts) this season. "Whether you have a big role, small role, or no role at all, that's awesome. Everything this year is something that I've never been used to, and what I've had this year is something I can grow accustomed to.''

Asked if he ever was resigned to the fact he would never make the Super Bowl with the Bengals, Ochocinco replied, "I never thought of it like that. But, what I always do is always work, always work. You guys know how I am; a workaholic and that's the way I've always approached it. Maybe in a little different way I'm a little bouyant, a little flashy at times, but that's what drove me.''

Asked if he his role might expand for Sunday's game if Rob Gronkowski's injured left ankle does not respond, Ochocinco said, "I don't know. I haven't seen the script.''

On whether this season was tough on him: "No, not really," he said. "If it was emotionally draining I think I would have spoke out like I did in the past. I took this as a challenge, as a lesson. I think it was a test from you-know-who upstairs, God.

" 'Will he be able to handle himself in different circumstances when he’s not that guy, if he’s not that main focal point? Will he be able to handle it?' And I think I did extremely well."

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- In today's episode of Championship Today, Chris Gasper has the latest from Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium where Patriots and the Giants players addressed the media and fans.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski, whose recovery from a high ankle sprain is topic No. 1 for Patriots fans, spoke about removing his walking boot yesterday, his progress with his rehab, and how ready he might be for Super Bowl XXLVI on Sunday.

"I'm improving every day," Gronkowski said. "It's going in the right direction."

Darren Durlach captured the sights, sounds and personalities of Super Bowl media day today. Watch his report above.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski walked with a confident stride and gait, showing no signs of a limp, into Lucas Oil Stadium. But whatever confidence he had Tuesday afternoon gave way to a visible nervous tension as he sat in his booth for Super Bowl media day.

The enormity of the situation caught up with him when he began to talk to the media, one question after another, as he was peppered with queries about his ankle, which was injured in the third quarter of the AFC championship.

On Monday, according to Gronkowski, the boot that covered his left ankle was removed.

"I'm just going day by day, every single day just working with the training staff," said Gronkowski to the first and most important question of the day. "Whatever the training staff asks me to do, that's what I'm doing."

Asked how much pain he is in: "Like I said, day by day. Whatever the training staff asks me to do, that's all I'm doing."

Is he expecting to play on Sunday?

"I don't know yet. I'm going day by day. Just taking every single day and making new steps every day. Feeling better every day. And that's a positive sign and I just want to keep going in the right direction. I want to be out there with the team obviously. Just taking it step by step and getting better.

"Just trying to get stronger and trying to get better. I'm not really worried about if I'm not playing or not yet. That's on Sunday. The only thing I'm worried about is Tuesday and getting better today. Just keep on moving forward and going into a positive direction and that's all that counts."

Gronkowski was also asked if he would be able to be effective if he played in the Super Bowl without practicing.

"I'm not sure," he said. "That's why I'm with the training staff. Whatever they ask me to do, I have trust in the organization, I have trust in all the coaches, I have trust in all the trainers ... to get me ready, whatever I got to do. When Sunday comes along, they'll have me at the best that I can be."

The burly tight end said his ankle injury would not be a big deal if it were not for the Super Bowl. However, he did say it was getting better.

"I'm improving every day."

Media day is over here from Lucas Oil Stadium. Look for more reports shortly.

-- The Giants are now talking to the media and out the gates defensive lineman Justin Tuck was asked about dealing with Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski. "Well hopefully that ankle hurts a little bit."
-- The Patriots have wrapped up their portion of media day. We're an hour away from the New York Giants coming out.
-- Talked to rookie OL Nate Solder for a second. Asked him if the Patriots were sitting on a gadget play for him, seeing how he's tight end eligible all the time. He was decidedly vague.
-- Russ Ventrone was asked the funniest question so far: Can he name all the states in New England? Luckily he got 'em right.
-- Nickelodeon has a reporter at media day. Some fellow in a costume named Pick Boy. He asked Devin McCourty if he needs him to play for the Patriots. He's determined to steal the attention away from the players.
-- Sterling Moore has been mobbed by the media. Only Chad Ochocinco, who also doesn't have a booth, has more folks following him around.
-- Chad Ochocinco's network, OCNN is here. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is reporting for the crew of 15.
-- Rob Gronkowski is no longer sporting a boot on his left foot. He had a good stride walking to the podium and stepping up to the platform. He said that the injury was "getting blown up" because of the Super Bowl. He claims there's no gamesmanship with removing his boot.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Media Day at Super Bowl XLVI is about to get underway at Lucas Oil Stadium with the Patriots speaking to the media first. Right now, members of the press have staked out Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski's booths. Despite Gronkowski's high ankle sprain and the interest surrounding his availability for Sunday's game, Brady is still outdrawing him 2 to 1. We'll have updates right here as the event unfolds.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Quarterback Tom Brady drew the largest crowd this morning, then played to the crowd, during the Patriots' one-hour media day for Super Bowl XLVI.

Brady emerged with his teammates on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium at 10 a.m. sharp, snapping pitcures with his camera and making his way to a platform, where he'd sit and answer questions for a full 60 minutes. For someone accustomed to one game-week press conference that barely tops 10 minutes, followed by a shorter one after a game, answering questions for a solid hour probably isn't high on Brady's wish list, but he seemed to enjoy the interaction.

No marriage proposals this time from anyone, but a handful of characters, some dressed in costume, came up to Brady's designated spot and asked the three-time Super Bowl winner about a wide, wide range of topics. He answered them all, save one: When he was asked to describe his athletic journey from high school, through his time at Michigan, and now with the Patriots.

"How long we got?" Brady said, looking up at the running clock at the stadium, which showed 36 minutes remaining in the interview session. "Thirty-six minutes isn't nearly enough time, so I'm gonna skip that one."

A handful of fellow players asked Brady questions, including teammate Tiquan Underwood (showing off a new haircut, with the flying Patriots logo in the back), Steelers defensive line Brett Keisel, and Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who was a correspondent for the Ocho Cinco News Network. Chad Ochocinco, its namesake, was also on hand, taking part in his first media day as a player.

Spectators were allowed in for the first time, with some 7,500 fans spending $60 each for the privilege, many wearing hometown Colts jerseys.

Tom Brady appeared at Super Bowl media day this morning, and among his first questions was about Sunday's Super rematch with the Giants, whom the Patriots lost to in Super Bowl XLII.

In honor of Super Bowl media day, we've revamped our interactive that lets you ask Patriots coach Bill Belichick a question and it spits out one of his stock answers.

For today, we've gone through Belichick's previous appearances at Super Bowl media days and pulled out a new set of answers from his past responses. Give it a whirl.

Globe NFL reporter Greg A. Bedard will host today's Super Bowl chat live from Indianapolis, after both teams are run through the wringer that is Media Day.

The Patriots are scheduled to appear from 10 to 11 a.m. The Giants are in the firing line from noon to 1 p.m.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Today is media day for Super Bowl XLVI, and every player and coach for the New England Patriots as well as the New York Giants will be available to members of the press this morning.

At 10 a.m. the Patriots will be at Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of the Super Bowl, to answer questions for an hour. At noon, the Giants will take the field and answer questions for an hour.

Also available today is the NFL network crew at 11 a.m., including Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp and Kurt Warner.

There will also be plenty of small and large events on the side as most media members covering the Super Bowl will have descended upon Indianapolis. We'll likely have updates of those things in the Double Coverage blog.

Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka read Tom Brady's comments and didn't see anything wrong with them.

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Tom Brady said Sunday that he hoped there would be more people at the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory celebration than there were at the team’s sendoff, the comments were blown up by New York media, insulted at Brady’s premature party planning.

But for the Giants, it was a lot of fuss over nothing.

“I read his exact words and the way he phrased it,” linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka said. “You get to this level and you get to this game because you’re confident in yourself. Now, if somebody wants to come out and throw some legitimate trash talk, we’ll talk about that. But it’s just, you guys need something to do for the week, I guess.”

Safety Antrel Rolle said none of it matters.

“The game has to be played on Sunday,” he said. “That’s going to be the only thing that determines the outcome of the game. No talk, no media, no speculation, no parties are really relevant at this point.”

Think you know Xs and Os? The Giants sure did in Super Bowl XLII, when they called a fade pass to Plaxico Burress for the game-winning TD to beat the Patriots.

Here's your chance to draw up the game-winning play. Let's go with the same situation -- it's first-and-10 from the 13, less than a minute to go, and you need a touchdown.

Sketch your play and scan it, or do it on a computer and convert to a .jpg image. You must include a brief explanation of why you think it'll work.

We'll review the entries this weekend, and the best one will receive a gift card to our Patriots fan shop. The winner will be announced just prior to the Super Bowl, during our Virtual Tailgate party.

Submit a play to Design a Play contest.

Official rules

We've developed a special page to collect all the video available to us throughout the Super Bowl, and added one cool new feature: live video.

We'll have a series of live video events this week from Indianapolis. Bob Ryan kicks it off Wednesday with a live video chat. Dan Shaughnessy will do the same on Thursday.

Our remaining live reports plans include the NFL Experience as well as pregame and postgame interviews live from Lucas Oil Stadium. Bookmark the page below, as new content will be added all week.

Go to Boston.com Super Bowl video page.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Eli Manning can't escape Peyton Manning's shadow. His big brother is looming over him as Super Bowl XLVI approaches. It's something the Giants QB has had to deal with his whole career, but was pointedly obvious in today's media session.

Eli Manning is one win away from doubling Peyton Manning's Super Bowl wins. And if he happens to beat the Patriots for the second time in a Super Bowl, after prevailing in Super Bowl XLII, he will do it in his brother's stadium.

So Eli Manning was forced to endure questions about his brother, his own legacy compared to Peyton's, and whether he plans to eat dinner with his family this week. (He won't.) But there was one thing Eli Manning said that stood out, a story about how Peyton would bully him when he was a young kid.

"I probably have quite a few of them, but to limit it to one -- his most popular move, he would pin me down and take his knuckles and knock on my chest and make me name the 12 schools in the SEC (Southeastern Conference)," Manning said. "I didn't know them all at the time, but I quickly learned them. It was a great learning technique. I don't suggest anyone else try it out, but it definitely made me learn the schools of the SEC. Once I figured those out, he moved on.

"There were 28 teams in the NFL at that point," Manning continued. "So all teams in the NFL. I had to get my studying on for that. Then once I figured that out, the one I never got was the 10 brands of cigarettes. When he really wanted to torture me and knew I had no shot of ever getting it, that's when I just started screaming for my mom or dad to come save me, or maybe Cooper. That was his go-to move."

Classic.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Loyal Patriots fans know the answer to this question, but let's ask anyway:

In the Patriots' three Super Bowl victories, Tom Brady was named the Most Valuable Player award twice. Who was the other player to win it?

The answer, of course, is Deion Branch, who had a record-tying 11 catches for 133 yards in the Patriots' 24-21 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Branch's MVP performance may be easy to remember for Patriots fans. Yet back in the Super Bowl seven years later (in part because of a four-plus-season hiatus in Seattle), some might wonder whether he's an afterthought in a high-octane Patriots offense that features Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez ahead of the 32-year-old receiver.

Bill Belichick says it would be foolish to come to such a conclusion.

"I can't speak for anyone else's recognition, but from my standpoint and the team's standpoint, I think everyone knows how important Deion is to our football team, to our offense, and our passing game," Belichick said. "I couldn't imagine anybody on the team not thinking that Deion Branch has tremendous importance to our football team. I don't care if they play offense, defense, or wash towels, I just can't imagine anybody would think that."

Branch, who had 51 receptions for 702 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season, said he has no issues with the perception that he's overlooked or underestimated outside of the Patriots locker room.

"No, that's cool. I just do my job,'' Branch said. "I can't worry about who is controlling and who is saying A, B, C, D. I just do my job. I'm not here to be the one that says, 'Hey, I need all the attention.' That's not me."

Should Gronkowski, who suffered what his father said was a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game and did not practice yesterday, not be as effective as usual Sunday, it's a possibility that Branch could pick up some of the slack if necessary. But Belichick emphasized that Branch is an integral part of the Patriots offense no matter how often he's being targeted by Brady.

"He handles a lot of different responsibilities as far as where he lines up, his position and his assignments, Belichick said. "He has a great route tree in terms of the number and variety of routes that he runs. He has great confidence in his relationship with Tom [Brady] because of their experience together."

Belichick cited Branch's 61-yard touchdown catch against the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Playoffs as a play that happened in part because of the receiver's intelligence and ability to recognize a defense.

"I don't know how many players on our football team make that play for us,'' Belichick said. "It was a clear-out route, but it wasn't a clear-out route. Tom saw it and Deion saw it, and turned it into a long touchdown."

"Blocking, people don't give him credit for that. Deion has done a good job blocking for us this year. I look at him and say he looks like a great blocker, but he is an effective blocker. He's done a great job. The running backs appreciate him."

And Branch, who first arrived in New England in 2002 as a second-round pick out of Louisville, appreciates the role he has on the team, though it amuses him that he's now one of the elder statesmen.

"I'm the older guy, exactly. It's crazy. I'm one of the older guys," Branch said. "I was just talking to DP [former Patriots receiver David Patten] about two or three days ago. He was one of the guys I looked up to and he and Troy Brown showed so much love to me when I was a young guy. Now I have the opportunity to do the same thing for those young guys."

By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS --- Although he submitted the harshest critique possible of his own performance in the Patriots' 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in last Sunday's AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium, quarterback Tom Brady praised the defense, saying, ``they really saved us.''

When the Patriots conducted their first Super Bowl workout -- in full pads -- today at the Colts' practice facility, Devin McCourty, the second-year defensive back from Rutgers, praised Brady for putting that game behind him and approaching today's practice with a laser-like focus.

"It's kind of what I see every day in practice,'' McCourty said. ``Like I was saying before, here guys have a certain way of going about everything and that’s working hard, and that’s Tom every day in practice – from the first mini-camp I was here, he was out there working hard and being very competitive.

"That always sticks out,'' McCourty said. "What we’ve seen from Tom last week in practice and what we’ll see this week is always the same. He’s consistent and he’s always the same guy and he works hard and gets everyone to rally behind him."

Asked if he felt Brady was intent on making up for not just the Patriot's 17-14 loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII but for his self-admitted subpar performance in the AFC Championship game, McCourty replied: "I would just say that he’s focused and he’s on and I think the team is like that right now. We understand how important this game is, the last game of the year and it’s what everyone in the NFL works hard for from the beginning of training camp and now we’re here and I think Tom is kind of the one leading that off with Vince and with Logan and Mayo and those guys.

"It’s coming from the top and trickling down throughout the whole team."

McCourty covered a couple of other topics in his interview session with the Super Bowl media:

On his former Rutgers coach, Greg Schiano, taking the NFL job in Tampa Bay: "He’s a big part of my development as a player and as a person. You got to be happy for him. I don’t know of any coach in that profession who doesn’t dream of being a coach at the highest level of football, so to get that opportunity is great for him. As a proud alumnus, seeing him go after the job he’s done there at Rutgers – which people said was probably one of the worst programs – and built it up to what it is today, I’m sure they’ll find a replacement who will do a good job too."

On whether he made a bet with this twin brother, Jason, a cornerback with the Tennessee Titans, ever bet on who would make it to the Super Bowl first: "No, we bet on more foolish stuff like 40 times and stuff like that. But I know he’s kind of chomping at the bit to get an opportunity like this someday . . . For us we’ve been there for each other in every situation. When I was in college, at the end of my season, I got a chance to check out a game of his, his rookie year [in the NFL].

"We talk a lot, every day, and we just talk about everything that has to do with football and life. I think the biggest thing is that we’re still brothers through everything else. Playing football has kind of centered being brothers in our relationship".

On whether he feels like the team is coming togther, defensively, even peaking: "I hope so. We’ve been playing well and had some good games. But the biggest thing is like Coach tells us, `The past won’t matter.’ When we take the field on Sunday, how we played against Baltimore won’t help us play; how we played against the Giants the first time, won’t help us play. So, we’ve got to string it together, have some good days at practice and come out and execute on Sunday.’’

On practicing at facility of AFC rival Colts: "The biggest thing I’ll probably say was the colors, seeing the royal blue instead of our Patriots blue. Once we got inside [the Colts' facility], we saw our nameplates up there and it was like being at an away game, but we’ll just be here for an extended time. I don’t know [whose locker he got]. It just had my nameplate on it. I don’t know whose locker it would’ve been.''

On what he expects from Giants this time around with Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw in the lineup: "We just got to be ready. Not playing against two of their big-time players in Nicks and Bradshaw, we watched them a lot on film. It was a game-time decision for them, so I don’t think they were ruled out until the day before the game. So we prepared like they were playing. We know it’s going to be a little different with those guys out there playing. They’re going to try and get them the ball, so the biggest thing is watching film and getting to understand that they’re going to try to get them the ball. We know they’re going to be playing and We know they’re going to be out there."

On impressions of Victor Cruz: "He’s a tough receiver. The biggest thing when you watch him, he’s not a guy who’s only been hot at the end of the season. They guy’s made plays throughout the whole season. We’re just going to have to compete hard against him, trying to make things tough for him. He’s going to get targeted a bunch of times. When they throw the ball, they spread it out , but they get the ball to certain guys. We’re just going to have to work hard against him. He’s going to make his plays and we got to make sure we make ours."

On the most impressive aspect of the Giants march to the Super Bowl: They’re a very resilient team. They’ve played some pretty good football teams that had some very good records during the regular season and they went into those games very confident. I think we have to make sure from the opening kickoff that we’re ready to go, because both teams are going to be ready to go. Both teams deserve to be here.

"If you watched all three of those games, they kind of dominated that first game against Atlanta and then they went out and beat two very good football teams in Green Bay and Atlanta. I think each one of those games, you can say the team was consistent and were making plays."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin found himself rehashing a number of hackneyed topics in his first press conference with the media after arriving in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.

Among the topics discussed, his coaching tenure with Patriots coach Bill Belichick back when the two were assistants in New York, and how Giants quarterback Eli Manning has responded to being ridiculed after calling himself an elite quarterback.

On Manning: "I think the best thing is that I can say to answer that question was [Eli Manning's] response when asked probably the 100th time about that whole situation," Coughlin said. "He said look, 'I'm trying to be the best quarterback that I can possibly be and help our team to win.' I thought boom, that's the answer. I congratulated him on his response. I told the whole team about it.

"He's never been anything less than Top 1 for me and that's all I care about."

Added for some finality.

"He is an elite quarterback," Coughlin said. "Period."

On his time coaching with Belichick, as the receivers coach while Belichick was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach, Coughlin was more expansive.

"Early on, of course, there was a certain amount of competitiveness about the positions and the interactions of the positions," Coughlin said. "More than that there was a spirit of cooperation. We helped each other. We would act as each other's scout squad. We would take advantage during training camp of any opportunity we were given to work against each other. Whether it would be red zone work, whether it would be 1-one-1, whether it be whatever. We would show him the design that he wanted to see, and he would show us the coverage we would want to see.

"We worked well together," Coughlin continued. "I think it was very good for our staff to be honest with you because our cooperation was outstanding. And both sides, the receivers and secondary, benefited."

Coughlin and Belichick's mentor, Bill Parcells, was a topic of discussion as well.

"What I admire most from Bill Parcells was the continuity, the belief in continuity," Coughlin said. "There was very few peaks and valleys ... And ultimately, anyone who was around Parcells for any length of time, [learned] how to win."

The Giants come to Indy a day later than the Patriots, mimicking their schedule in 2008 when they played the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, a 17-14 win for the Giants. It's a schedule that Coughlin thinks works, allowing for his team to get enough time to acclimate to the surroundings before getting into practice Wednesday.

"You'll see [the players] walking around now, finding their way around," Coughlin said. "That'll all be taken care of by Wednesday."

INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Belichick, wearing a gray suit and purple tie, met with reporters here in Indianapolis a short while ago. We'll have more of his comments soon, but the Patriots' coach revealed that his team had "a good, crisp practice" at the Colts' facility, which is their home for this week.

The Patriots were also in full pads the last time they practiced, last Friday, and in the days leading up to their Divisional round matchup with Denver.

As far as Rob Gronkowski, Belichick said that the tight end, who is nursing a left ankle sprain, did not practice today.

Belichick was also asked about the status of right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who has not played since injuring his right ankle/foot in Philadelphia on Nov. 27.

"I’d say there’s a possibility (he plays)," Belichick said. "Sebastian’s gotten a lot better here over the last few weeks, came out of his cast or whatever it was, say, before the Denver game. And then he practiced last week before the Baltimore game and I’d say it was close, but obviously wasn’t ready to go and we didn’t activate him.

"This week, he’s further along than what he was before the Denver game. He practiced today so we’ll see how the week goes and see how he holds up. But I think that there’s definitely a possibility. We just have to see how he tolerates the added work and if he does well, I think you’ll see him. And if not, it will be where it was for Baltimore. But I don’t really know that we’ll know that until we put him through the whole week of week. But he’s definitely making progress so he’s getting there."

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick, engaging and informative again in his press conference this afternoon, was elaborating on the many football attributes of defensive lineman Vince Wilfork when he recalled one of the first moments he recognized that there was a great athlete inside that enormous body.

"I made a big mistake his rookie year, giving the team a night off or not a night off, putting Vince back there to catch a punt,'' said Belichick, recalling Wilfork's clean catch that got the team out of a practice. "He has soft hands, you should hear the ball when it hits his hands. He's a really good athlete."

That was evident, in a somewhat amusing way, when Wilfork, listed at 325 pounds, lumbered into the open field twice this season after intercepting a pass. ("Vince is a really good athlete, as we can see from all his interception returns and open-field running," Belichick joked.) But he is faster than a defensive lineman of his size has a right to be, and he showed off those ol' punt-fielding hands on the interceptions -- in Week 2 against the Chargers and Week 4 versus Oakland.

Belichick was quick to note that Wilfork's success not only comes from talent, but dedication.

"Out there in practice today, during an offensive period, he's out there running sprints back and forth across the field working on his conditioning,'' Belichick said. "A week to go in the season, that's indicative of his competitiveness, his desire to be good, and to consistently be good week after week for the entire season.

"You can talk about his appearance, he doesn't have the classic appearance, but he's in good shape and he works really hard."

Wilfork of course will be essential Sunday not only in stopping the Giants' two-headed running attack of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, but also pressuring Eli Manning like he did the Ravens' Joe Flacco in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots can ill afford to have him leave the field. Good thing he rarely wants to.

"He takes a lot of pride in not coming off the field," said Belichick. "I love that in a defensive lineman. I love that they don't want to come off. Shaun Ellis is like that. All those years with the Jets. And the years going back to the Giants. Jim Burt and George [Martin] and Leonard [Marshall]. Those guys didn't want to come off the field. And that's what Vince's attitude is."

By Alan Miller and Steve Silva, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- In today's episode of Championship Today, Chris Gasper has the latest from the NFL media center at the J.W. Marriott and examines the longstanding relationship between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and star quarterback Tom Brady.

The dynamic duo will appear together in a fifth Super Bowl when the Patriots and Giants square off on Sunday. In doing so, Belichick and Brady will move ahead of some venerable coach/quarback pairings: Tom Landry and Roger Staubach of the Cowboys, Marv Levy and Jim Kelly of the Bills, and Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw of the Steelers.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Ready for more of Bill Belichick's charm? The Patriots coach will be taking the podium today at 3:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, the media center for Super Bowl XLVI.

Belichick will be followed by limited player availability, with WR Deion Branch, S Patrick Chung, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, OT Matt Light, DB Devin McCourty and DL Vince Wilfork talking to members of the media.

The New York Giants, who arrive today in Indy, will talk to the media across the street at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Head coach Tom Coughlin will hold his press conference at 4:30 p.m., followed by WR Victor Cruz, LB Mathias Kiwanuka, QB Eli Manning, S Antrel Rolle, G Chris Snee and DE Justin Tuck simultaneously.

Today at noon, Globe Patriots reporter Shalise Manza Young kicks off a series of Super Bowl chats that Globe reporters covering the Super Bowl will host each day this week.

Shalise is in Indy, and met up with some of the Patriots after their arrival last night. Find out what she knows as the Patriots begin their Super Bowl week preparations.

Tomorrow we'll have NFL reporter Greg A Bedard. On Wednesday and Thursday, we're planning live video Q&As with columnists Bob Ryan and Dan Shaughnessy. Chad Finn caps the week on Friday with his always entertaining Friday afternoon breeze-shooter.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Leave it to the New York media corps to turn a Tom Brady comment at a pep rally into a potential back-page headline in the tabloids.

During the Patriots' sendoff to Super Bowl 46 this afternoon at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots quarterback fired up the 25,000 fans with the following comment:

"We're going down there, and we're going down there for one reason. We're going to give it our best and hopefully we have a lot more people at our party next weekend."

It's not exactly Joe Namath guaranteeing a victory over the Colts before Super Bowl III. But don't be surprised if the New York media treats it as such.

ESPNNewYork went with the headline, "Brady planning victory party." A bit of a leap, yes? We're sure the Post and Daily News will pounce as well.

Brady was asked about the comment tonight by a New York reporter at a press conference after the Patriots arrived in Indianapolis.

“Well, it was a pep rally,” he said, drawing laughter. “People were pretty excited. Certainly players were excited. I know 25,000 fans who were there were excited as well. It was great to see the support. We get great support, home and away, and hopefully we have some Patriots jerseys in the stands next Sunday night.”

Not exactly a challenge to the Giants' manhood there. We'll see what the Giants have to say about it, because they'll surely be asked.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater was thrilled to be selected to his first Pro Bowl this season.

He's also thrilled to be missing the game, which was played Sunday night. He has a much more pressing engagement -- getting ready for Super Bowl 46 next Sunday.

“Well, I was hoping all along that I wouldn’t play in it,” Slater said. “The first thing coach Belichick told me when he told me I made it was, ‘You’re not playing in it.’ I was happy to receive the honor but I’m happy I’m not playing in the game.”

“It was an honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl, and it means a lot to be selected by my peers and coaches and fans. Obviously I’d rather be here with my team competing for the ultimate goal. I’ll probably go watch that game later this evening, but there’s no place I’d rather be right now than here in Indianapolis.”

By Zuri Bery, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft stopped to chat with reporters today after the team's media availability. Here's a bit of what he had to say, via Patriots beat reporter Shalise Manza Young.

Talking about rally

"At the stadium today was so special – the times we’re in now, to have 25000 of our fans come to the stadium and cheer our team off and they were chanting my sweetheart’s initials as well…it was a very emotional experience and very special. We have a very special locker room and a very special team this year and a team who they like each other and they work together and the offense and defense respect one another, and I was just mentioning – think about it, in the last (regular season) game we were down 21-0 after the first quarter and we came back and won 49-21, so this team has a mental toughness and believes in one another."

Four years ago you were favored…is there uncertainty this time?

"There’s always uncertainty because no matter what anyone tells you – I have the privilege of being chair of the broadcast committee, and the reason the networks pay us the fees they pay us (is because) no one – there’s no owner, quarterback, head coach, anyone that knows what’s going to happen in the game. That’s why it’s the best appointment television product. It’s the only product on free TV that people will make an appointment to watch, and the reason is no one knows what’s going to happen, so all you can do is prepare hard, get the best people, prepare hard and then hope you execute well. One thing I learned is that you can practice very hard and do very well and still lose, but if you don’t practice well, you have no chance of winning. So I’m rooting for good practices this week."

Twenty-five thousand at rally was good crowd for a game in the “dark days?”

"I sat in those crowds. I sat with those crowds. I sat in the stands for 34 years and we had one home playoff game, in 1978, which we lost to Houston and then last Sunday we were privileged to host our 15th home playoff game. We won that thank goodness, so our record since we’ve owned the team is 13-2 in home playoff games."

On the year he’s had

"Very long year. So we’re happy we’re at this game that we’re at right now. We look forward – I think it’s going to be a great game, and we’re very respectful of both…I’m very fond of the ownership on the other side. The Mara family has done so much for the league over the last 90 years, they’ve put the league first; the Tischs are a great family and they have a great team and coach Coughling, Tom and Bill (Belichick) worked together. I think the fans of the NFL are going to have a great football game."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Special teams captain Matthew Slater was one of several Patriots to address the media today on the team's first day in Indianapolis.

One of the more interesting questions asked of Slater was about the culture surrounding the Patriots, and how the team continues its winning ways. According to Slater, the foundation of success flows top down from Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

"I think that guys come here and it's been established," Slater said. "But it doesn't come easy. You don't just come here and think 'we're the Patriots and we're gonna win and everybody else is gonna lie down.' That's not the case at all. There's a lot of hard work that goes in that. But it does start wih the mindset of 'hey we have the goal in mind, we're gonna do everything we can to achieve that goal.' "

Asked about losing to the New York Giants earlier this year, a 24-20 loss in Week 9, and whether that would be a dent on the season, Slater disagreed with the word choice.

"They're a good team, we know they're a good team," Slater said. "And we know they're gonna be tough this go around. They've proved that all year round. They have a lot of elite players on their team. So I don't think it puts a dent in it, we just have to continue to work hard and prepare this week and hope for the best come Sunday."

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots fans are familiar with the mantra of opposing defenses hoping to disrupt Tom Brady and the Patriots' potent offense:

The key to slowing the Patriots is pressuring Brady, especially up the middle, and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.

The Ravens did it to some effect during the Patriots' 23-20 victory in the AFC Championship game last Sunday. Brady has vowed to play better in the Super Bowl than he did against the Ravens, when he had two interceptions and did not throw a touchdown pass.

“[Playing well] comes down to preparation, and obviously we’re out there playing with confidence,'' Brady said. ""We had a good week of practice, a couple of really good days of preparation, and trying to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this Giants defense. I think they’ve changed a little bit. They’re playing as well as anyone we’ve played all year.”

The Giants, with a deep and talented defensive line, will undoubtedly take the same aggressive approach in Super Bowl 46 next Sunday. After all, it worked for them in the Super Bowl four years ago.

So in that regard, the key for the Patriots could be the converse: The offensive line must keep Brady protected long enough to make his throws when he wants to make them.

At his press conference Sunday night, Brady spoke of his confidence in the men charged with protecting him.

"I certainly have a lot of trust in my offensive line," Brady said. "Those guys are a great group of players who have played together for a while. Matt Light, my left tackle, there is nobody I’d rather have at left tackle more than him."

Guard Logan Mankins, who was one of six Patriots made available to the media tonight, made it clear the line is taking their assignment seriously.

"We're not here to go out and drink at the bar all night," Mankins said. "We are here to get rest, practice and get ready for the game. We're not here to do appearances and make a couple extra thousand bucks. We are here to win. I think our guys understand that."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick was all smiles and full of good humor when he took the podium for the first time in Indianapolis after landing just an hour prior.

"It's nice to be in Indianapolis," Belichick said. "It's about the nicest to be here in February as I've ever seen. It's awesome."

Asked about the hospitality of the city, he had some good natured ribbing to dish.

"I've never had too much hospitality here. Not until I went for it on fourth and two," Belichick cracked.

Asked again about the comparisons to Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, a 17-14 loss, Belichick was uncharacteristically giving to the media throng gathered for the press conference.

"All the games [in the past] I don't think really mean too much," he said. "There really aren't too many of us, coaches and players, that were really involved in that game."

Today's send-off at Gillette Stadium had an estimated 25,000 fans to see the Patriots off.

"Our fans have been great all year likey they usually are," Belichick said.

Belichick said the Patriots will practice on Monday and take Tuesday off to keep the team's schedule as normal as possible.

INDIANAPOLIS -- We're here at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel, where the Patriots will be staying for the Super Bowl.

The team's motorcade has just arrived its Super Bowl headquarters.

Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, in addition to a few other select players, will address the media shortly.

We'll try to bring you some of their comments.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski still had a boot on his left foot when he touched down in Indianapolis after suffering an ankle injury in the third quarter of the AFC Championship.

Gronkowski was officially listed as questionable for Super Bowl XLVI on Friday. He did not participate in practice during the Super Bowl bye week.

Gronkowski's father, Gordy Gronkowski, told a New York television station that his son had a high ankle sprain.

Patriots players and coaches are currently loading onto buses at Gillette Stadium after what sounds like an amazing sendoff from fans - the crowd at the stadium was around 25,000.

Team Globe has started to assemble here in Indianapolis, and of course our goal is to try to cover everything that happens over the coming days, right through Super Bowl XLVI next Sunday.

Media access starts today - no sooner will the Patriots arrive here for the seventh Super Bowl in franchise history will Bill Belichick and a half-dozen players meet with reporters at 6 p.m. at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel, on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus.

Players scheduled to talk today are:

Tom Brady
Wes Welker
Logan Mankins
Matthew Slater
Brian Waters
Jerod Mayo

Updates will be posted here, but also follow our cadre of reporters on Twitter for up to the moment postings and pictures: yours truly (@shalisemyoung), Michael Whitmer (@GlobeWhitmer), Amalie Benjamin (@amaliebenjamin), Chris Gasper (@cgasper), Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe), Michael Vega (@mbvega), Zuri Berry (@zuriberry) and our fearless leader, Joe Sullivan (@GlobeSullivan).

I'm sure I've forgotten someone...

By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

Several thousand Patriots fans poured into Gillette Stadium today to see the team off before they headed to Indianapolis this afternoon to prepare for the Super Bowl. Patriots players wore suits as they walked onto the field to address the crowd, and several of them spoke to the seriousness of the trip they were about to undertake.

"We're going down here on a business trip, and hopefully we're bringing back a championship," said linebacker Jerod Mayo.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed the crowd very briefly, and he stressed to his players beforehand to keep their speeches short as well.

"We're really excited about the trip," said Belichick. "Appreciate the support. I'm sure we'll see some of you out in Indy. Go Pats."

The event was hosted by Patriots radio play-by-play announcer Gil Santos, and about half a dozen Patriots players addressed the crowd, as did Patriots chairman Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft. The event was particularly poignant for the Kraft family after Myra Kraft passed away last year after a long battle with cancer.

Fans chanted "M-H-K" as Robert Kraft approached the podium.

"You all know I am a great believer in spirituality" said Kraft. "I know that a lot of you, just like our family, have suffered losses over the last 12 months of dear ones. I want you to know that they are ardent Patriots fans. And they've all been smiling down on us over this past year. But especially this last game in this stadium, I saw one smiling face along with your dear ones, making sure that things worked out the way we wanted at the end of the game."

The Patriots have dedicated their season to Kraft and to her live of service, and the team selected 10 New England residents from service industries across New England to go to the Super Bowl.

Kevin Faulk, Vince Wilfork, Wes Welker, Deoin Branch, and Tom Brady also addressed the crowd.

"It's been a long, exciting, tough year," said Wilfork. "Hopefully we go down to Indy and have one more win in us."

Brady -- who is quarterbacking the Patriots to his fifth Super Bowl in 11 seasons -- said, "We're going down there for one reason. We're going to give it our best. Hopefully we have a lot more people at our party next weekend."

The Patriots are expected to arrive in Indianapolis around 5:15 p.m. Eastern. They Giants are scheduled to arrive Monday.

In this episode of Championship Today, Chris Gasper has news and notes from Patriots practice plus a look at how the Patriots view Eli Manning as a quarterback.

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots today announced the 10 winners of their "Super Bowl for Super People" promotion, which is meant to recognize excellence in five different public service fields by rewarding them with a trip to the Super Bowl.

The winners are: firefighters Timothy Wilder (Somersworth, N.H.) and John Surabian (Stoneham, Mass.); police officers Timothy Sullivan (East Walpole) and Sherry DeGenova (Hartford); teachers Whitney Hartwell (Norfolk, Mass.) and Jim Miller (Auburn, Maine); military members Patrick Squires (Hingham) and Todd Seymour (Lempster, N.H.); and nurses Tara Jean (Dracut) and Jim Taber (Tiverton, R.I.).

The 10 winners will take part in Sunday's send-off celebration at Gillette Stadium, then they (and a guest) will travel to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5. The promotion was meant to highlight the volunteerism theme that the team has promoted throughout the season.

The New York Giants continue to prepare for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports from the Giants practice facility.

FOXBOROUGH -- The good news -- at least as it pertains to today's Patriots injury report -- is that tight end Rob Gronkowski has been designated as questionable for next Sunday's Super Bowl. Gronkowski, who is reportedly suffering from a high left ankle sprain, hasn't practiced all week, but the team could have used two other more ominous terms for him on today's injury report: he could have been listed as out or doubtful. Questionable means that, barring any setbacks between now and kickoff, Gronkowski should be able to play.

The Patriots listed 12 other players as questionable after they were limited in practice all week: receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Wes Welker (knee); offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen); defensive backs Patrick Chung (knee) and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); and defensive lineman Kyle Love (ankle).

Two Patriots are down as probable: center Dan Connolly (groin) and receiver Matthew Slater (shoulder).

Four members of the Giants are listed as questionable: cornerbacks Will Blackmon (knee) and Corey Webster (hamstring), receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), and linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot). Like Gronkowski, none of the four practiced this week. Four Giants were limited in practice today and are probable: center David Bass (abdomen/neck), linebacker Chase Blackburn (calf), running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee). Safety Tyler Sash is also listed as probable with a concussion, but has practiced all week.

The Giants' Osi Umenyiora has a long-standing feud with Patriots lineman Matt Light that will be rekindled in Super Bowl XLVI.

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The first time Osi Umenyiora and Matt Light came to blows was in the Giants and Patriots' 2007 regular-season finale. The never thought they'd see each other again a month later in Super Bowl XLII, but when they did, Uymenyiora couldn't bite his tongue. He called Light a dirty player,
and said when they saw each other again they were "really going to go at it."

Matt Light (Getty Images)

Fast forward four years.

Umenyiora and Light got into another scrap when the Giants came to Foxborough in November, and now with the two rivals set to meet each other again in the Super Bowl, Uymenyiora said there's no reason not to expect sparks to fly again.

"I don’t know what it is but it’s something he does that really gets under my skin,” Umenyiora said.

The strange part about it is that the 6-foot-3-inch 255 pound Umenyiora doesn't consider himself much of a brawler. In fact, no one does.

“It’s kind of funny because Osi isn’t a fighter whatsoever," said fellow defensive lineman Justin Tuck, who called it the battle of the 72s since both players wear the same number. "I have a very vivid memory of both [fights]. We give him flack about it. I say Light beat him up.”

If another confrontation comes, Umenyiora joked that his Giants would actually reap the benefit.

“He’s more important to his team than I am to mine," said Umenyiora, whose nine sacks were second on the team this season. "So us fighting and getting kicked out, Tuck and [Jason Pierre-Paul] can have a field day.”

Will Tom Brady perform better in Super Bowl XLVI than he did last week? CineSport's Noah Coslov and the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard discuss this and whether Eli Manning is a Hall of Famer.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

UPDATE: Colleague Greg Bedard reports that noted foot and ankle specialist Robert Anderson in Charlotte has been consulted about Gronkowski's injury, according to a league source who also said Gronkowski's injury is a high-ankle sprain. The tight end may require a scope to clean up the injury after the Super Bowl.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has a high ankle injury, according to a report from TV station WIVB in Williamsville, N.Y.

Gronkowski's father, Gordy Gronkowski, told the TV station that his 22-year old son had a high ankle injury. The Patriots tight end missed Thursday's practice after being tackled awkwardly by Bernard Pollard in the third quarter of the AFC Championship last week.

High ankle sprains often take more time to heal.

Globe colleague Shalise Manza Young reports that the Patriots' last practice of the season in Foxborough is missing only tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is reportedly suffering from a high left ankle sprain suffered during the AFC Championship game.

Once again the team is inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse, but this time in full pads. Doesn't make any sense to practice outside in the rain when Super Bowl XLVI will be played in a climate-controlled, retractable-roof stadium.

The team is scheduled to leave for Indianapolis on Sunday, following a public send-off at Gillette Stadium, which is free to spectators and will begin at noon.

By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

Patrick Chung is known around the NFL as a big hitter. But the Patriots safety grew into that reputation, starting his football career as a player smaller than his competitors when he made his high school's freshman football team at the age of twelve.

"We didn't realize how young he was," said Chris Vanduin, who coached Chung at Rancho Cucamonga High School in California. "He never shied away from anything, but he was giving up so much weight. At that time he was using his speed."

Chung grew up in Jamaica and moved to California when he was 10-years-old. His mother was an accomplished reggae singer in Jamaica. He didn't try football until he went out for that freshman team.

"One day he came and said, 'Dad, I'm going to try out for football,' "his father Ronald told the Globe after Chung was drafted by the Patriots in 2009. "I said, go ahead. Then he came to me and said, 'Daddy, I'm going to make the team.' I said, yeah, right. I went up there to watch him, and he was killing everybody."

Chung grew into his 5-foot-11-inch, 212-pound body during his senior year, according to his coach. He also had good mentors to look up to, including fellow Rancho defensive back Terrell Thomas, who ended up making the NFL and playing for the Giants (he is out for the season with an injury). Chung had interest from Boise State, but representatives from Oregon came to watch other Rancho players, and they kept asking who the small kid was who was making all those big plays. Chung ended up committing to the Ducks.

"I always admired his drive to be a better player and student," said Sherry Berwick, who taught Patrick in an economics course at Rancho. "His strong work ethic allowed him to excel."

Chung worked his way to a stellar career at Oregon, where he was two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection. He finished his college career with 384 tackles and was a second-round pick of the Patriots in 2009. He seems to have the high character that the Patriots seek in their players, and several people from his high school days mentioned his devotion to his family.

His younger sister, Petra, said the family is excited to watch Chung play in the Super Bowl, a sentiment echoed by Chung's former coach.

"It's a joy to watch a young man who did everything the right way be rewarded with that opportunity," said Vanduin.

Chung was limited to eight games this season because of a foot injury, but he still managed 62 tackles, one pick, and one sack. He's the team's best option at safety against what should be a potent Giants passing attack.

Check out our Boston.com photo gallery for more high school photos and stories about other Patriots players. There's also a longer profile of Tom Brady in today's Globe.

Chad Ochocinco sat down with the Associated Press yesterday, and talked about his time with the Patriots.

The veteran receiver, whom the Patriots acquired in a trade with Cincinnati as training camp opened this year, had 15 receptions in 15 regular-season games.

Here's an except from the story:

"It's been a learning experience; that's what this has been. This had been one of the most humbling experiences I've ever been in," he said Thursday as he prepared for the Feb. 5 game against the New York Giants. "This is one of the first times I've been about doing exactly what everyone told me to do. It wasn't about the numbers. It wasn't about money. It wasn't about me."

Read the full story here.

With Super Bowl XLVI just over a week away, the New York Giants are happy to be playing in a dome where the weather will not affect their play, reports Paul Schwartz of the NY Post.

Seven Giants players did not participate in today's practice, including C David Baas (abdomen/neck), LB Chase Blackburn (calf), CB Will Blackmon (knee), RB Brad Bradshaw (foot), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (hamstring) and LB Jacquian Williams (foot).

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora was limited in practice (ankle/knee) while safety Tyler Sash (concussion) had full participation.

Unlike yesterday, when the NFL required the Patriots and Giants to release injury reports for practices that didn't occur, both teams did practice today. As said earlier, the only guy not on the field for New England was TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle); New York had seven players listed as did not practice.

PATRIOTS
Did not participate
TE Rob Gronkowski - ankle

Limited participation
WR Deion Branch - knee
OL Marcus Cannon - ankle
S Patrick Chung - foot
S James Ihedigbo - shoulder
DL Kyle Love - ankle
G Logan Mankins - knee
LB Rob Ninkovich - hip
LB Brandon Spikes - knee
OT Sebastian Vollmer - back/foot
WR Wes Welker - knee
LB Tracy White - abdomen

Full participation
C Dan Connolly - groin
WR Matthew Slater - shoulder

The Patriots have removed Nate Solder (concussion), Aaron Hernandez (concussion), Dane Fletcher (thumb) and Kyle Arrington (foot) from their report; all were on the final injury report before the AFC title game.

GIANTS
Did not participate
C David Bass - abdomen/neck
LB Chase Blackburn - calf
CB Will Blackmon - knee
RB Ahmad Bradshaw - foot
WR Hakeem Nicks - shoulder
CB Corey Webster - hamstring
LB Jacquian Williams - foot

Limited participation
DE Osi Umeniyora - ankle/knee

Full participation
S Tyler Sash - concussion

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was calm, cool, and collected when he faced a large media contingent at Gillette Stadium this afternoon to talk about Super Bowl XLVI.

Brady was asked about the pressure that comes with playing for all the marbles next Sunday and avoiding the off-field distractions that will surely come the Patriots way next week in Indianapolis.

"It's a football game for us, it's the Super Bowl for everyone else," Brady said. "We're going in there to try and win football games, put all the distractions aside, and don't let anything get in the way of our preparation. That's ultimately what's most important. This is a game that everyone will remember for the rest of our lives. Hopefully it's a good one."

Regarding the pressure to perform well in the big game rematch vs. the Giants, Brady said it's not all on him.

"I think there's pressure for every player," Brady said. "It's not necessarily me, certainly there's pressure on me, there's pressure on the coaches, the players. We're expected to do our job at a very high level and you go into this game, your playing your toughest opponent. There's only two teams that are playing in this that are still going, and there's certainly a finality to this game. You're putting absolutely everything you can into it preparation wise, and you're expected to go out there and play at your very best. And there's no reason why we shouldn't because we've had 110 practices, this is our 23d game of the year, it's pretty incredible when you think of a real long football season."

As far as NFC teams go, the Patriots have seen more of the Giants than any other team in the past several years.

"We have experience, we've seen a lot," Brady said. "This is our third time we'll be playing this team, preseason, regular season, and postseason, so there's some familiarity with them."

Brady is well-aware of the pressure the Giants defense can put on a quarterback.

"They can rush the passer, there's no doubt about that," Brady said. "In playing them before you understand that they can, I mean they strip-sacked us on our own 10-yard line or something like that when we played them last. They get a lot of turnovers, they put a lot of pressure on you with their front four. They have a big physical group that plays really well together and you watch them play against the 49'ers, they played a great game defensively. They gave up two points against Atlanta which was on a defensive score so they're a great football team, they have a great defense. Every time we play them, you talk about their defense, their pass rush.

"It's going to be a good game. We've got our work cut out for us."

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Former Patriot's all-pro safety Lawyer Milloy likes what the New York Giants have done this season, but not enough to go against against Tom Brady. In a brief interview, Milloy said he picked the Patirots in Super Bowl XLVI.

"I got the Pats. Although, the Giants are the worst opponent the Patriots could have ended up playing against for a lot of reasons," said the former Patriots' safety. "Eli [Manning] has been playing great all year and towards the end of the season the rest of his teammates have started playing to his level. They're a hot team and you can't count them out.

"But for some of the Patriots this is chance for redemption," Milloy continued. "I know for sure there's one guy thinking about it and that's No. 12, TB Tom Brady. I have to go with him."

Milloy also said he was back at Gillette Stadium for the first time since leaving the organization eight years ago to watch the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. He added that since his retirement he has realized that he'll always be a Patriot, going on to say that he plans to be more involved in the organization and Patriots nation going forward.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this edition of Championship Today, Chris Gasper has the latest news from Gillette Stadium where the Patriots held their first practice this week in preparation for the New York Giants.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski and offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer, who both played a pivotal role in pass blocking the last time the Giants came to town, are both recovering from injuries and Patriots coach Bill Belichick shared his thoughts about getting both players back on the field.

Today was also the first day that Patriots season ticket holders could pick up their Super Bowl XLVI tickets at the stadium.

As expected, tight end Rob Gronkowski was not present for the media-access portion of practice; Bill Belichick said during his press conference earlier that Gronkowski, who suffered an ankle sprain against the Ravens, would not practice today.

Colleague Michael Whitmer says Gronkowski is the only player not present for practice, which is being held inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse. Players are in shells and sweats/shorts.

Also, Carson Butler, whom the team announced this morning has been re-signed to the practice squad (Dorin Dickerson was played on practice squad IR yesterday), was not at practice.

FOXBOROUGH -- Bill Belichick sprinkled in a few smiles during his 29-minute press conference today, which predictably covered a range of topics as the Patriots prepare to hit the practice field for the first time getting ready for Super Bowl XLVI.

The Patriots coach broke into a wide smile and laughed a bit when asked a question about player injuries; he's famous for shedding very little light on who might be available. However, he did comment specifically on right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who hasn't played since Nov. 27 because of foot and back injuries.

"If Sebastian's ready he can help our football team, he's a good football player," Belichick said. "There's no question he would absolutely be on our game-day roster if he's ready."

He wasn't as forthcoming about tight end Rob Gronkowski, who injured his left ankle in the AFC Championship. Gronkowski is not expected at practice today; the Patriots are scheduled to work inside the fieldhouse at roughly 12:20.

Belichick praised the Giants, especially quarterback Eli Manning, the Giants' pass rushers, his days working in New York, the extra week to prepare for the game, and Tom Brady overcoming a bad game, among other topics.

When asked about the run that Manning is on -- he's led the Giants to five straight wins, and thrown 12 touchdowns (just two interceptions) in that stretch -- Belichick said he's been impressed.

"He's had a great end of the season, as has their entire team. They've had a very good stretch," Belichick said. "Eli's done a good job not turning the ball over, hitting big plays, converting on third down; their third-down conversion numbers are significantly up from the regular season, [and they're] playing against better teams, better defenses. He's an outstanding quarterback."

Belichick said the extra week wouldn't make any difference, since the Giants enjoy the same luxury, and trotted out the standard "whoever plays the best will win" approach.

Belichick ended the lengthy press conference by noticing someone wearing sweatshirt from Wesleyan University, his alma mater. "Like that Wesleyan sweatshirt," he said. "Good support."

By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

Fans are invited to see the Patriots off Sunday at Gillette Stadium before they travel to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. The festivities will kick off at noon, where Patriots President Jonathan Kraft, Bill Belichick and the entire team will greet fans from the Gillette Stadium field.

The event is free and open to the public, and complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be provided. Parking is free, but no tailgating will be allowed. The Hall at Patriot Place will be open at 10:15 a.m.

The Patriots are scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis at 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

Have a question' Submit your question here to be considered for the next edition of Ask Shalise.

The Patriots are Super Bowl-bound for the seventh time in franchise history and the fifth time in the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, but some readers are looking ahead for New England and wondering who could be coming and going once the season ends.

There's also a little bit of second-guessing on one play call in the AFC Championship game and a status update requested on Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallet.

Who called the ill-fated long pass after the Brandon Spikes interception in the AFC Championship game? If it was offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, then as far as I am concerned he can skip Indy and go straight to State College. Whoever made the call must have been channeling 30 years ago when a turnover led to a disorganized defense. Now, a turnover is followed by 10-20 commercials so the defense can stay organized.
Dan, Los Angeles

My guess would be that O'Brien did make that call, Dan. I think the biggest issue with calling that play was because it was the first time Matthew Slater was in the game, and it immediately tipped the Ravens off to the idea that the Patriots might try a deep ball. Baltimore safety Bernard Pollard said on Houston radio earlier this week that when he and cornerback Jimmy Smith saw Slater on the field, they figured he was on for the Pats to take a shot deep. They did, Smith and Pollard played the pass attempt well, and it ended up as an interception. Personally I can't fault O'Brien for trying a home run ball, it just wasn't well-disguised. That one play was the only offensive snap for Slater.

How is rookie quarterback Ryan Mallet progressing? Is Brian Hoyer or Mallet a better choice for the replacement should Tom Brady get knocked out of the game during the Super Bowl?
Chris, Essex

I think you might be the only Patriots fan willing to broach this topic, Chris. Many don't even want the thought to cross their minds that Brady might not be able to finish the game for any reason. But since you've asked, it would almost certainly be Hoyer who replaces Brady. I've been told that the Patriots coaching staff is very impressed with the progress that Hoyer has made in terms of his passing and mobility, and at this point he could be a starter in the NFL. As a side note, Hoyer is a restricted free agent at the end of this season, and it will be interesting to see if the Patriots do a sign-and-trade deal with him ' there are more than a couple quarterback-starved teams in the league. As for Mallet, I've heard he's progressing well; at this point, given the potential of Hoyer being elsewhere, I could see him being Brady's backup next year.

I was wondering why (to my knowledge) the Patriots have never attempted an option pass play with Julian Edelman, as he was a college quarterback after all. Do you think Bill Belichick is saving this for when something very special is needed or just not interested in it? Coach Belichick has run it with Troy Brown successfully many years ago.
Howard, Newton

The Patriots have not run any sort of option play with Edelman passing the ball since he's been here, Howard. With the Wildcat (remember that?) in vogue when New England drafted him in 2009, it was easy to think then that Edelman's background as an option quarterback at Kent State was part of his appeal for the team. The window for reporters to watch Patriots practice is limited only to stretching-type exercises and not any actual plays being run, so I don't know if they've practiced a play like that and have it in the repertoire just in case.

I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but do you think the Pats could take a stab at Indianapolis defensive end Robert Mathis this offseason. He is a free agent and the Colts seem to be shifting to a rebuilding mentality. It would be nice to get a pure pass rusher if he's got something left in the tank
Chris, Franklin

You are certainly looking a bit into the future, Chris. The Pats haven't played the Super Bowl yet! To be honest, I haven't started looking toward free agency, but I think any interest in Mathis may hinge on whether Bill Belichick would want to stick with the 4-3 he began using more heavily this season. With Andre Carter and Mark Anderson each signed to one-year contracts, it isn't yet known whether either will be re-signed (Carter, who will be 33 in May, is coming off a quadriceps tear), and even if one or both is, pass-rusher is a need for this team. Mathis, who will be 31 next month, has averaged 10 sacks a year since 2004, his second season in the league.

With the Pats signing Josh McDaniels to finish the year as an offensive assistant and to be offensive coordinator next season, what would you say the odds are of soon to be free agent WR Brandon Lloyd of the Rams being a Patriot deep threat next season? Lloyd has repeatedly stated that he owes his emergence as a quality receiver to McDaniels. Can he be New England's deep threat next year a la Randy Moss in 2007?
Jack, Wilmington, Del.

Not sure yet what the market might be for Lloyd, but you're right that he is on the record as saying he'll follow McDaniels. The biggest question is what kind of money he would be looking for. As we all know, New England usually isn't a big spender in free agency. Plus there is Wes Welker's contract to consider. Robert Kraft said last week that he wants to keep Welker with the Patriots, and the last several times he's said that -- with Vince Wilfork, Tom Brady, Logan Mankins -- the team has come to a contract agreement with that player. Deion Branch will also be a free agent when the season ends; he isn't the receiver he once was, but we've seen him play a big role at times this season, and he has a big fan in Brady. Were Branch to re-sign with the Pats, it would very likely be for less than the $2.2 million base salary he's receiving this year.

I am a transplant from Rhode Island to California and am a Patriots fan, but I am very much in 49er territory...We have all been racking our brains to remember when the last time the Patriots played the 49ers. Do you have any insight on this one?
Neil, San Jose, Calif.

The last time the Patriots and 49ers played was in 2008, Neil, part of their four-game West Coast set that took them to Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle. Since Tom Brady was injured that season, he did not get the opportunity to play in Candlestick Park, where he had watched so many games growing up in nearby San Mateo. The Pats and Niners will play in the 2012 regular season, but San Francisco will travel here to New England.

Is Oct. 28 a definite date for the London game?
Carol, Saugus

Yes, that date is locked in, Carol. The league announced last week that the Rams will host the Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 28 this year. Since the NFL began playing one regular-season game in London in 2007, it has been played on the final Sunday in October.

By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told the team's official website today that he doesn't believe the Patriots intentionally manipulated the Gillette Stadium scoreboard late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's AFC Championship game.

"We knew what the down and distance were on our last series," said Harbaugh. "The scoreboard was not a factor for us. Any suggestion that the wrong down information was a deliberate effort to affect the outcome of the game is nonsense."

Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal that would have tied the game in the Patriots' 23-20 win. The kicker blamed no one but himself right after the game, but he later told Deadspin that his pre-kick routine was rushed because of a discrepancy between the down-and-distance information on the field and that same information on the stadium's in-house scoreboard. There was visible commotion on the Baltimore sideline, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after the game that the didn't call a timeout to try and ice Cundiff because he thought the Ravens look hurried.

The confusion started when Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin caught a pass on the right sideline and fumbled the ball forward and out of bounds at the 14-yard-line. The ball cannot advance on a fumble, but some Ravens apparently thought they had gotten a first down on the play. That confusion led to the hurried atmosphere on Baltimore's sideline.

The NFL will not investigate the scoreboard issue, a league source told the Baltimore Sun.

Even though neither team practiced today, the Patriots and Giants were obligated to issue an injury report, with players' projected availability as if they had practiced. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was the only Patriot who would not have been able to take the field, because of the left ankle injury he suffered against the Ravens. The Giants said they would have been without three players: running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), and safety Tyler Sash (concussion).

The Patriots projected 12 players under limited participation: receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Wes Welker (knee); offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (foot/back); defensive backs Patrick Chung (knee) and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Tracy White (abdomen), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Rob Ninkovich (hip); and defensive lineman Kyle Love (ankle).

The Giants also included defensive end Osi Uminyiora (ankle/knee) under limited participation.

Both teams return to the practice field tomorrow.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In this issue of Championship Today, Chris Gasper examines the mental toughness and chemistry inside the Patriots locker room and the ability of this year's Super Bowl-bound team to bounce back from adversity and come back in games when they trailed.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick also talks about what mental toughness means to him and how he's been focused on it since he joined the organization in 2000.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

The supermodel's husband is a cover boy himself, again.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's image will grace the cover of Sports Illustrated for the 15th time when the Jan. 30 issue hits newsstands today.

Brady also appeared on the cover of SI a few weeks ago as part of a regional edition previewing the divisional round of the playoffs.

In the current issue, Damon Hack takes a look at the effect the late Myra Kraft had on the Patriots organization and how the team has rallied behind her memory.

"I told Mr. Kraft I was going to leave it all on the field for Myra," linebacker Brandon Spikes said in the SI piece. "I personally wanted to come out and get that game for her and for him. I told him not to worry about a thing."

The Patriots as a team have been on SI's cover 27 times.

New York Post reporter Paul Schwartz provides the latest from Giants camp, where players spoke to the media about facing the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Video includes excerpts from quarterback Eli Manning's press conference today.

By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn't quite ready to evaluate the status or availiablity of tight end Rob Gronkowski for the team's matchup against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

Gronkowski injured his left ankle at the end of the third quarter of Sunday's 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium. Gronkowski had just made a 23-yard catch when he was tackled by Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, who rolled up on Gronkowski's left ankle, causing it to buckle awkwardly.

Asked during a teleconference today with reporters if had any concerns about Gronkowski's ability to play at a high level in the Super Bowl, Belichick replied, "We'll see how it goes with Rob and some of the other players who are getting treatment.''

The Patriots did not practice today and will take Wednesday off before returning to the practice field Thursday to begin Super Bowl preparations.

" We'll see how it is when we get back on the field,'' Belichick said. "We'll see how all of that is when it's time to go. As you know, it's hard to gauge injuries. We've seen some of the biggest hits in the game and seen guys get up and go back to the huddle like it wasn't a big thing.

"Then you've seen other plays that look like a lot less, or with less of an impact, but because of the angle or the way that it happened, or whatever caused the problem, it's more serious,'' Belichick said, when asked if he felt fortunate Gronkowski's injury wasn't more serious. "I just don't know how to comment on that. You've seen plays where it looked like somebody was slow getting up off that and you've seen other plays where it didn't look like it should be that big of a problem and players have some type of injury, so it's hard to rank them that way.

"We've got a lot of tough players on our team and everbody is going to do all they can to be ready physically and mentally, especially physically, to try and compete in the game.''

File this under the Dept. of Sour Grapes:

Baltimore safety Bernard Pollard was on Houston radio station KILT on Monday, and planted himself firmly on the side of the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, giving little credit to the Patriots, who knocked him team out of the playoffs on Sunday in the AFC Championship game.

Asked for his opinion of Super Bowl XLVI and what he'd like to see happen, Pollard said, "My opinion - I really hope the Giants, I just hope they just put a thrashing on the Patriots. I really do. To lose to a team like that the way we played...we played a good game.

"You gotta look at the experience of the team. You gotta look at what do the Giants have? They got a front four that is relentless. They got a secondary that is really, really good. They got a linebacking corps that has been with them. The dinking and the dunking man? It's just not going to happen. They are going to have to take shots down the field. I think the Giants watch our film and watch the film of the season. They gotta take away their big time players. [Rob] Gronkowski I think he is coming off that ankle, so I don't know if he will be 100 percent."

Pollard was asked about his being the "Patriot Killer" as the man who put the hit on Tom Brady that tore his ACL and MCL in 2008, was the nearest defender when Wes Welker suffered the same injury in 2009, and now caused the sprained ankle of Rob Gronkowski.

"Oh man that is fine and dandy," he said of the nickname. "Like I said to a lot of people it is part of the game and this is what happens. If you don't like it? So what. I am going to go out there and I am going to play me."

Also from Pollard's interview, he was asked about the deep ball Tom Brady threw for Matthew Slater in the end zone, which Pollard tipped to teammate Jimmy Smith for an interception - the play that Brady said kept him up Sunday night after the game:

"Well (laughs), to be honest, me and Jimmy, we talked before the play even started and the Slater receiver we were like, well we haven't seen him all game and all of a sudden they were at the 50-yard line, we knew they had to take a shot [downfield at some point], ?so as soon as they hiked the ball I took off running and Jimmy tried to trail the guy and I went up to get the pick, I tried to get it with my left hand, my left arm wouldn't come up for some reason, so I saw Jimmy trailing the guy...I tried to tip the ball to get the ball away from the guy and Jimmy did a great job of hustling and getting the ball and giving our offense pretty good field position. Jimmy did a great job of doing what he was supposed to do."

And Pollard's thoughts when he saw kicker Billy Cundiff miss the 32-yard field goal that would have sent the game to overtime:

"From the get-go it was left, and from that point on, we knew. We knew from then on it was over. I believe our team knew that if this thing got to overtime, we were going to the Super Bowl. I think we played a really good game. We had some things where we made some mistakes or whatever, but just for the most part, dinking and dunk wasn't going to win in the last 22 seconds...Like I said, it's over."

You can hear Pollard's interview by clicking here.

By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

Patriots coach Bill Belichick held a teleconference with reporters today and discussed several topics, most notably New England's upcoming rematch with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.

It will mark yet another crucial rematch for the Giants, who won critical regular-season rubber matches against the Dallas Cowboys in the regular-season finale to finish with a 9-7 record, and against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional round and the San Francisco 49ers in last Sunday's NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park.

The Giants handed the Patriots their last loss, 24-20, Nov. 6 at Gillette Stadium, which snapped New England's 20-game home winning streak. The Pats' have since won 10 consecutive games.

Of course, the last time these two teams met in a Super Bowl, it was in Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz., where the Giants pulled off a stunning 17-14 victory ro ruin the Patriots' bid for an undefeated season.

"Well, I think a lot of the games you mentioned -- like a lot of other games in this league -- there very competitive games that come down to a play or two,'' said Belichick, who gave his team off today and Wednesday before beginning Super Bowl preparations on Thursday.

"That's what this league is; it's being able to make key plays in key situations and they've done a great job of that,'' Belichick said, lauding the Giants. "It's the third time we've played them now this season [including an 18-17 loss in a Sept. 1 preseason game at Gillette Stadium].

"We have a familiarity with them from that [preseason] game, the regular-season game and now we're working on them again. So I think this is a team we have some background with, relative to most of the other NFC teams that we've played through the years.

"We know how good they are,'' Belichick said. "They're well-coached; great ownership from John Mara and his family; they've done a great job of acquiring personnel and players; Tom [Coughlin] and his staff have done a great job of pulling those schemes together, putting their players in productive positions where they can excel, and they've done that on both sides of the ball.

"They've performed well under pressure in critical games and played some of their best football when they've had to and it's counted the most,'' Belichick said. "That's what you've got to do this time of year.

"If you don't, you're on the outside looking in,'' the Patriots coach said. ``But they've done that and it's a great credit to their coaching staff, organization and their team.''

For more Q&A with Belichick, click the Full Entry button.

FULL ENTRY

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Championship Today, Shalise Manza Young has the latest from Gillette Stadium where the Patriots have shifted their focus to the New York Giants.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft also shares his thoughts on the last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl in 2008.

Videographer Darren Durlach set out to get reaction in Boston to the notion, expressed in the New York Times today, that Patriots fans are arrogant. Watch what he found above.

From the Patriots' media relations staff:

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft today announced the opening of a "Super Bowl for Super People" online sweepstakes to recognize outstanding individuals in the public service sector as an extension of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's season-long "Celebrate Volunteerism" campaign.

Ten winners will be randomly selected from a pool of police officers, firefighters, teachers, military personnel and nurses in New England who have been identified as "Super People" by their superiors.

Two winners from each category will receive the "Super Bowl for Super People" package, an all-expenses paid, one-day trip to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis for them and a guest, including game tickets, round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the game and tickets to the Patriots' postgame party.

"Throughout a season dedicated to my sweetheart [Myra Kraft], we recognized outstanding individuals for their many contributions to our community through 'Celebrate Volunteerism,'" said Kraft. "In New England, we're all part of the same community and part of the same family, and we all benefit from the dedication of hard-working public servants. We're glad that through this sweepstakes we can reward those who have chosen a career in public service and through their commitment to giving back have earned the recognition of their superiors. We're excited to have them in our day-of-game travel party as representatives of their professional communities"

Police chiefs, fire chiefs, school superintendents, commanding officers and doctors/head nurses are invited to nominate one outstanding contributor from their team via Patriots.com/community.

The sweepstakes opens Monday, January 23 at 6 p.m. and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25. Nominees must be 18 years of age or older, have transportation to the departure location on February 5 and live in New England. The randomly-selected winners will be contacted by Saturday, January 28.

The Patriots have announced that they will be wearing their usual home uniforms - navy blue jerseys with gray pants - for Super Bowl XLVI.

As the AFC representative is considered the home team this year (the conferences alternate home and away), New England was able to choose which uniform they would be wearing.

The Giants, in turn, tweeted that they would wear their road white jerseys with gray pants.

The teams wore the same uniforms in Super Bowl XLII.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper takes a look back at a dramatic win for the Patriots in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens and looks ahead at a Super Bowl rematch with the New York Giants.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots are rolling onto the Super Bowl after a thrilling 23-20 victory over the Ravens at Gillette Stadium.

Let's get it going:

WHY DID THE PATRIOTS WIN?

Been trying to figure that out, and not sure if I have a good answer. The Ravens had multiple opportunities to win that game and couldn't do it. So I'm left with this: the Patriots -- all of them, collectively -- made enough plays when it counted to win the game. They weren't great on offense. They weren't great on defense. They had a fumble on special teams. But after 60 minutes, the Patriots made enough plays in key moments in all three phases to come out with a victory.

INJURY REPORT

• CB Kyle Arrington (eye) returned to the game.
• TE Rob Gronkowski (left ankle) returned to the game but was seen after the game wearing a walking boot.

THREE THINGS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT

1. You're going to the Super Bowl: I mean, what's not to feel good about with that? The Patriots are one of two teams still playing. Everyone else is playing golf.
2. Defense: If you told me before the game the Patriots would lose the turnover battle, 3-1, I would have told you they would have lost. But the Patriots held the Ravens to 6 points on those three turnovers. To me, that's where the Ravens lost the game and the Patriots won it. You have to capitalize on the other team's mistakes.
3. Offensive line: Officially, Brady was sacked once and hit twice more. The Patriots basically erased Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata from the game. That was huge. Matt Light continues to have a great season. Not sure what the Patriots did on Ngata, but that Dan Connolly wasn't owned like Dan Koppen was last year. I'm tipping my cap to Connolly.

THREE THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT

1. The Giants are coming: New York was the last team to beat the Patriots and they did it at Gillette without RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks, C David Baas and FB Henry Hynoski. The Patriots were at full strength, but did lose LB Brandon Spikes and S Patrick Chung during the course of the game. The Giants are going to be a real challenge, both in their pass rush and offensively.
2. Gronkowski's injury: I'm sure Drago will be fine -- the kid is made of steel -- but it's definitely something to worry about. He's a beast and the Patriots need him at full strength.
3. Pass defense: The Patriots had some issues in coverage and tackling against the Ravens, who weren't able to capitalize on some open receivers and potential big plays. The Giants and Eli Manning are much more capable than anything the Patriots have encountered since their last matchup.

FOUR STARS

1. DT Vince Wilfork: We had him for six tackles, a sack, four hurries, two tackles for a loss and a half run stuff. Wilfork played 67 of the 70 snaps. Had two huge plays on third and fourth downs late in the game. The captain was immense.
2. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: His stat line of 68 yards on 15 carries might not be huge, but his effectiveness really took the wind out of the Ravens' sails, and his touchdown was a great team effort.
3. LT Matt Light: It barely looked like Terrell Suggs played. Some Jets coach said he was unblockable. Guess not.
4. CB Sterling Moore: After knocking the winning TD away from Lee Evans, Moore batted away the third-down pass as well to set up the missed field goal that ended the game.

UP NEXT

Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 5, 6:20 p.m.

Result: Giants beat the 49ers, 20-17, in overtime as Manning was 32 of 58 for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

Lawrence Tynes kicked a 31-yard field goal in overtime and the New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers, 20-17, in the NFC Championship.

The Patriots will face the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. It's a rematch of Super Bowl XLII in which the Giants derailed the Patriots' perfect regular season with stunning 17-14 win.

. . . because who wants to stop talking about this game, right?

JEROD MAYO
On making it to the Super Bowl for the first time:

"I got my first playoff win this year and I have my first AFC Championship win. Just seeing guys like Rodney [Harrison] and Drew [Bledsoe] come back -- guys like that -- and being able to continue on with the legacy of winning. Hopefully we can get one more. It's huge for me."

MATT LIGHT
On the Patriots' mindset offensively:

"Just staying on track. Not trying to reinvent the wheel, not trying to do anything more than we had to. I think we just go out there and play with confidence and do the things that we do. We always put ourselves in good positions and stay[ed] in rhythm. They threw a lot at us but we've got a lot of weapons that people have to defend and they got to respect and honor them, so as long as those guys go out there and make those plays, obviously it does the world for us, especially up front. Those guys getting open [and Tom Brady] finding them makes our lives a hell of a lot easier."

On Tom Brady's quarterback sneak for a touchdown in which he went over the top of the pile:

"We keep telling him to stop doing that stuff but he doesn't listen to us very well. Look, if he sees something like that he just goes for it. It was a heck of a play. We've been stuffed two times in a row and obviously needed that one to come through. We struggled in the red zone to a degree and it was just him making a play and he does that quite often."

DEION BRANCH
On going back to the Super Bowl:

"That's why I came back to this place. That's why I'm very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something like this. It's very special."

On Tom Brady saying he didn't play well:

"Tom's an upfront guy, straightforward. Trust me, everyone made a lot of mistakes on the field today except for our defense. Defense and special teams did a great job. As far as offense, we didn't put our best outing on the football field tonight and I promise you the next time we step on the field it won't be the same thing. I promise you that."

On Sterling Moore's game-saving breakup of a pass Lee Evans had in his hands in the end zone:

"I didn't see it. I turned my back on the last 10-15 plays. I couldn't watch it because I felt like all the work that we put in, I felt like it's the last thing we want to let it come down to, to put our defense in the position that we did. We've been working so hard all year long and for us, as an offensive member, for us to put our defense on the field and put their backs against the wall like that I felt bad. I couldn't even watch it."

BRANDON SPIKES
On making it to the Super Bowl:

"I dreamed of this game a few days ago and I had this experience. I thought the SEC Championship was big, but this is amazing. I just want to take it all in while I can and get ready for whoever we have to face in two weeks."

ROB GRONKOWSKI
On dedicating the season to Myra Kraft:

"We are playing the season for her and now we just won the AFC Championship. She was an amazing woman and it's great being part of the Patriots."

BRIAN WATERS
On making it to the first Super Bowl of his long career:

"I'm overjoyed. This is an unbelievable deal. This is probably the most excited I have been in a long time, since the birth of my children probably. God knows this has been unbelievable and I have been truly blessed. I appreciate my teammates and these guys welcomed me here and just gave me an opportunity to do something special."

BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS
On the Gillette Stadium crowd:

"It was good to get them going. It was loud in there at times, especially on those last couple drives. We need that 12th man. This was the last home game of the season, so I hope they blew out all their lungs and their vocal boxes and everything."

JAMES IHEDIGBO
On growing up in Massachusetts and following the Patriots:

"I thought I never would have the opportunity to be a part of it, I mean you grow up watching the Ty Law three interceptions against Indy in the AFC Championship game, you see Rodney Harrison making big plays in Super Bowls and you grow up seeing that and you never think you would have a day to be a part of it. Now this team is writing our own script in the history book and it's amazing to be a part of it and I am honored and privileged."

. . . because Baltimore has a lot to say even in defeat -- and today, most of it was gracious.

RAY LEWIS
On whether this was the toughest loss of his career:

?Absolutely not, been in this business way too long to be the toughest loss ever. Is it a tough loss? Absolutely. As a team, the way we came out and we fought, we fought, we fought and for the game to come down the way it was going to come down, we knew that because we?re built for 60 minutes. I take my hat off to my team because there?s so much else going on and the way we came in here and fought all year. Up and down, up and down. Injury here, injury there and the way we fought back to get back to this opportunity and then in the last seconds of the game, to come out and have an opportunity to tie that game up, to win the game, whatever it was, you can?t ask for anything else. God has never made a mistake, ever. Somebody is going to feel like this tomorrow. Somebody is going to feel like this in two weeks in the Super Bowl and whoever wins it, that?s their year and that?s a fact. It is nothing that nobody else can do about it and that?s the irony of sports. There?s a winner. There?s a loser and when you lose, you?ve got to suck it up like a man and say, ?You know what Father? If it?s your will, then so be it.? As a man, you?ve got to keep moving and as a team. We?ve got to keep moving, keep building, keep building and remember this taste no matter how many times you go through it because when you finally get it, you appreciate it more."

On almost celebrating when Lee Evans had the ball in his hands at the end of the game:

?If you weren?t celebrating, you weren?t a Raven fan. When you saw the catch ? once again, that?s the irony of sports. It?s a game of inches. That?s just the way it comes down. Trust me, I?ve been a part of a lot of those same games to where the inches didn?t go somebody else?s way. I mean you could take last week, the Houston Texans, inches away from beating us. But guess what? It didn?t happen and now, it?s the next step. San Francisco and the Giants, somebody else is going to go through the same thing. And that?s the thing, you learn from it and move on.?

MATT BIRK
On falling short of the Super Bowl:

?You?re right, the opportunities are rare. But we made a lot of the opportunities. We hung in there; everybody on the team and everybody on the coaching staff. Obviously, it didn?t go our way. I couldn?t be more proud to be part of this team and the character we show week in and week out.?

On being surprised to see Vince Wilfork playing on the edge:

?No. That?s what the Patriots do. They have multiple fronts and multiple personnel groupings. That?s part of their scheme. They change it up and try to confuse you. For the most part, we didn?t get confused. We fought. Those guys are good and we certainly give them credit for beating us today.?

RAY RICE
On their missed opportunities in the fourth quarter:

?We only live once. I have a life to live. These moments in the locker room come with the team. Like I said, I?m not the guy who points any fingers. They made plays, we made plays, they made more than we did and they?re going to the Super Bowl. Congratulations to the New England Patriots and their organization. I have tremendous respect for those guys. I?m going to do what I do every offseason; come back in shape and ready to play.?

DENNIS PITTA
On impressions of the Patriots defense:

?They?re a good defense. That?s why they are playing at this level. We knew, especially early on with their crows behind them that they would come out and play with a lot of emotion. We saw that early on. They got some stops early. We just had to be patient and the plays would come. We were able to move the ball throughout the game and we felt like we would be able to. We knew we would have to, of course, with the potent offense that the Patriots have. We felt good about things. We had a chance to win it but we didn?t get it done.?

LADARIUS WEBB
On whether they were able to rush Tom Brady to make bad throws:

?Tom Brady did what it took for him to win that game. Got to take your hat off to him they won.?

TERRELL SUGGS:
On if he thought they had it with Lee Evans? catch:

?I think we all did, but it kind of happened that way in the Pittsburgh game, but once I saw we had the three, I was feeling really good. Hey, that?s the way the game goes, that?s a good team that won the football game.?

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

Billy Cundiff's missed 32-yard field goal, which would have sent the game into overtime had he made it, will be discussed well beyond today. But here are a few thoughts by the Patriots on what they were thinking as he lined it up . . . and then in the aftermath.

Jerod Mayo: "It felt like child-like joy. It's all about child-like joy. Last night felt like the day before Christmas for me and I haven't had that feeling in a long time. At this level, the day before Christmas is like a regular day. But now I just feel like I got my present. We have one more game to go. We'll enjoy this one tonight and get back to work tomorrow."

Matt Light: "I had my eyes closed, man. I wasn't going to watch that one. That was a little too much stress for this guy, but it was unbelievable man. Things happen for a reason."

Devin McCourty: "We were going to block it. That's what I was thinking that we were going to block it and not go to overtime and win and go to the Super Bowl. The guys came off the ball had a great rush and that's the difference. You just want to keep the pressure on the kicker and it went wide left and next thing you know I'm sprinting down the field."

Aaron Hernandez: "I was watching. My heart was pumping because I knew I had a chance to make that play so we wouldn't have to give the ball back to them. It was crazy. I feel bad for Billy Cundiff because it's a tough kick with a lot of pressure but I'm glad we came away with a victory."

Brian Waters: "What an ending. I don't know what to say. Every inch counts in this game and every foot counts in this game. We were fortunate to come out on top."

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In the raw video above, Patriots players celebrated on the field following a dramatic 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that earned New England a trip to the Super Bowl.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- For an NFL rookie, Sterling Moore sure has seen a thing or two.

He was undrafted out of Southern Methodist University, made the Raiders' practice squad, got released from the Raiders' practice squad, was signed by the Patriots in October, started every snap against the Jets in November, then got released, signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster in December ...

... and now, he's a postseason hero in January.

Moore, who has seen significant time at cornerback lately with Devin McCourty often shifting to safety, made crucial plays back to back on the Ravens' final possession of the Patriots' 23-20 victory in the AFC Championship game.

With 27 seconds left and the Ravens facing second and 1 at the New England 14, Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco threw a strike to receiver Lee Evans in the right corner of the end zone. It appeared as though Evans had caught the go-ahead touchdown and had both feet down in the end zone. But at the last possible instant, Moore punched the ball from his grasp.

The call on the field? Incomplete pass. The Ravens could not challenge the ruling.

But Moore wasn't done. On the next play, Flacco targeted his man again, with Moore busting up the third-down pass intended for Dennis Pitta. It appeared as though he had a good handful of Pitta's jersey, but there was no flag.

When Billy Cundiff missed what would have been a tying field goal on the next play, Moore's performance had secured him a place in Patriots' lore.

"It wasn't in my mind to slap the ball out,'' he said afterward. "It was just a split-second decision and I'm glad it worked out. We do that drill every day in practice [stripping the ball], but it was the first time I had to use it in a game and I just took what I learned from practice into the game.''

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Moore has improved as the season has progressed.

"Sterling has done a good job for us here the last few weeks,'' Belichick said. "He made some plays. Not perfect out there, but he competes hard and he's a tough kid. He's got good ball skills. He gets around the ball."

Evans, familiar to Patriots fans from his years with the Bills, said he thought he made the catch on second down.

"I felt like I had it, but it came out," Evans said. "I mean, I don't really know how to put it into words. The most disappointing part of this is, I feel like I let everybody down. This is the greatest team that I have been on, and I feel like I let everybody down. ... It was a great pass by Joe, and it was a pass that was not completed by me. Nobody else can take the fall for that.''

Patriots safety James Ihedigbo had a good view of the play.

"Evans had the ball and Sterling had his back turned and just slapped it out,'' said Ihedigbo. "He then goes back to back and made another amazing play by deflecting the ball and forcing them to kick that field goal.''

And when it was wide left, the Patriots were headed to their fifth Super Bowl in 11 years. It will also be Moore's second in the past two years. How can that be for a rookie?

"I was in the stands last year,'' Moore said of the Packers' victory over the Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. "I sat way high up there and I was given a ticket of mine from a teammate at SMU, Ryan Walker. His dad had an extra ticket and gave it to me."

It went without saying that Moore's way to the Super Bowl this year was far more fulfilling.

The following is a transcript of Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff's interview with the media. Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds left that could have tied the game for the Ravens.

What happened with the kick?

Billy Cundiff: I think we can just keep things simple. It?s a kick I?ve kicked a thousand times in my career. I just went out there and didn?t convert. That?s the way things go. There?s really no excuse for it.

Was there any reason not to kick to the 50-yarder before?

BC: You have to look at it as a statistical decision and take the emotion out of it. If you look at my stats this year at 50-plus, I didn?t really give coach a lot of confidence that I?d make that play. Because he?s going to look at his sheet and say, ?What are the percentages and how are they going to work in our favor?? This year, I wasn?t as successful as I?d like to be in that range, so I probably made the decision for him pretty easy.

Any of your teammates come and say anything to you after?

BC: There was a lot of encouragement. I feel like this team is a team that ? when you first arrive, it?s a tough group to get into because obviously you have to earn respect. And to earn respect on this team, you play well. I felt like up to this point, I really have given these guys a lot of reason to believe in me and that things would come through. So, I think if anything, the disappointment is letting my teammates down. This is a team game. You know that Ray [Lewis] has poured his heart out, and he?s had a long career, and you don?t know how many years he has left, and to let him down is pretty tough.

When a game ends like that, do you take it personally?

BC: When you?re at this level, and if you?re going to be a professional and it?s your job, I think you have to take it personally. I get paid to make field goals. We?ll move on from this. It?s one of those things that will strengthen me in the end. Throughout my career, I?ve had challenging situations and I?m still standing here today, so it?s something that will be tough for a little while. But, I?ve got two kids; there are some lessons I need to teach them. First and foremost is to stand up and face the music and move on.

Have you been in this position before?

BC: I?ve never been in an AFC Championship game, but if you look throughout this game I think someone would tell me this is the first kick I?ve missed in the fourth quarter all year. It?s something I take a lot of pride in, regardless of what happens early in the game, I feel like my teammates can look at me and know they can trust me. So, it?s tough not to convert, but as you heard Joe [Flacco] say, someone?s got to lose this game and most football players would tell you, this is a team sport and you generally you don?t lose a game off of one play. There are a lot of things happening throughout the course of the game; you?ve just got to take it for what it is.

Did John Harbaugh say anything to you?

BC: I really respect this organization because of how they operate. Coach Harbaugh believes in me, he knows that I?ll make it, that?s exactly what he told me. He said ?You?ll be fine. You have broad shoulders. You?ll be able to move on from this.? For me, this means there will be a lot more fuel for the fire.

I imagine this is a situation you think about all of your life, how much pressure did you feel as you jog on the field with 15 seconds left?

BC: To be honest with you, I was just really focused on what was going on. I didn?t really think about any ramifications of the kick. Just like we had that turnover and we were up by one, and we needed the field goal to make sure they needed to score a touchdown instead of the field goal. You just don?t think about ?We need this kick.? Those aren?t thoughts coming to your head. For me, I just went out there, the timing seemed a little bit off, and I just didn?t convert. It?s just that simple. It?s a 32-yard field goal, something that, over the course of training camp and the regular season, I probably make a couple thousand of those.

Did you say anything to Ray Lewis or your teammates afterward?

BC: No, I haven?t. To be honest with you, I don?t think they want to hear an apology. They laid it all out there [and] I laid all out there; sometimes it?s just not good enough. When you play long enough, you?re going to have games where things just don?t go your way. And that?s the reason you play this game. You want to lay it all out there ? and you don?t get this kind of adrenaline rush sitting behind a desk ? with this kind of pressure. It?s what comes with the territory.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick gave credit where credit was due -- particularly to his defense -- when he addressed the media during his postgame press conference at Gillette Stadium following his team's dramatic 23-20 win over the Ravens in the AFC Championship game.

"That was obviously a draining game, but great to come out on top of it like we did," Belichick said. "As I said, all the credit has got to go to the players. Those guys fought for 60 minutes. It wasn't perfect, but they went out there and they played their hearts out and sometimes good things happen when do that. You've got to give a lot of credit to the Ravens. That's a good football team. It starts at the top with [owner] Steve Bisciotti and [GM] Ozzie Newsome and [coach] John Harbaugh. That team is well put together. They're tough, they're competitive, they're great -- that was a great game today. I just thought that our guys stepped up there in the end. Our red area defense was big. The fourth-down touchdown was a great play by Tom [Brady] to be able to recognize that he could make it over the top. Back and forth game, three turnovers. Usually not a good way to play these games, but fortunately we were able to overcome it and come out on top. It feels great. It feels great. We're thrilled and like I said, I think the players really deserve it. They worked extremely hard this year."

Belichick spoke about the biggest defensive play that helped seal the victory: Cornerback Sterling Moore's strip in the end zone on the Ravens' Lee Evans during the last drive of the game.

"Sterling has done a good job for us here the last few weeks, going back to the Buffalo game and then last week against Denver," Belichick said. "He made some plays. Not perfect out there, but he competes hard and he's a tough kid. He's got good ball skills. He gets around the ball."

More from Belichick's postgame presser:

Q: If I heard Tom correctly at the podium, he said he sucked. What do you think about that?

Belichick: I don't know. I think there were a lot of things in the game that could have been better; that's obvious. We could have played better on offense, could have played better on defense, could have played better in the kicking game, but we did enough things to win against a good football team. They made some mistakes out there, too. I think that's what happens when two teams get together: they make some plays, you make some plays and it comes down to one shot.

Q: With Moore giving up that early touchdown, were you at all worried about him mentally going forward?

Belichick: No. No, you can't play that position - you can't play any position in this league - if all it takes is one play, then you're in the wrong business. We all have bad plays. Coaches have bad plays, players have bad plays. You have to bounce back and play the next play and that's what the NFL is. We have a competitive team. Look, we've had a lot of things that haven't been perfect out there, but we have everybody that will stand in there and fight and give it their best all the way through and that's a good place to be and that's what I like about this team. They're tough, they're competitive and they really don't lose their confidence or get down on themselves; they just go out there and keep competing and see what happens.

Q: You looked like you were in disbelief when the final field goal went wide left.

Belichick: Well, I couldn't really tell from the angle. I was standing there about where he kicked it from and I couldn't really tell. I just heard the fans yelling so I wasn't sure. Look, you have to make plays under pressure in this league. That's not the first one.

Q: Did you cite Vince Wilfork in your speech on TV?

Belichick: I thought Vince had a lot of big plays today. It looked like there were a couple things in the interior part of our defense that could have been a little better; I mean, [Ray] Rice got through there a few times, but we hit the quarterback, we did a decent job in the running game, especially early. And then they punched a few through there in the second half, but I thought our guys up from did a good job. They do a good job running the ball and for the most part we didn't really have our safeties involved too much in the run for us. It was pretty much with the front seven, so those guys had to handle it themselves and I though there were competitive doing that.

Q: Did Vince Wilfork lead the way on that?

Belichick: I mean, he leads the way for us on defense - he and Jerod [Mayo]. Vince is obviously our most experienced player and he's been a great leader, great captain all year. His leadership has been tremendous - so has Jerod's. You can't say enough about Mayo. He does everything for us in terms of calling defenses, making adjustments, the running game, the passing game. He's the first guy in the building every day and the last one to leave, so those guys have been great all year. I can't say enough about both of them. And Devin [McCourty] in the secondary, now that he's a captain. He's done a great job for us. All six of those guys really - [Matthew] Slater, Brady, [Logan] Mankins - it's really an outstanding group and I think our overall preparation over the last couple weeks and their leadership and their confidence has carried over to the rest of the team. They've set the pace and the rest of the guys have fallen in step. It's been awesome - certainly a lot better than some other years I can think of.

Q: Can you talk a little about how well the offensive line played today?

Belichick: Yeah, those guys have done a great job all year - Matt [Light] and Nate [Solder] outside and of course Brian [Waters] and Dan [Connolly] and Logan inside. We got some help from our tight ends at times doing some chipping and Tom got the ball out quick. Our receivers got open, so the ball came out fairly quickly. We didn't have to hold it too many times. A couple times Tom was able to hang on to it back there. Those guys have been great all year. Dante [Scarnecchia] played with four different centers. We've had a lot of moving parts in there, but no matter who's stepped in there, they've played well, they've played hard and really given us pretty good protection. I thought they did a good job in the run blocking today. That was a big touchdown that Benny [Green-Ellis] had from the 7- or 8-yard line. That was a big play for us. Were able to run it down there to the 1 with Woody [Danny Woodhead]. The Ravens are an excellent red area defense, obviously; we had trouble getting it in. But they're good against everybody - as good as anybody in the league. Being able to run the ball down there and get it either into the end zone or into position to score on a quarterback sneak, that was huge for us.

Q: Do you feel for Billy Cundiff missing that kick?

Belichick: All you can do is go out there and compete and do the best you can. That's the way it is. That's competition. That's the National Football League. We had some to kick. They had some to kick.

Q: Can you talk a little about the energy that Brandon Spikes brings to the team and to the defense?

Belichick: Yeah, Brandon brings a lot, he really does. He brings a lot. He's got a good style of play. He's a tough player, he's a hard hitter and he's made some big plays for us. He definitely brings and energy level when he's out there, whether it be in practice or in the games. And certainly when he makes plays, a lot of the time they're impact plays, whether they're hard tackles or turnovers or forced fumbles, interceptions and those kinds of things. He's got a nose for the ball and really, he's a surprisingly good pass defender. He's got a real instinctiveness that a lot of linebackers don't have, especially guys that are good run players. But he kind of has a good sense for where the quarterback is looking and he's long and he's tall and he's got long arms and he's able to get to some balls that a lot of those guys can't get to.

Q: Have you been building towards showing more mental toughness? You've obviously fought back from some adversity.

Belichick: We've been trying to do that for 11 years. That started when we got here. Over the course of the years and guys - like some of the guys that were there today: [Tedy] Bruschi and [Ty] Law and Rodney Harrison, [Mike] Vrabel, you can go right down the line with guys that were showing a lot of mental toughness. It wasn't always about them. They always fought, they gave you their best and they hung in there no matter what the circumstances were. That's what mental toughness is bout and that's something that we've tried to bring here since I got here in 2000 and that's something that's always going to be important to us. Some years it's better than others, but it's always a high priority for us. We try to get that all the time.

Q: You and Tom are the first QB-coach combo to go to five Super Bowls together.

Belichick: Anything that's associated with winning, I'm proud of. I mean, I'm proud - there's no quarterback I'd rather have than Tom Brady. He's the best. He does so much for us in so many ways on so many different levels. I'm really fortunate that he's our quarterback and for what he's able to do for this team. It's good to win with him and all the rest of our players. If that's more than somebody else did, I don't really care about that, but it's nice to be able to win with him and the rest of our team. Like I said at the beginning, I think the players deserve it; they've worked really had this year. We've had a lot of different challenges and those guys have stepped up there and tried to meet them every week. It hasn't been perfect, but they've never backed down. They didn't back down from Pittsburgh on the road. They didn't back down when we've been down by 17 or 21 points in the game, all that stuff. Same thing today; they were driving, but we hung in there and were able to hold them to a field goal situation. [Rob] Gronkowski goes out and somebody else goes in there and we drive the ball down the field and get into scoring position. Like I said, I think that's a real credit to the players and I'm really happy for them that they're going to get to play in this next game.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

It was the kind of play that made Patriots fans collectively hold their breath. And not in a good way, like, say, a late 32-yard missed field goal by the opposing kicker.

Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots' enormously talented and just plain enormous second-year tight end, came up limping after hauling in a 23-yard pass with 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Replays showed Gronkowski's ankle twisted at a grotesque angle, and as he limped to the locker room, the Patriots had to wonder whether the essential tight end had made his final catch of the season.

The name of the tackler was familiar, also not in a good way. It was Bernard Pollard.

Yes, the same Bernard Pollard whose hit blew out Tom Brady's knee in the opener of the 2008 season. The same Bernard Pollard who was in the vicinity when Wes Welker's knee gave out on him in the 2009 regular-season finale in Houston. Bad things happen to Patriots when he's around.

But it appears as though this isn't the worst-case scenario with Gronkowski. While he wouldn't talk about his injury after the game -- "I'm all done talking,'' he said matter-of-factly when asked about his injury, "I've been talking all day" -- his left ankle appeared slightly swollen but not alarmingly so.

And perhaps most importantly, he did return to the game in the fourth quarter, drawing some of the biggest roars of the day from the Gillette Stadium crowd.

Before the questions came about his status, Gronkowski did do an interview for NESN and spoke briefly to reporters about what it means to him to be playing in the Super Bowl in his second season in the league.

"Emotions are flying high," he said. "It's unbelievable. It's my second year in the league, playing with a great team, and you have to enjoy the moment. It doesn't even feel right, especially playing with the veterans here. I watched them go to the Super Bowl as I was growing up, and now I'm a part of it? It is an unreal moment and you can't take it for granted."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Ravens found themselves defending quarterback Joe Flacco all week after Ed Reed criticized the quarterback leading to Sunday's AFC Championship Game. After losing Sunday, 23-20, they were singing his praises.

Flacco passed for 306 yards and two touchdowns, outplaying his vaunted Patriots counterpart Tom Brady.

Fullback Vonta Leach said "Joe Flacco played his [tail] off for us." Tackle Michael Oher said he was a "great quarterback." And defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said Flacco "did a great job today."

However, the team was torn over Billy Cundiff's missed 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game. Cundiff pushed the field goal wide left on what some considered a chip shot to tie the game.

"I don't know. My opinion is you have to do the best you can to get in the end zone," Flacco said. "First of all, a field goal only sends it into overtime and you never know what's going to happen at that point. So when you get a good opportunity like we did, we drove the ball down far enough for us to put us in position to get a touchdown. When we put ourselves down there, we have to put it on us to get a touchdown there. We've got to put the game to an end and give those guys the ball back with 30 seconds or 15 seconds to score."

Said tight end Dennis Pitta of Cundiff's missed field goal, "That is football and those things happen. It is unfortunate and we are going to move on and work hard this offseason to get better."

John Harbaugh, the Ravens coach, was sympathetic with his kicker.

"I just told him that it's going to be OK," Harbaugh said. "You know, we'll move on. He is a great kicker. You know, and everyone has a tough moment. All of us do, so Billy will be fine."

Ravens linebacker and team leader Ray Lewis told reporters what he would say to Cundiff.

"As a man, I said it earlier, not one play won or lost this game," Lewis said. "Could you have put us in a position to keep playing, absolutely. But one play didn't win or lose the game. There is no one man who has ever lost a game. Don't you ever drop your head. We win as a team, we lose as a team. There is no 'Billy is the fault, Bill missed the kick.' It happens, move on, move on, as a man, because life doesn't stop."

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

By practically any measure, Vince Wilfork has had an excellent NFL career. In his eight seasons, he's made four Pro Bowls, been named second-team All-Pro four times, and won a Super Bowl as a rookie with the 2004 Patriots.

But it's hard to remember any single game in which the defensive tackle was as dominant as he was tonight.

Wilfork had six tackles (three solo), a sack, three tackles for a loss in the Patriots' 23-20 victory over the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. But the numbers don't do his performance justice, especially this one: one quarterback hit.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco might dispute that one.

Wilfork's two biggest plays came back to back on the Ravens' second-to-last possession. With the Ravens trailing, 23-20, and facing third and 3 at the Patriots 30, Wilfork plowed through the Ravens' line and hauled down running back Ray Rice for a 3-yard loss.

On fourth and 6, the Ravens went for it, with Flacco in the shotgun following a Baltimore timeout. But nearly as soon as the snap reached his hands, Wilfork was bearing down on him, and his pass intended for Dennis Pitta fell to the turf. It was a pivotal sequence, and one that symbolized Wilfork's performance all afternoon.

Wilfork said playing with extraordinary intensity was something he and his teammates had discussed.

"[The key to the victory was] playing physical,'' Wilfork said. "We knew the Ravens coming in, they were going to play physical. We knew that. We had to match their intensity and I think we did a great job of that tonight. Our main thing was coming out and not giving up any big plays and playing for 60 minutes. We did that."

The Patriots did give up a couple of big plays in the passing game -- Anquan Boldin (six catches, 101 yards) had a 37-yard reception, and Torrey Smith had a 42-yarder that would have been a sure touchdown had Flacco made a better throw. But Wilfork and the Patriots did a fine job with their No. 1 defensive priority -- containing multi-threat running back Ray Rice (67 rushing yards, one reception for 11 yards).

"We're hungry and we're very passionate about what we do and we get it,'' said Wilfork, who also buried Ricky Williams for a 5-yard loss. "That's the good thing about this team. The team never gives up. I don't care what the score may look like, this team never gives up. And that is a characteristic of a championship team."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- What play could be bigger than Billy Cundiff's missed field goal with 15 seconds left in the game? Perhaps Sterling Moore's strip of Ravens receiver Lee Evans in the end zone two plays prior? Or Vince Wilfork's fourth down pressure on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco? There were so many.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

Tom Brady is on his way to his fifth Super Bowl after the Patriots beat the Ravens, 23-20, today. And despite not having his best game (22 of 36 passing for 239 yards and two interceptions), the Patriots managed to win against a tough Ravens team that missed a 32-yard field goal attempt that would have tied it after nearly scoring a go-ahead touchdown two plays earlier.

"Well I sucked pretty bad today but our defense saved us," Brady said. "I'm gonna go out and try and do a better job in a couple of weeks."

Brady expanded on his comments in the postgame press conference.

"As a quarterback, you never want to turn the ball over," Brady said. "You want to hit the open guy, you want to capitalize when you have the open receivers. I wish I would've done a better job with that today. In some ways you always beat yourself up. I've been doing this for quite awhile. I'm glad we won, I'm glad we're moving on and hopefully I can go out there and do better in a few weeks."

Cornerback Sterling Moore saved the game with a strip of Ravens receiver Lee Evans in the end zone before Baltimore kicker Billy Cundiff pushed a 32-yard field goal wide left with 15 seconds left.

"It was a great play by Sterling," Brady said. "You know these games come down to one or two plays and our defense really made some huge plays there, some very critical plays. It went down to the end. It was a helluva game."

Vince Wilfork, the last remnant on the defense from of the Super Bowl championship team in 2004, played a huge role in today's game as well. He came up with two big plays in the fourth quarter, stuffing Ray Rice for a loss and pressuring Ravens QB Joe Flacco. He also recorded a sack and another tackle for a loss.

"Gotta give credit to the players," coach Bill Belichick said. "Just like all year, it wasn't perfect but we fought hard."

Brady reflected for a moment on going to his fifth Super Bowl in 10 years.

"It's incredible. I mean you watch this game as a kid growing up," Brady said. "I was a 49ers fan so I got to watch a lot of Super Bowls. You know you pinch yourself to get this opportunity. I'm privileged to be apart of an incredible organization, to play with a great group of teammates. It really is a privilege to play quarterback for this team."

Rooting for San Francisco?

"I don't care who we play. I really don't."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Lee Evans was stripped of a 14-yard touchdown pass by the Patriots Sterling Moore with 22 seconds left and Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff pushed a 32-yard field goal attempt wide left two plays later as the Patriots held on to beat the Ravens, 23-20, and advance to Super Bowl XLVI.

1:44 4th quarter: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 -- The Ravens held the Patriots to three-and-out, forcing a punt with less than two minutes remaining.

2:46 4th quarter: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 -- Vince Wilfork came up with two big plays for the Patriots. On third down, he stuffed Ravens RB Ray Rice for a 3-yard loss. On fourth-and-6, he pressured Ravens QB Joe Flacco into throwing the ball away. Patriots take over on downs at the Ravens' 33.

6:10 4th quarter: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 -- Tom Brady took a shot down field and paid for it. His pass was intended for Matthew Slater and was tipped by the Ravens' Bernard Pollard before being intercepted by Jimmy Smith in the end zone. Smith returned it 39 yards.

7:22 4th quarter: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 -- Brandon Spikes picked off Ravens QB Joe Flacco. It was the Ravens' first turnover of the game. The Patriots have the ball now with 50 yards of field in front of them.

11:29 4th quarter: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 -- Tom Brady jumped over both lines for a 1-yard touchdown after his previous 1-yard run off tackle for a TD -- right off Matt Light's side -- was overturnede. It was fourth-and-goal on the 1-yard line for the Patriots, who regained the lead with the score.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to the game on the play prior to the touchdown.

End of the 3rd quarter: Ravens 20, Patriots 16 -- Rob Gronkowski was hurt on a 23-yard pass from Tom Brady. He was taken down awkwardly by Ravens safety Bernard Pollard. After the play, he was walked to the locker room.

Pollard, if you recall, also injured Tom Brady's knee when he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 and also was involved in the play when Wes Welker injured his knee in the season finale a year later against the Houston Texans.

0:50 3rd quarter: Ravens 20, Patriots 16 -- James Ihedigbo sacked Ravens QB Joe Flacco and the Patriots held Baltimore to a field goal after giving them a short field on Danny Woodhead's fumble.

Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff kicked a 39-yard field goal.

3:09 3rd quarter: Ravens 17, Patriots 16 -- After Torrey Smith's 29-yard touchdown, the Patriots' Danny Woodhead fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff after a 32-yard return. It was recovered by Emanuel Cook for the Ravens.

3:38 3rd quarter: Ravens 17, Patriots 16 -- Joe Flacco hit Torrey Smith on a 5-yard hitch and the Ravens receiver turned it up field, broke a tackle from Patriots CB Sterling Moore, and raced away for a 29-yard touchdown down the sideline. Smith fought off Patriots corner Devin McCourty as he dove into the end zone. The play was reviewed and upheld.

9:06 3rd quarter: Patriots 16, Ravens 10 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked his third field goal as the Patriots extended their lead to 6 points. Gostkowski's kick, a 24-yarder, capped a 14-play drive that opened the second half.

Key plays on the drive were a 12-yard pass from Tom Brady to Aaron Hernandez -- who got in a couple of more rushes at running back -- and a 21-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski.

15:00 3rd quarter: Patriots 13, Ravens 10 -- Third quarter is underway with the Patriots receiving.

End of 2nd quarter: Patriots 13, Ravens 10 -- After one half of play, the Patriots are in a tug-of-war with the Ravens.

Tom Brady is currently 14 of 24 passing for 146 yards and an interception.

The big thing for the Patriots so far has been their running game and their defense. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has carried the ball eight times for 50 yards and a touchdown. Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork has been wreaking havoc on the Ravens offense, recording a sack, a tackle for a loss, and has pressured Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco on numerous occasions.

The Ravens haven't been gun shy in this game, going deep on three occasions to Torrey Smith. Flacco did complete one of those bombs to Smith for 42 yards. It led to a field goal. Flacco is currently 11 of 16 for 162 yards and a touchdown, connecting with tight end Dennis Pitta for a 6-yard score.

0:58 2nd quarter: Patriots 13, Ravens 10 -- Patriots CB Kyle Arrington has an eye injury and his return is questionable.

3:00 2nd quarter: Patriots 13, Ravens 10 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked his second field goal, this one a 35-yarder, to cap a 10-play drive.

The drive was a quick 3:03 with the Patriots still working in a hurry-up offense, something they've done all game. But the Ravens are doing their best to slow the Patriots, holding down receivers on the ground for as long as they can so they can get back in position.

6:03 2nd quarter: Patriots 10, Ravens 10 -- Joe Flacco connected with tight end Dennis Pitta for a 6-yard touchdown.

Patriots LB Brandon Spikes appeared to get into a tiff with Ravens FB Vonta Leach on the prior play. There were no flags on the play, but following the confusion Flacco came out and fired the touchdown strike to Pitta. It capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive that spanned 4:32.

10:35 2nd quarter: Patriots 10, Ravens 3 -- BenJarvus Green-Ellis found a hole up the gut and ran for a 7-yard touchdown to cap a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Green-Ellis carried the ball five times on the drive.

14:21 2nd quarter: Patriots 3, Ravens 3 -- Billy Cundiff kicked a 20-yard field goal to tie the game. The field goal topped an eight-play, 67-yard drive. The big play on the drive was Joe Flacco's 42-yard pass to Torrey Smith, who was wide open on the play.

End of 1st quarter: Patriots 3, Ravens 0 -- The first quarter comes to a close with the Ravens in the red zone. Joe Flacco completed a 42-yard pass to Torrey Smith. The Ravens are trying to capitalize on Tom Brady's interception.

3:46 1st quarter: Patriots 3, Ravens 0 -- The Ravens' Lardarius Webb intercepted Tom Brady on a pass to Julian Edelman.

4:30 1st quarter: Patriots 3, Ravens 0 -- Two big plays by Vince Wilfork on the last drive. Wilfork disrupted a run to Ricky Williams in the backfield for a 5-yard loss. He got a hand on Flacco for a sack on third down, forcing another Ravens punt.

5:49 1st quarter: Patriots 3, Ravens 0 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 29-yard field goal as the Patriots put the first points on the board of the AFC Championship. The field goal capped a 13-play, 50-yard drive that spanned 5:20.

Brady missed a wide-open Rob Gronkowski near the goal line -- a rare misfire for Brady -- and was sacked by Baltimore's Paul Kruger on the drive.

Julian Edelman got a rushing attempt on the drive.
\
11:09 1st quarter: Patriots 0, Ravens 0 -- Patriots defensive lineman Mark Anderson sacked Ravens QB Joe Flacco for a seven-yard loss on third down, forcing a punt. Anderson was helped on the play by fellow lineman Vince Wilfork, who put pressure on Flacco in the pocket.

12:49 1st quarter: Patriots 0, Ravens 0 -- The Patriots held the Ravens to a three-and-out on their first possession only to follow up with a three-and-out of their own. Ravens safety Ed Reed broke up a Tom Brady pass intended for Deion Branch on third down.

15:00 1st quarter: Patriots 0, Ravens 0 -- It's 29 degrees out, partly cloudy and winds are moving at 6 miles per hour. Great day for football.

The game is about to get underway and we'll have all the game updates right here through the final whistle -- and then some.

Among the other things Boston.com has going on for today's game, you can visit our virtual tail gate where we have a fan chat, tweets from our writers at the game and analysis from the Globe's Greg A. Bedard.

Enjoy the game.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH - They were who we thought they were.

One way or the other, that?s what we?ll all be saying about 7 tonight after the Ravens and Patriots determine which team will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Either Tom Brady and his fast-moving, twin-tight end powered offense will prove too much for a Ravens defense in its last throes of greatness with linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed. And Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco won?t be consistent enough to keep up.

Or the best defense in the matchup holds Brady down long enough, as it has done at times, and the Patriots? defense shows the fatal cracks that we all saw at times against every non-left-handed quarterback it faced this season in a Patriots loss.

It?s really either or at this point.

Aside from a few new wrinkles sprinkled in ? we?re looking at you, Nate Solder, to catch a possible Patriots victory celebration touchdown ? there won?t be many surprises.

After 17 games, just about every scheme and playcall has been captured on film and dissected.

It?s going to come down to which teams executes the best, and wins the turnover battle.

It?s basically that simple.

The keys to the Patriots winning this game are these:

1. Protect Brady: If the Patriots? quarterback doesn?t feel hurried, he?s going to win. Period. The Ravens are going to do everything in their power to speed Brady up with straight blitzes, son blitzes, and players winning one-on-one battles up front. , The Ravens will try to put doubt in his Brady?s mind with disguises and different coverages. It?s the same scheme as the Jets. Expect the Patriots to chip OLB Terrell Suggs a lot. I would also expect the Patriots to double DT Haloti Ngata at times. One pressure to look for: if I?m the Ravens, I have Ngata cross the face of LG Logan Mankins toward the center and then run a blitzer in that vacated gap. Mankins, for whatever reason, has trouble with stunts. Running a stunt at Brian Waters is a waste. He is terrific at having his head on a swivel.
2. Don?t give up the big play: If I?m Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, I?m taking a deep shot early off of playaction on the first offensive snap to WR Torrey Smith. The Patriots will be keying on Ray Rice. Use that to your advantage. But overall for the game, the Ravens are a vertical passing game. It?s pretty old school, out of the Don Coryell model. This is a game for Devin McCourty at safety. I think he could excel and pick off a pass over the top. It will be very important that he doesn?t have false steps on playaction and get beat over the top. I think he?ll be fine.
3. Treat Rice like Marshall Faulk: We all know what the plan was in the 2001 Super Bowl against the Rams ? hit RB Faulk on every snap. Same thing with Rice. They?ll be chipping him on the edge, and in passing situations, the Patriots will have a spy.
4. Run the ball: The Patriots are going to win this game through the air, and the Ravens are going to take a page out of the Jets? playbook and play a ton of nickel and dime. The Patriots have to run against those fronts if the Ravens are giving it to them. Running also allows you to run the hurry-up. Danny Woodhead was terrific against the Ravens last year ? running, catching and pass protection. I would use Woodhead a lot to take the wind out of the Ravens? older and bigger players.
5. Protect the ball and execute: The team that wins the turnover battle will win this game. Period. And execution is simple, but that is another huge factor. Execute your blocks. Catch the ball. Tackle.

THE PICK

I think this will be close for a while. Brady always takes a while to get going against this type of scheme. But he?ll get it at some point ? which is why if the Ravens were smart, they?d have one defensive scheme for the first half, another for the second ? and will be tough to stop. This game will come down to who has a better touchdown percentage in the red zone. Patriots have been terrific at that most of the season, so has the Ravens? defense. For Baltimore to have a chance, Joe Flacco has to be around 70 or 80 percent for TDs in the redzone. I don?t think that will happen. Plus, the Patriots have Myra Kraft looking down on them.

Patriots 27, Ravens 20

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

The Patriots have announced their inactive players for today's game and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who returned this morning from Florida after attending his father's funeral Saturday, is among the seven players who will not play today.

He is a healthy scratch.

Also a healthy scratch is running back Stevan Ridley, who fumbled twice in the last two games, starting in Week 17 over veteran back BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Also inactive is OL Sebastian Vollmer, OL Donald Thomas, LB Gary Guyton, RB Shane Vereen and QB Ryan Mallett.

Inactive for the Ravens today is WR Tandon Doss, CB Chykie Brown, RB Anthony Allen, LB Josh Bynes, OL Justin Boren, NT Brandon McKinney and LB Sergio Kindle.

The view of Gillette Stadium from the press box. There are partly cloudy skies in Foxborough with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Good afternoon from Gillette Stadium as the Patriots get ready to host the Baltimore Ravens for a shot at Super Bowl XLVI.

The Patriots come into their eighth AFC Championship after trouncing the Denver Broncos 45-10. They're 6-1 all-time in AFC Championships, 3-0 at home and 2-0 at Gillette Stadium.

The Ravens come into today's game after beating the Houston Texans 20-13 in the AFC divisional playoff round.

In the Tom Brady era, the Patriots have led the series against the Ravens 4-1 with all four wins coming in regular season games. In the 2009 playoffs, the Patriots fell 33-14 to the Ravens without the aid of Wes Welker, who had suffered a knee injury prior to the playoffs. Since then, the Patriots have re-stocked the team's talent on offense, bringing back Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch, drafting tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and trading for receiver Chad Ochocinco.

This year, the Patriots featured the No. 2 offense in the NFL. They face a Ravens team that features the No. 3 defense in the league with highly touted veterans like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata. The two teams have a clash of styles, with the more physical Ravens matching up well with the more finesse Patriots. The Ravens are 7-0 against playoff teams this season. The Patriots are 2-2 against playoff teams this year (both wins coming against the Broncos).

Kickoff: 3 p.m.

Records: Patriots 14-3 (AFC East champions, No. 1 seed); Ravens 14-3 (AFC North champions, No. 2 seed).

TV/Radio info: WBZ-TV Ch. 4 (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms); 98.5-FM The Sports Hub (Gil Santos, Gino Cappelletti, Scott Zolak); Westwood One Radio Sports (Dave Sims, James Lofton, Tony Boselli).

Projected lineups:
Based on information distributed to the media, injuries and the immediate past game's lineups for each team.

Patriots offense: WR Wes Welker, LT Matt Light, LG Logan Mankins, C Dan Connolly, RG Brian Waters, RT Nate Solder, TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Deion Branch, QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, TE Aaron Hernandez.

Patriots defense: LDE Vince Wilfork, DT Brandon Deaderick, DT Kyle Love, RDE Mark Anderson, LB Ron Ninkovich, LB Jerod Mayo, LB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, CB Kyle Arrington, S James Ihedigbo, S Patrick Chung.

Ravens offense: WR Torrey Smith, WR Anquan Boldin, LT Bryant McKinnie, LG Ben Grubbs, C Matt Birk, RG Marshal Yanda, RT Michael Oher, TE Ed Dickson, QB Joe Flacco, FB Vonta Leach, RB Ray Rice.

Ravens defense: DT Haloti Ngata, NT Terrence Cody, DE Cory Redding, LB Terrell Suggs, LB Jameel McClain, LB Ray Lewis, LB Jarret Johnson, CB Lardarius Webb, SS Bernard Pollard, FS Ed Reed, CB Cary Williams.

Inactives

Patriots: QB Ryan Mallett, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Shane Vereen, LB Gary Guyton, OL Donald Thomas, OL Sebastian Vollmer and WR Chad Ochocinco.

Ravens: WR Tandon Doss, CB Chykie Brown, RB Anthony Allen, LB Josh Bynes, OL Justin Boren, NT Brandon McKinney, LB Sergio Kindle.

Bill O'Brien, the Patriots' offensive coordinator and new Penn State head football coach, issued the following statement today through the Patriots' media relations staff regarding the passing of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno:

"It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man, husband, father and someone who is more than just a coach, Joe Paterno. First, on behalf of Penn State Football, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss. We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and, in particular, to those who wore the Penn State colors, our Nittany Lion football players and alumni. Today they lost a great man, coach, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies. The Penn State Football program is one of college football's iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor. Our families, our football program, our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss, and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno's immeasurable contributions."

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

In an effort to get a little bit more inside the game, Alen Dumonjic, an x's and o's football junkie who blogs for The Score, will give us his insight on the intricacies of the game. Look for his analysis before each game, heading into the postseason as well.

BREAKING DOWN THE RAVENS' OFFENSE

Ravens offense is one that is not very confusing, yet dangerous, because of the play calling and scheme. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron often uses 11 (1 back, 1 tight end) , 12 (1 back, 2 tight ends), and 21 (2 backs, 1 tight end) personnel packages.

They are made up of running back Ray Rice, who is one of the league?s best, Vonta Leach, arguably the league?s best fullback, and athletic tight end Ed Dickson, who has emerged as quality receiver. Despite this, the offense is vanilla in its packages as it does not create mismatches through formation sets, rather settling for their wide receivers to win their matchups one on one -- something the Ravens pass catchers struggle to do.

Baltimore?s pass catchers lack short area quickness and explosiveness to consistently separate from defensive backs in man coverage. One of the few players that has the ability to separate is Torrey Smith, a rookie wide receiver from Maryland who has great speed. He has mainly been used as a vertical threat by running Post and Go routes, both of which often come off of play action.

When Baltimore is not working off of play action, they are utilizing various concepts that create high and low reads for quarterback Joe Flacco. A Hi-Lo concept, as it?s often called, puts two pass catchers in one area who are running similar routes at different depths.

Play action has been significant for the Ravens this season because of their quality running game, which ranks tenth in the league in rushing per game and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry the last three games per Teamrankings.com.

Moreover, Baltimore?s running game consists of multiple run concepts, including inside and outside zone as well as power and lead. Inside and outside zone have been used more this season than in years past because of the addition of Leach, who came out of Houston Texans? zone heavy scheme.

(Image from of smartfootball.com)

BREAKING DOWN THE RAVENS' DEFENSE

While the offense continues its inconsistent performances year in and year out, the defense plays at a high level every Sunday.

As it?s usually said with the defense, it all starts up front where the Ravens have a lot of talent. They are led by defensive end - outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, who is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and forces a plethora of fumbles to go along with sacks. Suggs is often aligned in a stand up or hand-down five technique (outside shoulder of offensive tackle) while there are other defensive linemen that align in various techniques.

Nose tackle Terrance Cody is one of the other defensive linemen and he?s often a 2-gap (responsible for each gap to his side) defender at the 0 (head up on center) or 1 (outside shoulder of center) technique.

The other defender along the front seven that the Ravens have is highly acclaimed defensive end Haloti Ngata, who plays several techniques and can do anything that?s asked of him. Ngata has overpowering strength and rare quickness for his size, two traits that have caused problems for many blockers including the Patriots linemen.

Baltimore?s trio of talented defenders help make up a very multiple defense, one that uses several fronts and blitzes as well as coverages.

In the front seven, Baltimore will use reduced 3 man fronts that feature double 3 techniques (outside shoulder of guard) and a head up nose tackle. This front is one of many, such as an under-shifted (strong side guard uncovered), over-shifted (weak side guard uncovered) and Okie (offensive tackles and center covered up).

These fronts are made up of various techniques that allow the Ravens to utilize stunts and twists with their pass rushers -- something they often do. Along with these stunts and twists, they turn to their Fire Zone blitz package, which is made up of any five pass rushers and six pass defenders, which often make up three plays underneath and three deep, or four underneath and two deep zone defenders.

Furthermore, the Ravens mix in various coverage concepts, such as Cover 1 and Cover 3. These concepts have a single-high safety roaming the middle of the field, which is frequently the rangy Ed Reed. Reed?s great instincts and range allow him to cover a lot of ground and create turnovers by getting over the top of deep passes.

When the defense is not in single-high safety concepts, they will turn to the very popular Cover 2 Man, which is also known as Man Under. This concept has 2 deep safeties that play over the top of the cornerbacks and linebacker who are in man coverage.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Joe Flacco under pressure - Flacco has pretty good pocket presence but is still a bit limited as an athlete. Pressure up the middle of the pocket forces him to make quick decisions which can result in turnovers.
• Haloti Ngata vs. Patriots Interior OL - Ngata has had success against the Patriots interior offensive line in the past, tearing through for big tackles for loss. He?s exceptional with his hands and has great strength. Look for him to possibly do damage when the Ravens stunt him inside.
• Ravens coverage vs. Patriots passing game - Baltimore gives a lot of blitz looks and rotations in the secondary, but there are times when they will drop eight defenders in coverage and look to bracket -- double cover -- all the pass catchers. This is something they?ve done in the past against the Patriots, forcing quarterback Tom Brady to hold the ball longer which could result in a sack for the Ravens.
• Patriots run defense vs. Ravens run game - This will be the biggest key for the Patriots. They must stop Ray Rice and force Joe Flacco to beat them with his arm, which plays in their favor. The Patriots could look to drop an extra defender in the box and use one-high concepts (perhaps Cover 1) to stop the run.
• Ravens press-man vs. Patriots pass catchers - At times last week against the Texans, the Ravens played press-man coverage with their defensive backs aligned on the line of scrimmage, and it is something that we could see again this week in an effort to disrupt the Patriots.

* * *
For more on the Patriots defense, read Alen's blog post at The Score. Follow Alen on Twitter at @Dumonjic_Alen.

We're holding another Virtual Tailgate Party today for the Patriots-Ravens AFC Championship game, and we hope you'll join us.

We'll kick things off around 2 p.m., about an hour before the game starts. Here's what we've got:

• Look for analysis and commentary from the Globe's Greg Bedard from Gillette Stadium.


• Join our fan chat, where the Obnoxious Boston Fan blogger will discuss the game with you and post polls.


• Try your hand at our trivia questions, posted throughout the game, for a chance to win $25 gift cards to the Patriots Pro Shop.


• Watch our Pulse meter to gauge how fans like yourself are feeling about the Patriots.


• And look for video features and live-action photos.

Meanwhile, don't forget to get in on our Football Squares pool - we're awarding hundreds of Boston.com pens and a Grand Prize of a five-day ski trip for four to Quebec. Woo-hoo! Read the directions on how to play here.

See you later ...

Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco is currently in Florida to attend the funeral of his father, who died on Monday.

Ochocinco tweeted on Monday morning that his father had died; he did not have a close relationship with his father, who was in prison for nearly all of his childhood. Ochocinco said in September that he kept him at arm's length.

He is expected to be back in Foxborough, possibly tonight, though certainly in time for the game.

The news of Ochocinco leaving the team was originally reported by CSNNE.com.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

All right, a little over day until the big game. Let's get the inside information on the Ravens from Aaron Wilson, beat writer for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital. He also covers the NFL for FOX Sports/Scout.com:

1. OK, let's cut to it: do you have any faith that Joe Flacco can play the kind of game needed to beat the Patriots and why or why not?

Wilson: Actually, I've witnessed some growth from Joe Flacco this season as a quarterback overall even though his statistics don't always reflect that general improvement. He's making better decisions. He's being granted more freedom to audible. Despite his 5-3 record in the playoffs, though, Flacco has passed for fewer than 200 passing yards in seven of those eight playoff games with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. I think he’s capable of managing the game if the score is close and avoiding turnovers. And he’s also able to rally the Ravens a bit, as he did against the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. Can he win a true shootout with Tom Brady where he would need to throw four or five touchdowns to win the game? Probably not. And that’s specifically what the Ravens are hoping to avoid on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

2. Who is the one Ravens player most Patriots fans don't know right now, but will by the end of the game on Sunday?

Wilson: Lardarius Webb is the Ravens’ top starting cornerback and intercepted five passes during the regular season and two last week to tie a franchise postseason record. Webb will shift inside in nickel situations and line up across from Wes Welker in the slot. Webb is a good athlete who tackles well in the open field. He should be able to hold up well in that matchup.

3. What would you say is the one thing about the Ravens offense that teams have trouble with?

Wilson: Hands down, it’s Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice. Rice is a dynamic, all-purpose threat who gained 2,068 yards from scrimmage to lead the league. About the only one who ever stopped him consistently was offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who tends to abandon the run very quickly whenever Baltimore falls behind. That was a common thread in the Ravens’ four losses, all on the road.

4. Where do you think the Patriots will try to exploit the Ravens' offense?

Wilson: The right side of tackle Michael Oher and guard Marshal Yanda are coming off their worst games of the season, respectively. Houston Texans rookie defensive end J.J. Watt and rookie outside linebacker Brooks Reed had a lot of success running stunts against Oher and Yanda during an AFC divisional playoff game last Sunday in Baltimore. They combined for 20 tackles and five sacks.

5. What would you say is the one thing about the Ravens defense that teams have trouble with?

Wilson: Terrell Suggs has thrived against weaker tackles, recording three sacks apiece against Colts rookie Anthony Castonzo, Steelers lineman Jonathan Scott and 49ers right tackle Anthony Davis.

6. Where do you think the Patriots will try to exploit the Ravens' defense?

Wilson: They’ll want to attack safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. Specifically, they’ll try to get Reed in situations where he has to tackle. Reed has a painful nerve impingement in his neck that has plagued him for years and a bad shoulder. As for Pollard, he’s a classic enforcer type who does his best work in the box. He can be exposed in pass coverage, especially by athletic tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

7. Finally, the perfect script for a Ravens win on Sunday is...

Wilson: No turnovers, holding Tom Brady to three touchdowns or less, having Ray Rice rush for 100 yards and two scores, not allowing a kick return for a touchdown as they have three times previously this season and getting a clean, efficient game from Joe Flacco to the tune of a couple touchdown passes and no interceptions could equal a win. Of course, that would require a perfect performance. And that’s unlikely to unfold against a formidable team like the Patriots coached by Bill Belichick. My prediction for this game: New England 24, Baltimore 20.

* * *

Thanks to Aaron for his time and insight. Make sure you check out his work for the paper, and on Twitter at @RavensInsider.

The NFL fined Patriots safety Patrick Chung and Broncos linebacker Von Miller $7,500 each for actions during last week's divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

Both were fined for unnecessary roughness.

Via a league spokesman, Chung's fine came when "specifically, on a run play he struck an opponent late."

In the third quarter, Chung was flagged on a second-and-4 run by Willis McGahee.

For Miller, his penalty came when "specifically, on a special teams play, he struck an opponent late."

That was in the fourth quarter, when the rookie shoved Dan Connolly at the tail end of Tom Brady's punt.

In this edition of Inside the Playbook, Greg Bedard and former Patriot Tim Fox look at how important it is to stop the Ravens Ray Rice.

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots listed 17 players on the practice report today, with 14 questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship game and three down as probable. Quarterback Tom Brady, who missed Wednesday's practice with what the team called a left shoulder injury, practiced Friday and yesterday, and was taken off the injury report.

The three players listed as probable include cornerback Kyle Arrington (foot), center Dan Connolly (groin), and receiver Matthew Slater (shoulder). The 14 Patriots who have been limited in practice all week and are questionable include receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Wes Welker (knee); offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), Nate Solder (concussion), and Sebastian Vollmer (foot/back); defensive backs Patrick Chung (knee) and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen); tight end Aaron Hernandez (concussion); and defensive lineman Kyle Love (ankle).

Conversely, the Ravens have had only one player on their practice report all week -- safety Ed Reed, who is limited because of an ankle injury. He participated fully today, and is probable for Sunday.

In this episode of Inside the Playbook, Greg Bedard and former Patriot Tim Fox look at how the Ravens defense will try and confuse Tom Brady.

Here's the play from NFL.com.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

Jets coach Rex Ryan just concluded a fairly revealing interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa a few minutes ago, and Ryan was asked about the AFC Championship game.

Of course, Ryan was the Ravens' defensive coordinator before becoming head coach of the Jets. Current Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano was Ryan's secondary coach.

Here are Ryan's comments:

Ryan: “This is what I believe will happen. First off, the Ravens are going to win this game. The only way you beat New England...

Francesa: "You think they’re going to win?"

Ryan: “Everybody here, I can tell you this, there isn’t one Giants fan that wants me to say the Giants are going to win this game.

Francesa: "Give me the truth."

Ryan: "But the truth is this. The only way you’re going to beat New England is if you have a great defense. And when you look at the teams that won – obviously Buffalo was the one exception – in three years I’m talking about, the Giants had a great game defensively, they were able to get pressure on the quarterback, make plays in the back end. The Ravens had beaten New England before with a dominant defense. We beat New England three times but we did it creatively … a different type of defense, [Tom Brady] wasn’t comfortable. There are only a few teams … Pittsburgh, was more physical than New England. That’s why they won. So the Ravens, in my opinion, are going to take a similar approach to how the Giants played them. Meaning, they’re going to rush four guys on them, I truly think they’re going to rush four. I think Terrell Suggs might be the difference in this game. I don’t know how many guys can block Terrell Suggs. I’ve got the answer: none of them. So I think Suggs is going to be huge but they’ve got to be physical. And the Ravens’ offense does have to show up. They have to protect the football."

Francesa: "Will they be able to run on the Patriots?"

Ryan: "I think they can move the ball on the Pats, I don’t think there’s any doubt. I think they can move. And, let’s face it, I’m cheering for the Ravens."

Francesa: "So you think the Ravens have a good chance in this game?"

Ryan: "I think they do."

FOXBOROUGH -- We'll hopefully update this later today, but Patriots owner Robert Kraft met with the media for 30 minutes inside Gillette Stadium today, discussing a wide range of topics, including the Patriots' game next season in London, meeting Tom Brady for the first time, and how important this year's team and their success has been to him after his wife, Myra, died in July.

"This has been my savior, they've been my extended family," Kraft said, when asked about a season that has seen his team advance to the AFC Championship game for the eighth time in franchise history (seventh with Kraft as owner) on Sunday, but without his sweetheart, as he refers to Myra Kraft, by his side. The team has dedicated the season to her.

Kraft explained how proud he is of the Patriots' success, especially in the playoffs, since he assumed ownership of the team in 1994. He recalled being a longtime Patriots season ticket holder, witnessing just one home playoff game in 34 years, a 1978 loss to Houston. Sunday's game will be the 15th home playoff game since Kraft became owner.

He was asked assorted questions about Brady and coach Bill Belichick, and said that when he decided to hire Belichick in January 2000, he had network television heads call him and say it would be a bad idea. Three Super Bowl titles under a coach that Kraft said would go down as the greatest in NFL history have followed the decision to hire Belichick.

Kraft also said he's excited about having the Patriots play in London for a second time, next season against the St. Louis Rams. Although Kraft said the league approached the Patriots about a long-term commitment of games there (St. Louis will play in each of the next three seasons), he said they weren't willing to give up a home game. But he praised the support that the team has received from fans in the UK -- "We are the New ENGLAND Patriots," he quipped -- and said he would expect a good number of fans from the United States make the trip across the pond.

When asked about Brady, Kraft said he still remembers the first time he met the quarterback, who was then a rookie sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan.

Brady was set to introduce himself when Kraft beat him to the punch, and said, "Hi Tom, I know who you are." To which Brady replied, according to Kraft: "I'm the best decision this franchise has ever made."

Kraft announced that former quarterback Drew Bledsoe will be the fourth and final honorary captain as the franchise recognizes the 15th anniversary of the 1996 team that lost to the Packers in the Super Bowl. He also said that the organization wants impending free agent receiver Wes Welker to return and that he thinks Welker wants to return, and that Steven Tyler will sing the national anthem before Sunday's game.

FOXBOROUGH -- All of the Patriots regulars were spotted at practice inside Gillette Stadium today, with Vince Wilfork running out and joining his mates just as the portion of practice accessible to the media was ending. The only player not on the field at practice was Dorin Dickerson, a practice squad receiver.

There was a sign it's sensitive playoff preparation, however. A large crew was working inside the stadium, clearing the overnight snow. When the Patriots were stretching and getting loose before practice, a voice that seemed to be from the crew's leader could be heard coming from the stands, reminding those working: "Keep your heads down. You can't watch."

We'll see if the same 18 Patriots who have been on the practice/injury report the past two days are on it again, and we'll update when we get the Ravens' injury report.

Our final edition of Playoffs Today for this week features Christopher L. Gasper's three keys to a Patriots victory on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game vs. the Ravens.

His three topics are:
1.) Stop Ravens RB Ray Rice
2.) Third-down conversions for Patriots offense
3.) Pressuring Ravens QB Joe Flacco

Watch the video to hear his explanation of each point.

By Matt Pepin, Globe Staff

The NFL has confirmed that the Patriots will play the Rams next season in London in the first of three games the Rams will host in England over the next three years.

“The response to NFL games in the UK among our British fans has been exceptional,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “We are confident that having the Rams host one game in the UK in each of the next three seasons will allow us to better serve the growing popularity of our sport beyond the borders of the United States.”

The Patriots will face the Rams Oct. 28 at Wembley Stadium at 1 p.m., televised on CBS. The Patriots also played in London in 2009, when they faced the Buccaneers.

“We are honored to be selected for this year’s game and eager to return,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in an NFL press release. “We had such a great experience during our last visit to London. We are proud to have great support from our fans when we are on the road. The United Kingdom is home to some of our most passionate Patriots fans, including the UKPatriots, who are among our most active fan clubs overall, not just overseas. We look forward to another memorable experience.”

The 2012 game will be the sixth the NFL has held in London. The international program began in 2007 with the Giants vs. Dolphins. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only team to appear twice in a London game, in 2009 and 2011.

Videographer Bill Greene set out yesterday to explore the practice of Gronking, in which fans imitate the signature move of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski -- a ferocious spike.

The practice started when it was encouraged by hosts on the Sports Hub radio station as a local response to the Tebowing phenomenon that swept the country as Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow gained fame for his gridiron heroics.

Greene's video was shot at a number of locations, and even includes a Baltimore TV reporter, who proclaimed, "he's not going to have much of a chance to do this on Sunday."

Want to get your Gronk on and win prizes? There's a Gronking contest this afternoon at an AFC Championship Game party at the CBS Scene restaurant in Foxborough. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m., and among the prizes are tickets for the game.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a Rams home game against an AFC foe will be played in London next season, and it's likely to be the home date against the Patriots.

League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Thursday night that the team will play an AFC foe — believed to be the New England Patriots — during the 2012 regular season in London.

London, of course, is the home of Rams owner Stan Kroenke’s Arsenal soccer team of the English Premier League.

The only other AFC team the Rams are due to host next season are the Jets.

The Patriots played the Buccaneers in London during the 2009 season and won 35-7.

Do the Ravens or Patriots have the advantage in the AFC Championship game? CineSport's Brian Clark turns to the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and the Baltimore Sun's Chris Korman to discuss the game.

(Barry Chin/Globe Staff)

Gillette Stadium is all gussied up and ready for Sunday's AFC Championship game between the Patriots and Ravens.

Workers painted the logos on the field today.

A couple other notes for you:

• An AFC Championship party at CBS Scene in Foxborough will feature a "Give us your best Gronk" football spiking contest. Prizes -- game tickets, autographed memorabilia and Patriots gear -- will be given in men's, women's and children's categories. Event runs from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Modell's Sporting Goods will give free hand and toe warmers to any fan who shows an AFC Championship game ticket at one of its stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut or New Hampshire. The promotion was a response to the Patriots handing out 20,000 sets of hand warmers for last week's game vs. Denver. Sunday's high temperature, according to The Weather Channel, will be 34.

FOXBOROUGH -- As promised, quarterback Tom Brady was back on the practice field today for the Patriots, who again had 18 players listed on the injury report.

Brady, the only Patriot to miss on Wednesday, participated fully today. He's been nursing a left shoulder injury since taking a hard hit against Miami on Dec. 24.

Cornerback Kyle Arrington (foot), center Dan Connolly (groin), and receiver Matthew Slater (shoulder) all participated fully today, despite having injuries listed. The 14 Patriots who were limited: receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Wes Welker (knee); offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), Nate Solder (concussion), and Sebastian Vollmer (foot/back); defensive backs Patrick Chung (knee) and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen); tight end Aaron Hernandez (concussion); and defensive lineman Kyle Love (ankle).

The Ravens only had one player on their practice report today -- safety Ed Reed, who was limited with an ankle injury. Reed was also limited in Wednesday's practice, but participated in a teleconference today with New England media. It's a safe bet he'll be ready to go on Sunday.

Former linebacker Tedy Bruschi will serve as an honorary Patriots captain in Sunday's AFC Championship game, joining Troy Brown and Ty Law. The Patriots will have four players from the 1996 team that lost in the Super Bowl as honorary captains against the Ravens.

Bruschi was on a conference call this afternoon discussing his memories of the 1996 and 2001 teams, as well as the current Patriots.

"I think it means I'm getting older," Bruschi chuckled when asked what being selected as an honorary captain means to him. "1996 was a long time ago, but it's great for me to be able to go back. I only played for one team my entire career, and I'm very proud to say that it was the New England Patriots. To be named honorary captain in their biggest game of the season, I'm flattered."

Asked about the contrast with the Patriots now - that the team that was once know for having a strong defense now boasts one of the premier offenses in the league - Bruschi pointed to Tom Brady.

"From the 2001 team to now, you've seen that offense evolve, you've seen that team evolve to where early on, defense and special teams were carrying a quarterback that was developing, and now it's the other way around: the quarterback is fully developed, and he is who he has become, one of the best that many have ever seen. Offensively, I think that every player in that huddle looks to Tom and the words that come out of his mouth, they believe it will work, no matter what he says, no matter what play he calls, and I think they all know that if you get open, you'll get the ball."

On his memories of the Tuck Rule game:

"Sometimes it's amazing what you can take from how a game goes and turn it into something special, not just one championship but a run that still hasn't ended. That game was the beginning," he said. "I remember after that play waiting in the snow for Walt Coleman to come out and give us his ruling talking to (Raiders receiver) Tim Brown on the field...I was talking to Tim Brown and I said, 'Tim, I think that's the tuck rule.' And we had a little discussion about that and I brought up the moment, I think it was earlier that season, with (Rams' quarterback) Kurt Warner we might have lost a strip sack/fumble [by the tuck rule].

"That's one of the games that will never be forgotten and every time an anniversary like this comes around you'll talk about it, but the one overwhelming thought I had during those kicks, I think people forget about, is we had (quarterbacks coach) Dick Rehbein pass away early in that season and I thought about him a bunch that game, that maybe someone upstairs was looking out for us."

Does he feel that way this year in light of Myra Kraft's passing in July?

"Definitely I do. I was watching the Giants game with my wife and sons at home, and as the Giants are winning the game (against Green Bay) and you know what the potential is there, I looked at my wife and said, 'I don't know if I can deal with this for two weeks, reliving '07, having to talk about it here at ESPN' but the more I thought about it, I said, 'that's the way I think it should be.' I think that's the way Myra would have wanted it.

"I thought about Mrs. Kraft a bunch this year, she was so special to me, and that's my prediction this week: that it will be a Patriots-New York Giants rematch in the Super Bowl."

Bruschi played his entire career with the Patriots, and was a rookie on the '96 team that lost to the Packers in Super Bowl XXXI. He won Super Bowl titles with the Patriots in 2001, 2003, and 2004.

The fourth honorary captain will be announced tomorrow.

In the latest episode of Playoffs Today, Tom Brady returns to practice and Patriots coach Bill Belichick gives praise to Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith, a possible matchup problem.

As he promised in his press conference earlier today, Tom Brady is present at today's Patriots' practice.

With Brady returning to the field, that means all 53 players are present and accounted for, according to colleague Michael Whitmer.

The players are in shells and sweats.

FOXBOROUGH -- Offensive lineman Logan Mankins returned from a knee injury last week against the Broncos, and played in 39 of the Patriots' 66 offensive plays. He knows this week's opponent in the AFC Championship game, the Ravens, bring their own set of challenges. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed might get the most attention, but Mankins singled out outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.

"He's a freak of an athlete," Mankins said today. "He can do things that other guys can't do, and that makes him dangerous."

Confidence would seem to be high after Saturday's 45-10 dismantling of Denver, but Mankins -- who will appear in his third AFC Championship game on Sunday -- knows what it'll take to get to his second Super Bowl.

"It's the biggest game of the year, the second biggest game you can get to," Mankins said. "If we want to win, we'll have to do everything well."

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady, who missed Wednesday's practice with what the Patriots termed a sore left shoulder, said that he'll be on the field for today's practice.

"I'll be out there today," Brady said. "You don't have to worry about that."

Brady was the only player to miss Wednesday's practice, but seemed to downplay its significance when asked about the absence.

"It's not the first practice I've missed," Brady said. "I just missed practice. I'm just trying to find ways to get myself prepared to play. We're facing a great team, certainly the best team we've faced all year, so I think everyone needs to be at full strength."

Brady was quick to mention that despite his not being on the practice field Wednesday, he was preparing in other ways. He met with the media Wednesday morning, and was seen in the locker room before practice.

"There's things that you do. There’s film sessions, meetings with coaches, walkthroughs, and things like that where you can take a lot of mental reps also," he said. "You still use all that time wisely. You just don’t lounge around and take a nap. You just put in extra work and make sure that you’re getting prepared.

"Ultimately, you have to go out there and practice and execute at full speed so you know how things look. If you’re not able to do that that particular day, then you do other things – mental reps, they call them."

The Globe's Greg A. Bedard and the Baltimore Sun's Kevin Van Valkenburg co-hosted a special AFC Championship game chat session. Check the discussion in the window below.

Ty Law is the second player to be announced as an honorary captain for Sunday's AFC Championship against the Ravens. Law joins Troy Brown, who was announced on Monday. Four players from the 1996 Patriots team that lost in the Super Bowl will serve as honorary captains. The third and fourth players from the '96 team will be announced tomorrow and Friday.

Law spent 15 seasons in the NFL, the first 10 with the Patriots, and had 36 of his 53 career interceptions for New England. He also played for the Jets, Chiefs, and Broncos.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper takes a closer look at the quarterback controversy brewing in Baltimore and how Tom Brady and the Patriots go about their business in Foxborough.

Brady also shares his thoughts on the vaunted Ravens defense and Vince Wilfork talks about what a tough quarterback Joe Flacco has been over the years.

Here's a contrast for you: the Patriots have listed 18 players on their first injury report of the week, while the Ravens have listed just one.

PATRIOTS
Did not practice
QB Tom Brady - left shoulder

Limited participation
WR Deion Branch - knee
OT Marcus Cannon - ankle
S Patrick Chung - knee
LB Dane Fletcher - thumb
TE Aaron Hernandez - concussion
S James Ihedigbo - shoulder
DL Kyle Love - ankle
G Logan Mankins - knee
LB Rob Ninkovich - hip
OT Nate Solder - concussion
LB Brandon Spikes - knee
OT Sebastian Vollmer - back/foot
WR Wes Welker - knee
LB Tracy Waters - abdomen

Full participation
CB Kyle Arrington - foot
C Dan Connolly - groin
WR Matthew Slater - shoulder

RAVENS
Limited participation
S Ed Reed - ankle

Terrell Suggs said he would trade Tom Brady some 'Ball So Hard' gear for some Ugg boots.

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Terrell Suggs and Tom Brady have something of a beef dating to 2009, but Brady went on WEEI and said he'd consider sending Suggs a pair of Ugg boots as a truce.

Suggs, for his part, said he's matured since then, and offered to send Brady some apparel in return with his new Jay-Z and Kanye West inspired motto "Ball So Hard" plastered across it.

"It ain’t no beef," said Suggs. "I guess the genesis of that was the incident in ’09 where I almost hit him below the waist. But I’ve gotten over it. That’s where it all started, but you grow and mature. Y’all can clearly see I’m not the same guy as I was in 2009. I’m definitely 20 pounds lighter.

As for the Uggs, which Brady endorses, Suggs said, "I heard they’re really comfortable. Maybe he’ll send me some. Tell him I’ll take a pair. I’ll send him some ‘Ball So Hard’ wear."

For what it's worth, Suggs reiterated what he said earlier in the week, that Brady would go down as one of the top three quarterbacks in NFL history.

"When it’s all said and done, they’re going to speak on three quarterbacks," Suggs said. "Johnny U, Peyton, and him."

Ravens leader Ray Lewis said safety Ed Reed's critical comments about quarterback Joe Flacco were "not an issue"

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ed Reed voiced his critical opinion of Joe Flacco's performance last Sunday against the Texans, and Ravens leader Ray Lewis today voiced the general opinion of the locker room, which was that Reed's comments were a non-issue.

With the Ravens set to face the Patriots for the AFC Championship in four days, Lewis did everything to ensure that comments Reed made on a Sirius satellite radio show that Flacco looked rattled in the Ravens' 20-13 win wouldn't take on a life of their own.

Despite constant criticism, Ray Lewis calls Joe Flacco a winner.

"It’s not an issue," linebacker Ray Lewis said. "I haven’t heard what he said, but it’s not an issue. The only issue we have as a team is going up and trying to get a win in Foxborough. Anything else that anyone else wants to bring up is irrelevant at this time and every single person in our locker room is thinking the same way."

Flacco threw two touchdown passes in the win, capitalizing on two early turnovers, but after the first quarter the Ravens offense largely stalled. That said, this is the fourth time Flacco's been to the playoffs in his four-year career and this will be the second time he's gone to the AFC Championship. He's the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to take his team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons. He is the Ravens' franchise leader in completions (1,190), attempts (1,958), yards (13,816), touchdowns (80), and passer rating (86.0).

"I'm more shocked just of how people can speak about someone who's just a flat out winner," Lewis said. "There's no one side to anything. There's no one player that makes no team great. It takes a team effort. And for what Joe's came in here and done for us, I told people from Day 1, when I first saw that kid throw the football, I said that kid is special. And you watch all of these guys who went in the top picks, No. 1 picks that's not even in football anymore. But you're talking about a guy that's been in this league and has been in the playoffs all four years and has given his team an opportunity to win games.

Flacco threw 20 touchdowns and 12 picks this season in an up and down season.

"Joe doesn't play defense. So when we gave up touchdowns on defense, that wasn't Joe's fault. When people beat us on defense or schemed up something against us, that wasn't Joe's fault. The time that Pittsburgh scrambled and made a big play against us, that wasn't Joe's fault. So a lot of things that people try to put on the quarterback, I understand that, but it ain't about our quarterback. It's about the Baltimore Ravens and we're a complete team. We go into games, we win as a team, we lose as a team."

The Patriots are currently on the field for their first practice of the week as they prepare for Sunday's AFC title game against Baltimore.

Colleague Michael Whitmer says all but one player was present during the media access window, with Tom Brady as the lone absentee.

Brady did chat with reporters this morning, so it is likely a scheduled day of rest for the quarterback, as he's gotten in recent weeks.

Patriots players are in shells and sweats on the lower practice field; it is cold and windy on the field.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots quarterback Tom Brady isn't going to bite on any past on-field talk or locker room chatter coming from the Baltimore Ravens this week.

He's playing the respect card all the way.

"I have a lot of respect for them [Ravens] and their ability to play and perform under pressure," Brady said from a jam-packed media workroom at Gillette Stadium today. "They've been in the playoffs the last four years. They've won playoff games in the last four years. They're a tough team and what goes on off the field and the comments that guys make really has no bearing or impact on this game nor will it. A lot of my focus and attention is on what I need to do to be at my best this week for my teammates. Hopefully we go out there and play our best game."

Brady was asked specifically about facing defensive playmakers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

"They're great players. I've played against both those guys quite a few times and you always enjoy going up against the best," Brady said. "You can really measure where you're at and you can't take plays off against those guys, you can't take things for granted when you're out there against them. You have to see where they’re at on every play because they’re guys who change the game. Not only the games that we play them, but every single game that they’re in they’re making plays. Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs, the way those guys perform as well, they’ve got an exceptional defense. Jarrett Johnson, the corners Carey Wilson and Lardarius Webb, are very good players. They have a rookie who is playing out there in substituted defenses. They have a great defense. I think what makes them great is not only the playmakers but all 11 guys play together. It’s really been a strength of that team for as long as I’ve been around, and it continues to be. As long as Ray [Lewis] and Ed [Reed] and Terrell Suggs are there it’s going to be a strength."

Brady also spoke about being back in a position to advance to the Super Bowl.

"I've been very fortunate to be… I think this is my sixth AFC Championship game," Brady said. "I've been in a great place where a bunch of teammates have really committed themselves to each other to make it to this point. We've put a lot of work in, there's been a lot of practices and meetings and so forth. To get to this point is very challenging. Every team is talented. Every team has the same rules and there's 32 teams that start the year with the hopes of being in this position. The team that's going to win this weekend is the team that plays the best.

"There is nothing that anyone will say or do before Sunday at 3:00 that's going to have an influence on the game other than the way you prepare and the way you're rested, and the commitment to practice that we bring to the table. The game can't get here fast enough. There is a lot of anxiousness kind of leading up to the game. You think about the game. It's the only thing really on your mind. Hopefully we can go out there and do a great job. I'm looking forward to it."

More from Brady's presser today:

Q: You try to treat this like a normal football game, but you have all of this media, is it important for you to translate to the team that this is still just a 60-minute football game?

Brady: I think Coach Belichick does a great job of getting the team ready and understanding that this is a football game, something we’ve been doing here for the last six months. A big part of what we’ve done all year is really avoid the distractions and the things that come along with the hype and the buildup of certain games, whether it’s a Sunday Night Football Game or Monday Night Football game or last week’s [playoff] game. We’ve certainly been in a lot of big games this year, so once the ball is kicked off we’ll be prepared to play as we always are. I think a big point for this team is to make sure we’re doing the things that we need to do over the course of the week so that we can be at our best when it matters the most.

Q: Can you reflect on the year that Nate Solder has had as a rookie playing both sides of the line?

Brady: We’ve asked Nate to do quite a bit. He’s played both tackle spots. He’s also played some tight end for us. For a rookie to come in and to be able to add that type of value to a team and to really perform the way he has really speaks to his character, his ability to prepare, how tough he is, how smart he is, all those things that make up a damn good football player. I’m glad we have him. Anytime a quarterback has two tackles like Matt Light and Nate and add Sebastian [Vollmer] and Marcus Cannon into that, that’s a lot of comfort I have dropping into the pocket.

Q: It’s a weird postseason without Peyton Manning in it. Can you talk about how what you went through with your injury in 2008 really added to your drive and made you realize your football mortality? And do you expect the same from Peyton?

Brady: He’s a great friend of mine. I’m certainly hoping for the best. The NFL is a better place with a guy like Peyton Manning in it. I think we all appreciate the ability to go out there and play every week. Certainly nothing you take for granted because you never know -- this could be your last day. To have the opportunity to play in a game like we’re playing in this week and prepare for a game like this is something that is exciting for all the players involved. When you don’t have that opportunity...You sit at home and you watch and listen to every news station and sports station talking about the game. It’s great for us to be playing in it

Q: What have been the challenges of all the injuries on the offensive line and how the line has developed over the season?

Brady: There’s been some moving parts with injuries. Every team has injuries and part of the depth of your team and the ability to sustain a good record over 16 games is a lot of guys filling in when the starters can’t necessarily play. We lost [Dan] Koppen in the first game of the year. We’ve had four centers. All the tackles have played. We have guards that have played fullback. We’ve had tackles that play tight end. Really whatever anybody has been asked to do this year really to help the team win, guys have put the work in and listened to the coaching and tried to do those things. That’s what it takes, that’s what it takes to get to this point – a lot of guys being unselfish and doing their job and doing it the best they can.

Q: When you’re approaching the line of scrimmage do you have to add another level for Ed Reed? Is it possible to trick him or is he so good that you have to take account of where he is at all times?

Brady: You don’t fool Ed too often. Every once in a while you see him out of place but it’s very, very rare. When you break the huddle, you find where he’s at and you make sure you’re not lobbing the ball up in his zones, because as you saw in the Houston game, he’s going to go up there and make the plays. He’s just an exceptional player. I don’t think there is a weakness that he has. Coach Belichick has a meeting with the all the quarterbacks and you talk about strengths and weak points of a player, and a guy like Ed and Ray Lewis, there’s no real weak points. You just have to be careful with the ball around them and understand that this is a team that really can get turnovers and they’ve gotten turnovers against us when they’ve played us. I’m sure that will be a huge difference in the game.

Q: Do you feel you’re at your prime or that the best is yet to come? What’s the hunger level of this team after the playoff losses the past two years?

Brady: I try to be the best I can be every week. I learn something from every game that I play. You try to get better. You try to work at it in practice. You try to get better in your film study and your preparation. You try to be the best leader that you can be for this team. That’s where my focus is at. I don’t think long-term too often, especially in weeks like this. The team hunger? It’s lunch time. They’re probably hungry right now. The cafeteria is probably… There’s a whole slew of offensive lineman who are beating down the sandwich station in there.

Q: Can you talk a bit about Matt Light and the contributions he has made to the offensive line over the years with his longevity and stability?

Brady: Matt in his 11th season. He has been a staple for this team in a lot of huge wins. He is a very dependable, consistent, tough, disciplined player. I think he has a ton of real strong points. That left tackle position is so important to the passing game to protect the backside of the quarterback and there’s nobody I’d rather have back there than Matt. There was some uncertainly whether he was going to be able to come back this season. Thankfully we signed him and he’s back in his regular position. There’s nobody I’d rather have back there.

Q: In addition to preparing for this game, you’re also a father and a family man. How do you balance that this week and through the playoffs?

Brady: That’s part of the transition that comes as you gain experience, as your family expands, and it’s important to have people at home who [can take] care of the kids. It gives me a lot of comfort knowing that I can show up to work and be 100 percent committed here. When I was younger, I didn’t have to worry about those things, babysitters and stuff like that. But it’s part of growing up, part of life. It’s been a great part of my life. Hopefully we keep winning games. That makes it easier to go home. It’s a much better quality of life for everybody in my household when we win.

Q: What about the first time you played in the AFC Championship game?

Brady: It was quite a bit different actually, because this press conference was on a Friday in Pittsburgh and I flew there with Lawyer Milloy after practice, which was a great memory of mine. Lawyer and I really had a chance to bond with each other and are still great friends to this day and a lot of it stems from that trip. So that was a great memory from that experience.

By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH --- Vince Wilfork said there was no secret as to what made Ravens running back Ray Rice such a special player.

"He's tough to bring down,'' Wilfork said today at Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots began preparations for Sunday's AFC Championship showdown.

That much was evident when Rice went for an 83-yard touchdown on the first play of scrimmage of the Ravens' 33-14 romp over the Patriots in their last playoff meeting at Gillette Stadium Jan. 10, 2010.

"He probably has a lower body that's a lot like my lower body -- big thighs and very strong,'' Wilfork said. "He's a hard runner and has a low center of gravity and can catch well and can block. You put those three things in a running back, you've got a complete running back and he's been doing it ever since he's been in the league.

"He's a tough, tough guy to bring down,'' Wilfork said. "To be that small, you wouldn't expect him to be that tough of a runner, but I'll tell you what, he's probably one of the toughest guys to bring down in this league because he always keeps those wheels spinning. He always comes up with big plays, too, whether it's in the pass game or the running game.

"When you have a running back like that, you can do anything with him and I think the Ravens are doing a good job of using him,'' Wilfork said. "It's first on our list, we want to slow him down if we're going to be successful.''

Here were some other items Wilfork addressed:

On Ravens QB Joe Flacco:"When he can throw the ball in a clean pocket [is when he's at his best]. He has great poise in the pocket. He will stand in there and deliver a good football if he has the time. At times you see that and at times you don't see that. He's a tough quarterback. Just look at some of the hits he's taken. He'll bounce right back up. You got to tip your hat to him.

"He's at his best when he can get everybody involved if he can, have a clear lane to throw down, and even without a good lane, he's just one of those quarterbacks who's going to take his time because he's going to be very poised. He's going to deliver the football, even if he's going to get hit. He's not scared. You can't ask for anything better."

On playing with former University of Miami teammate Ed Reed:He's a playmaker. He's always been that way, even at the University of Miami. I was young, but I didn't really undertstand how great he was. I knew he was good, but I didn't see it until I got to the NFL and saw him make the same exact plays. He's just one hell of a player, on and off the field. He knew how to go into a film room, break down film, probably as good as a coach.

"I had a chance to witness it first-hand. One of the plays that always sticks out in my mind was when we came up here to play BC [in 2001] and BC was actually leading the game and Matt Walters intercepted a ball and Reed just took it from him. He claims [Walters] gave it to him, but he just took it and ran it back. Earlier that year, at Florida State, he had a blocked punt with a separated shoulder, so he's going to give it his all. He's just a smart, tough football player, physically and mentally. I'm just glad he's not an offensive player, but I'm pretty sure he could be on that side also, because his ball skills are amazing."

On his own ball skills, and penchant for making interceptions, which Patriots coach Bill Belichick described as 'legendary':"I think having the ball in your hands as a lineman is a dream come true. Too bad it wasn't a touchdown. It's been a fun year, a real fun year. It's been exciting to come to work and have fun and just watch this team grow. This team is a special team, a special group. It's easy to come to work and have fun when you watch guys work hard each day. It's been a blessing.''

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By Michael Vega, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- With so much being made about how the tight end position has transformed the National Football League, especially those tight ends who came late to the game after having played basketball collegiately (a la San Diego's Antonio Gates and New Orleans' Jimmy Graham), Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was asked today if he had any experience playing basketball.

"Yeah, I've hooped it up in high school and intramurals in college,'' said the 6-foot-6-inch, 265-pound Gronkowski, who had a career day last Saturday night's 45-10 demolition of the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round with his 10 receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns, which tied the NFL record for most TD receptions in a postseason game.

Dave Casper of the Oakland Raiders had 3 TD catches vs. Baltimore Dec. 24, 1977.

Despite his limited experience on the basketball court, Gronkowski believes it has served him well on the gridiron and will continue to do so when the Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday's AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium.

"I feel like [basketball experience] brings something important to the game,'' Gronkowski said, as he stood surrounded by media in the Patriots locker room today. "If you've got to get open against a guy smaller than you, you box them out. You kind of get big. You get the ball thrown right to your chest and you box out the defender so you can make the catch.

"I believe jump balls, too, you're going up in the air and grabbing the ball and everything, so, yeah, I'd say [playing] basketball definitely helped out. That's why you see other great tight ends who played basketball in college and everything doing what they're doing because I feel like it translates right into the game of football.''

FOXBOROUGH -- In front of the largest media gathering of the season -- it's obviously AFC Championship Week -- Bill Belichick and a handful of Patriots answered questions today pertaining to the Ravens, the buildup for such a big game, and if the Patriots can carry over any momentun from Saturday's 45-10 rout of the Broncos.

As you'd expect, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were a popular topic. They certainly have a lot of admirers in the New England locker room.

"He covers more field back there as a single safety than most teams can cover with two," Belichick said of Reed. "He's got great instincts, tremendous player, and then Ray Lewis, everything that he brings to the game, his playmaking ability, his leadership, his experience, his ability to get people around him to play better, his anticipation, his football savvy ... those two guys are ... it's really hard to put anybody in that class, let alone ahead of them. I can't say I've coached against anybody better than Ed Reed in the secondary."

Tight end Aaron Hernandez, who left Saturday's game with an announced head injuiry after a fourth-quarter rushing attempt, said he feels fine, and looked and sounded like he wasn't suffering any effects. "I'm ready to play," Hernandez said.

Belichick, when asked about Hernandez's injury and possible availability to practice today, gave his standard answer: "We'll see how everybody is today going out there. I think everybody today is better than they were yesterday, and yesterday better than they were on Monday. Guys that are banged up are working hard and getting treatment to get back out there."

Joe Flacco threw two touchdowns last week, but safety Ed Reed said said the Ravens QB looked "rattled."

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Last week, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco addressed the outside scrutiny he's faced all season, but today he'll have to deal with comments made by his own teammate.

Safety Ed Reed was critical of Flacco after his performance in last week's 20-13 win over the Houston Texans. Flacco was 14 of 27 passing for 176 yards and two touchdowns but after jumping out to a 17-3 first quarter lead, the Ravens offense was ineffective, scoring just 3 points the next 46 minutes.

With an AFC Championship game matchup against the Patriots just days away, Reed went on SiriusXM Blitz yesterday and said this about his quarterback:

"Joe was kind of rattled a little bit by that defense. They had a lot of guys in the box on him and they were giving it to him. I think a couple of times he needed to get rid of the ball. It just didn’t look like he had a hold on the offense.

It was just kind of like (Baltimore's coaches) was telling him to do, throw the ball or get it here, you know, get it to certain guys. And he can't play like that.

“One specific play that sticks out to me was when Ray Rice came out and got pushed out of the backfield and (Flacco) still threw him the ball and he had Torrey Smith on the outside. I can say that sitting on the sideline or sitting in the stands. You don’t know what someone else is seeing.”

In his fourth season, Flacco threw 20 touchdowns and 12 picks. He's had ups and downs this season, and last week addressed critics. Yesterday head coach John Harbaugh, who constantly has defended Flacco as a quarterback, didn't seem to be in the mood to do it yet again.

“I’ve done that many times, and I don’t really feel like running down all those things right now," he said. "I can just tell you in this last game, he won, and his quarterback rating was what? Ninety-seven. That’s a winning performance, and Joe – I told him last night – I thought he played very, very well. In a lot of situations in this game when he was under duress, he handled himself really well. There were plenty of things he’d like to have back and could have done better, and he’d be the first to tell you that. So, you just try to get better, you try to improve, and you try to play winning football."

FOXBOROUGH --- Greetings from Gillette Stadium, where news conferences for Sunday's AFC Championship game showdown between the Patriots and Ravens will commence.

NFL types from New York are on hand in the (jam-packed) media workroom at Gillette and have just unveilved the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship Trophy, setting it up right next to the podium.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick is due up shortly at 11 a.m. and will be followed by Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, and Jerod Mayo.

We'll try to update you with excerpted comments.

By Matt Pepin, Globe Staff

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow played through "considerable" pain Saturday vs. the Patriots.

According to Schefter's report, obtained through an NFL source, Tebow was injured in the third quarter and suffered torn cartilage in his ribs, a bruised lung and had fluid buildup in his chest. He had difficulty sleeping over the weekend, and had an MRI on Monday.

On Monday, Broncos chief of football operations John Elway said Tebow is the team's starting quarterback heading into training camp next summer.

Photos: Patriots defeat Broncos 45-10 in AFC Divisional playoffs

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper previews the key matchups for the Patriots in their upcoming AFC Championship showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

By Michael Whitmer, Globe Staff

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has seen a good bit of the Baltimore Ravens, with four games between the teams in the past four seasons. The Patriots have had the upper hand overall, leading the series 6-1, but the Ravens have won the only playoff meeting, coming two seasons ago (33-14) at Gillette Stadium.

None of the seven previous games had as much on the line as Sunday's does, with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.

"They’re obviously one of the best teams in the league, they’re very well put together, and it starts at the top," Belichick said today during his weekly media teleconference. "A lot of outstanding players, they’re well coached, they play well. They’re a really good football team, as evidenced by the last four seasons, they’ve made the playoffs each of those seasons."

Belichick was quick to point out that the Ravens are strong on both sides of the ball, singling out quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Ray Rice, and defensive standouts Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, calling the duo future guaranteed Hall of Famers.

"They’re a very consistent team, a very good team. all the way around," Belichick said. "It’s a big week for us. We played them almost a year and a half ago now, [so] a lot of familiar faces, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do."

The last time the teams met was Oct. 17, 2010, a game won in overtime by the Patriots in Foxborough, 23-20.

Defensive backs coach Josh Boyer also spoke with the media, and answered numerous questions about the position versatility shown by some of his players, including Devin McCourty, who has bounced from cornerback (his natural position) to safety the past two games.

"Devin, like all of our guys, has some position flexibility," Boyer said. "I think he’s worked very hard in the film room and on the practice field, trying to improve his techniques. Some things that haven’t gone so good, we work hard on those, and then when things do go well we try to improve upon those.

"From a position flexibility standpoint, we have a lot of guys that have done some of the stuff that Devin’s doing. Sterling’s [Moore] had some position flexibility for us, as well as Patrick Chung, Kyle [Arrington] included in that mix. They’re very aware of what’s going on."

Nick Caserio, the team's director of player personnel, said there were no roster moves to announce -- at least not yet. "I don't really have anything for you today, but it's early."

The Patriots will have four honorary captains for Sunday's AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium, all of them members of the 1996 team which won the franchise's second conference championship.

One of the honorary captains will be Troy Brown, who chatted with reporters yesterday about that '96 squad, the current Patriots squad, and what it's like to be on the other side of the media-player relationship.

Brown, who retired in 2008 but last played in 2007 and famously finished his career as a receiver and cornerback, said he has "about five good plays in me offensively. I could probably give you 10 on the defensive side of the ball."

On whether you can feel how close the Super Bowl is when you get to the conference title game:

"For me, now being a retired player, I can speak about that. Before, I would have given you an answer like, ‘We have to play this game first.’ No, I think it is. Just watching, looking at the competition and watching this team play last week and watching how much energy they had in that game, it really is possible that we could be traveling to Indianapolis next week and you and I could be working together. It really is. It’s an exciting time around here. This team hadn’t won a playoff game since 2007 so everybody is excited again. Last week was a pressure-packed game for this football team for the simple fact that they hadn’t won a game. The Boston media and the people here, it was a tough time and they went out and proved that they were still a pretty good football team because they beat Denver the way they should have beat them."

On getting members of the '96 team back together:

"I think Bill [Belichick] has shown them enough film of all the old guys because I’ve heard enough stories about that in the past; him talking about some of his past players and showing them how the game is supposed to be played. To me, I mean really getting to come back and representing the ’96 team this time around, first of all it’s a great gesture from Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots to have us come back and do that. It will be fun for me to get out there and do the coin toss with them again. Hopefully we’ll lose it too, like they’ve been doing all year. It’s a special time. It’s hard for me to believe so many years have passed by so fast. Reflecting back on ’96, you think about all the failures you’ve had and all the great times you’ve had and all the other wins and stuff but just taking me back. I think about all the guys that I went to war with out in all those games and sweated with out there. It will be a special time for us and it will be great to see some of the guys come back too and enjoy this game this weekend."

On whether he's found it difficult to criticize players:

"I really did the first year out of it because I knew so many guys. I really felt bad about talking about them. I started thinking about it, I’m like, well, if Deion Branch came to me when I was playing with him and he asked me, ‘Well how’d I do on that route?’ I wouldn’t be doing him justice or myself or my team by telling him, ‘Don’t worry about it, that was a great route.’ No, I have to tell him, ‘Deion, that sucked.’ So when big Vince [Wilfork] sees me and he sees me on television saying something about his play, he got pancaked or something, he needs to respect that and take something from it. I don’t have a problem saying when a player should have done better or he needs to catch the ball or whatever. I don’t have a problem doing that now because really I’m telling them the truth and doing them a favor. As long as I’m not sitting up here calling them idiots and buffoons and all kind of stuff like that then they shouldn’t have a problem with that and they do understand it."

The Patriots will unveil the rest of Sunday's honorary captains throughout this week.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

Chris Gasper previews the Patriots upcoming AFC Championship showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

Patriots players Nate Solder, Rob Ninkovich, and Wes Welker talk about preparing for Ravens and what it means to advance to this round of the postseason.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has his team in the AFC Championship Game, but still isn't sure if his parents will be on hand Sunday in Foxborough to watch it.

That's because his parents must decide between that game and one in San Francisco in which his brother, Jim, will lead the 49ers as they play for the NFC title. He acknowledged they could split up and each attend one.

"It’s pretty neat. I’m proud of him. He’s proud of what we’re doing. Our parents are pretty fired up. They have a tough decision, you know?" Harbaugh said. "They’re at home; they’d have a place to stay. So, they will probably go out there, I guess. It’s good.”

Here's a selection of comments from Harbaugh, provided by the Ravens media relations staff:

How much was yesterday’s offensive performance based on just being rusty, or was it the Texans defense?
The Texans’ defense sure deserves a lot of credit. I wouldn’t say rust has anything to do with it.

What have you seen from the Patriots’ rushing defense?
I don’t have an answer for that right now.

What do you remember about you guys looking at Rob Gronkowski when he was coming out of the draft? He was a guy that had missed some time with the back [injury], but had obviously had a clean bill of health once he was picked. How interested were you guys in him? We were very interested in Rob. There were medical concerns, but we loved him – loved him as a player, loved him as a guy. We were pretty certain he was going to be a good player, and he’s exceeded our expectations.

Do you have an idea of how different New England is now from the last time you played them?
It’s hard to say that right now. Maybe more later in the week, [I’ll] talk about that. We just aren’t deep enough into them yet. Then [again], we probably wouldn’t share it with you anyway.

You achieved your goal of winning the division and you’re obviously closing in on the main goal. Would winning the AFC mean anything, or is that just a stepping-stone to where you want to be? It would mean a lot, but it’s not the ultimate goal. You’re not going to win something like that and just stop. You’re not going to say, ‘That’s enough, we don’t expect to go any further.’ In hockey, they don’t touch the [conference] trophy, right? Is that how it works? (Reporter: “That’s right. It’s bad luck.”) It’s bad luck to touch the trophy. I don’t think we have that superstition in football, but we’re going to be proud of that trophy if we can manage – just like we’re proud of this last division [win]. We’re proud of every accomplishment. We’re humbled by every defeat. And then you look ahead, and really, to me, that’s the answer. That’s what we’ll do, just like that’s what we’re going to do this week. That’s what we always do.

What have you seen from the Patriots defense?
I see a 13-3 … 14-3 defense. That’s what I see. That’s the bottom line. They’re good enough to be 14-3. So, it’s pretty impressive.

Can you explain the importance of Joe Flacco beyond just the numbers?
I’ve done that many times, and I don’t really feel like running down all those things right now. I can just tell you in this last game, he won, and his quarterback rating was what? (Reporter: “Ninety-seven.”) Ninety-seven. That’s a winning performance, and Joe – I told him last night – I thought he played very, very well. In a lot of situations in this game when he was under duress, he handled himself really well. There were plenty of things he’d like to have back and could have done better, and he’d be the first to tell you that. So, you just try to get better, you try to improve and you try to play winning football, no matter what position you play. And that’s what we value around here.

Patriots receiver Wes Welker was full of praise today for the Baltimore Ravens, who will come to Gillette on Sunday for the AFC Championship game.

"They’re a great team – they wouldn’t be in this spot if they weren’t," Welker said. "They do some great things out there. Their defense, they cause a lot of turnovers, they do a lot of great things out there. They run to the football, they tackle well, they cover well, they rush well, they do a lot of things well. Across the board they’re just a great football team – that’s why they’re in the position they’re in and why they were the number two seed going in. We definitely have our hands full with these guys."

Here's the rest of Welker's comments today, as provided by the Patriots' media relations staff:

Have you gotten a chance to look at them yet? Are you behind scouting-wise?

I wouldn’t say I’m behind. I’m going to get started as soon as I get done right here and get a head start on these guys and make sure I’m ready and focused and prepared and everything I can be to be ready for this game.

What makes someone like [Ravens defensive back] Ed Reed so talented?
His range, the great player that he is and [has] been for so long; the big interception at a critical, critical point in the game that he had this last week. Anytime you have a guy back there like him, you’re always weary of throwing the ball deep and letting the ball hang in the air too much or anything else. The guy is a phenomenal player and he’ll make you pay for it.

What are your recollections of that 2009 playoff game against the Ravens?
Wasn’t too good of thoughts definitely during that game only watching but I’ll be able to play and things like that. That was then and this is a total new year, a total new team, total new everything. We just have to go into it prepared and make sure we’re ready and play much better this time around.

Has the two tight ends opened up more room for you because of the attention they’re getting?
I feel like it’s been the same as what it has been. I’m just trying to do my job out there. Those two guys are phenomenal players and at some point the defense is going to realize how good they are and it’s definitely going to open up things for me and vice versa and everything else. We all are together in this and all play together and all play our role.

Can you talk about what playoff experience means? You guys have a lot of core guys who have experience but also a lot of new guys. How might that factor in the rest of the playoffs?
I don’t know. I don’t know how much you can really put into that. I think it just depends on the player. Playoff experience or not, I would say the Steelers were definitely a team that had a lot of playoff experience and Denver was probably a team that didn’t and they were able to come away with a win. I don’t know if we put too much really into that and understand that I think both teams have playoff experience. I don’t know how much we can really put into that. Just understand that we have to go out there and play our best football that we can and whatever happens from there, hopefully it’s enough.

Are you surprised it took you this long to get back to the AFC Championship Game and does it give you a greater appreciation?
Yeah, there’s no question. Definitely after the ’07 year, I thought we’d be going to the Super Bowl every year and that’s just not the way it works. It’s hard to get to a position like this. You definitely have to take full advantage of it and not take it for granted and I’m definitely not going to do that.

How tough was it for you to watch that game in 2009 when you were hurt? Was it emotional to see your team play without being out there?
I mean, yeah, it’s always tough when your team is out there playing and you’re not able to, especially in the playoffs. We had such a good year that year and wanting to help my team and things like that. I’m just glad it’s behind me. I’m glad it’s over and I’m in the position I’m in to be able to play in this game and hopefully make the most of my opportunity.

How would you describe their defensive style of play?
Very attacking type defense. They’re very physical, they run to the football really well, they rush well, cover well, tackle well across the board. They have a lot of great players and a lot of playmakers that make a lot of plays out there.

How much different is it to watch the Ravens yesterday on TV as opposed to watching on coaches’ film? Can you gain anything from watching yesterday?
Not really, you’re just kind of watching the game more than anything and kind of seeing what happens and maybe pick up things here and there but for the most part it’s a different shot so you’re able to watch all the players from their perspective, from their positions and be able to see everything. It is a little bit different, being able to rewind back and see a guy’s footwork or leverage or different things like that.

What’s the mindset of the team as you all come back to work today?
That we need to get back to work. We had a good performance this weekend and we’re going to have to repeat that and even do more to have a chance this weekend. That’s kind of our mindset of understanding that we have to play really well this week in order to win the game.

Were you surprised that Aaron Hernandez was the leading rusher on Saturday? Can you talk to his versatility and Julian Edelman being able to play different spots?
Yeah, we have a lot of good players on this team and Aaron is definitely one of them. The way he can do different things like that, he’s so good with the ball in his hands of making guys miss and doing those different things. Julian as well, coming in and playing receiver or DB or whatever. It’s a team concept and we understand that whatever we have to do to help the team win is what everybody stands by and what we have to do.

Can you explain your celebration after your touchdown?
It was just like a little something that I kind of did. A fan kind of gave me the idea so I went ahead and went for it.

What’s the reaction when you see a new wrinkle added in practice, such as Aaron Hernandez at running back?
You’re excited about it. You know it’s probably a good mix-up thing for us to do and kind of switch it up on the defense and maybe something they’re not ready for. He does a great job of when he gets the ball in his hands; he usually does something with it.

How enjoyable was the up-tempo offense and the quick start you had?
It was good to see. We understand that this is the playoffs and it’s a one-game season and we have to get in there early and make sure that we’re scoring early and put ourselves in a good position. That’s what we have to do. It was good to see this past week and we have to keep that up.

What are some of the things in your experience that go into knowing when to go for the no-huddle as opposed to slowing it down?
I think it just depends on the game and depends on the situation and depends on how we’re doing, what we’re having success with and what we need to do. I think our coaches do a good job of finding the times that work well for that and the times that don’t and just kind of going from there. Being able to run the ball and do different things like that is always a great thing and it’s always good to mix that in there.

Do your skill position guys enjoy playing the no-huddle? I know the offensive linemen may not be crazy about that pace.
Whatever we have to do to move the ball. It tires us out too but at the same time, whatever we have to do to move the ball, that’s what we’re there for and what we’re planning on trying to do.

It is inevitable that Patriots' players will face questions about the 2009 playoffs, when they lost in the Wild Card round, at home, to Baltimore. Ravens running back Ray Rice took the first snap of the game for a touchdown and New England never recovered.

But those who were asked today were careful to emphasize that things are different now, that this Patriots team is different than the '09 squad.

"I really haven't given it much thought, because it's a different season, a different team. They have different players, we have different players," said special teams ace and co-captain Matthew Slater. "You do remember the sting of getting embarrassed at home and those guys beat us from the opening snap all the way through. So we've got to try and avoid that."

Rob Ninkovich was mostly a special-teamer himself in '09, and also brought up avoiding big plays on defense.

"It was unfortunate. We didn’t start that game off the way we wanted to on defense. A team that potent and tough, you can’t give up a big run for a touchdown to start the game off like that," he said. "Obviously, that’s something that we really need to focus on, is not letting up any big plays like that, especially to start the game off. The momentum they gained from that obviously just snowballed for the rest of the game [and] they were able to go out there and play well. Obviously, no big plays like that."

And then there's Wes Welker, who watched the game, crutches by his side, in Robert Kraft's box at Gillette Stadium thanks to the torn ACL he suffered a week earlier.

"it’s always tough when your team is out there playing and you’re not able to, especially in the playoffs. We had such a good year that year and wanting to help my team and things like that. I’m just glad it’s behind me. I’m glad it’s over and I’m in the position I’m in to be able to play in this game and hopefully make the most of my opportunity," Welker said.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Bears interviewed New England director of pro personnel Jason Licht today for their general manager opening.

Licht was the first person Chicago has interviewed for the position.

This is Licht's second stint with New England; he originally joined the organization in 1999 as a college scout, rising to assistant director of player personnel in 2002 before leaving in 2003 for Philadelphia, where he spent five years with the same title. In 2008, Licht was a personnel executive with the Cardinals; he returned to the Patriots in 2009.

The Sun-Times reports that Chicago will also interview Phil Emery of the Chiefs, Jimmy Raye of the Chargers, Marc Ross of the Giants and in-house candidate Tim Ruskell for its GM post.

From the predraft process to Madden NFL football, Ravens rookie wideout Torrey Smith is fairly acquainted with the Patriots. (Reuters)

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

Baltimore Ravens rookie wideout Torrey Smith is familiar with the Patriots for a couple reasons.

The first is simple: video games.

"The biggest thing I know about New England is my brother always picks them on Madden," Smith said. "I'm telling you every time, it doesn't fail."

Torrey Smith celebrated Sunday with Anwuan Bolden (Getty).

The second goes back to last spring when the University of Maryland standout was preparing for the 2011 draft. The Patriots didn't take a wide receiver, but they gave Smith a long look over.

"I pretty much did everything you could do with New England as far as the draft process goes," Smith recalled. "I met with them at the combine, did a private workout, I saw them around a lot. They had a great coaching staff and you could see it, the way their track record’s been, they know how to win."

The Ravens took Smith in the second round, and he emerged as one of quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite targets this season.

Smith caught 50 balls for 841 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie and last week the Texans decided to stick their best cornerback, Pro Bowler Johnathan Joseph, on him. Smith took it as a compliment.

"I think it's definitely a sign of respect," Smith said. "I think even more so than that is that every time I'm taking down off down the field, I see a safety streaming over. I love seeing that because it opens up things for my teammates."

He's heard from some of the veterans like wideout Lee Evans, who was signed by the Ravens before the season after seven fruitless years in Buffalo, how lucky he is to reach the AFC title game in his first season.

"They tell me all the time that I’m lucky to be in this position, especially being so young," Smith said. "You just never know. Look at a guy like Lee, he’s been in the league around eight years or so and he’s never been to the playoffs.

"So to have the opportunity to be in the AFC championship is something where you have to cherish the moment but at the same time you want to capitalize on it because you never know if you’ll get the opportunity again."

By Matt Pepin, Globe Staff

Denver mayor Michael Hancock paid up on his Broncos-Patriots bet with Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino yesterday.

Hancock wore a Patriots jersey with Tom Brady's name and number on it to the Jazz-Nuggets game in Denver because the Broncos lost to the Patriots 45-10 Saturday night.

The friendly bet escalated from a common practice among top elected officials to a minor civic incident when Menino dissed Colorado by disparaging the state's beer quality. Originally, Menino wanted to include beer in the bet, and he was trying to brag about Boston beer, but Coloradans were quick to defend the state's brews.

“As a stalwart Broncos fan, it was certainly not easy to put on that jersey, but it was well worth the wager to support such an outstanding season,” Hancock said, according to a story on a Denver Post blog. “The City of Denver was proud to come together to support our team. The Broncos gave us an exciting season and a dramatic playoff victory, and we can’t wait for next season.”

Had the Patriots lost, Menino said the city's Paul Revere statue would be adorned with a jersey of Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said he's preparing for another classic battle with the Patriots. (AP)

By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

BALTIMORE -- The Ravens and Patriots have more than enough history. Next week, they'll add to it. With their 20-13 win over the Texans last night, the Ravens set up a shot at the Super Bowl, but to get there they'll have to beat the Patriots at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Championship game.

It's nothing they haven't done before. In 2009, the Ravens came to Foxborough and handed the Patriots a 33-14 beating in the Wild Card round. They tagged Tom Brady for three interceptions and three sacks. But that was then.

Safety Ed Reed has eight career postseason picks. (AP)

"We've played there a lot," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "It seems like every time we play them it's there. They've earned the home field this week. They're a great football team. They have great players. They're very well coached. We know, because we've been there so often, what kind of challenge it entails. They've beaten us plenty of times there, too. We understand that. It's going to be a heck of a football game."

One certainty: Tom Brady will pose a much bigger challenge for the Ravens defense than Texans rookie quarterback TJ Yates, who threw three interceptions yesterday. At times it seemed like the Ravens knew Yates' only option was Andre Johnson. Next week, they'll brace themselves, knowing that a surgical Brady, who threw for more than 5,000 yards this season, will spray the ball to any of his receivers.

"Brady don’t have a favorite target," safety Ed Reed said. "I saw him throw to an offensive lineman."

The Patriots haven't been to a Super Bowl since their near-perfect season in 2007. The Ravens haven't been since 2000.

"It's going to be a great challenge for both of us," Ray Lewis said. "We've played the Patriots several times and the games always come down to being classic. Brady is one of the best quarterbacks of all time and there is no better mind in football than Bill Belichick. So with all of that being said, here's our opportunity."

Tom Brady has wrapped his weekly appearance on WEEI...here is the transcript of what he said, with the focus mostly on the win against Denver on Saturday night and this Sunday's AFC Championship matchup with the Ravens:

On the play of the offensive line:
We had great protection, there’s no question about that; those guys played well, as they have all year. The offensive line has been our biggest strength on offense – it was that way in the regular season, it will continue to be that way in the playoffs. It was a great effort by those guys and really all those guys have stepped in and moved spots and Logan (Mankins is) in there and then Logan’s not in there, other guys are adjusting, but they all played really exceptionally well both in the run game and the pass game. We’ll have a good week of practice and face our toughest week of practice this year.

Does that offensive performance qualify as “being in the zone”?
Well I thought that a lot of guys played really well and a lot of guys were really on the same page, so I thought there were things we were doing more to our level of expectation and still I think there’s ways that we need to be able to improve – a couple turnovers hurt us, but for the most part it was really good solid effort and I feel like…you win the game and immediately you’re thinking about the next game, so there’s not too much you take from the game other than winning and moving on. That’s something we haven’t done here in a while and it was good to go out there and get a win.

Brady has said that the 2009 & 2010 playoff losses don't matter, but isn't there a lesson in those games?
I don’t think the mindset is you better be careful or to think really negative thoughts about what we’re doing and what we’re trying to accomplish – a lot of the emphasis this season has been on us and what we need to do better, so look, the Ravens, they’re the best team we’ve faced all year and there’s no one that’s going to overlook a team like that. It would be impossible to do. They present a ton of challenges in all three phases of the game, and when you watch them, like yesterday, they’re physical, they’re tough, they can cover and they’ve got some of the best players in the history of the NFL at their positions, in (Terrell) Suggs and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and Haloti Ngata – you’ve got phenomenal players there. So we’ve really got our work cut out for us. We’ll be excited about the challenge, we’ll use the week to prepare like we always do, and then really try to be at our best, hopefully be better than we were this past Saturday night.

On his level of intensity last week (Chad Ochocinco commented to Yahoo! Sports that Brady's intensity was unlike anything he'd every experienced):
Nah…Well I try to approach it the same way every week because every week of the regular season is important, then you get to the playoffs and I’m sure everybody naturally they’re…it’s an emotional game, so the focus heightens, the awareness heightens, it’s really just – it’s playoff football. Because you realize that if you throw an interception, if you fumble the ball, if you misread a coverage, that could be your season. And it’s not like in the regular season where you go, ‘Oh, ok, we’ll get ‘em next week.’ No, there’s no next week. So everything has to be right and you try to make everything right and when you make mistakes you say, ‘Ok, I made a mistake, I’m not going to make another one.’ I thought our team really did a good job of that the other night – it’s just that time of year, you don’t make any excuses for your mistakes, you try to play as best as you can and you try to prepare yourself as well as you can and you go out there and you see what it looks like.

On New England wanting to get the "one and done" monkey off its back:
Well, not really. No, I didn’t think about it like that. You know what it is – it’s not like coach Belichick needs to say it, it’s not like we have to have a big team meeting and talk about, ‘look if we lose this game, the season’s over.’ You don’t sit there and think about losing the game; I really don’t think that’s part of our mindset. You just, you show up to work, you put in the preparation, you focus on the things you need to focus on, which is how to play your best, which is game-planning, which is your scheme, which is execution, and then you go out to practice and you go through it and if it doesn’t look good you have to change some things and you move forward to the next day and the next day and then it’s the game and you go out there and you see what it looks like. Our preparation is solid, it’s been that way all year. We’ve won nine straight, I think that’s been good for all of us, but it really means nothing now. I think now it’s the slate’s clean and when that Baltimore game ended yesterday, we know the opponent and it really comes down to one game and hopefully we can be at our best for one game.

On putting Aaron Hernandez in the backfield:
It was a bit of a new look that we haven’t done; Aaron’s pretty good with the ball in his hands. When you give him the ball, whether you throw it or hand it to him, he does a good job making guys miss, so we handed to him in the first drive and he ran 40 yards [43 yards], really a huge gain to get us going, and we hit Wes (Welker) with the touchdown pass. Aaron’s a threat back there and then when you couple that with Rob (Gronkowski) and his ability to catch the ball along with Wes along with Deion (Branch) and then with Danny (Woodhead) and Benny (Green-Ellis) running the ball hard, it’s a good group on offense. We have some threats out there, we just have to go out there and keep doing it. That’s the coaching – just keep doing it.

On whether his teammates tired "Tebowmania"
We never talked about it, and even when we talked about him when we played them in Denver, coach Belichick really had the team focused on Denver as an entire team. If you don’t turn the TV on or you’re not…I think you can judge it based on the questions you get but if you don’t really get caught up in the hype or the good and the bad, then you just focus on what you need to do. And we knew that Denver was much more of a team than one individual and I think that’s really what the team focused on. And I think whoever the media chooses to hype, whatever player…I was focused on (Elvis) Dumervil and (Von) Miller, their secondary, their coverages, their scheme and so forth, and that’s where our focus needed to be. I thought we did a good job of doing that.

FULL ENTRY

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Chris Gasper takes a look back at an impressive Patriots victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

We also have Tom Brady talking about what it means to get a win in the postseason while Vince Wilfork gives accolades to a Patriots defense that was able to shut down Tim Tebow and the Broncos offensive attack.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH – So that's what a post-season victory feels like?

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Let’s take a quick look back:

WHY DID THE PATRIOTS WIN?

Because they're that much better than the Broncos in their offensive and defensive matchups. Besides the interception by Tom Brady and fumble by Stevan Ridley, the offense was basically flawless from start to finish. The defense was incredible throughout as well -- gave up only 10 points (all off turnovers) and racked up 14 negative plays -- as the Patriots exposed the Broncos' offense for a one-trick pony that is difficult to execute and plan for if you've never seen it before, but in the hands of a veteran defense, it's really not much to look at.

INJURY REPORT

• TE Aaron Hernandez (head) did not return. After apparently undergoing concussion tests, he said he was fine after the game.
• DE Mark Anderson (shoulder) returned.

THREE THINGS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT

1. Sixty minutes: When was the last time the Patriots started fast and played well on both sides of the ball from the start of the game till the end -- in a big game? Maybe the Jets' home win last year? It had that type of feel. The Patriots haven't been that dominating in a long time.
2. Defense: That was more like it. The Patriots played sound fundamentally up front, swarmed when they needed to, and basically were disruptive sideline to sideline. It really seems that getting Patrick Chung and Brandon Spikes back and fully healthy made a big difference. That needs to continue if the Patriots are to make the Super Bowl.
3. Offensive line: Tom Brady was terrific but that doesn't happen unless his protection is sound. The Patriots had it all covered. They didn't allow a sack and only allowed two official quarterback hits. If the Patriots continue to get protection like that, they're going to be next to impossible to stop.

THREE THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT

1. Ridley's ball security: That's now two-straight games that the rookie has put the ball on the ground (the other one went out of bounds), and ball security is a big coaching point on this team. Ridley was sent to the bench for the rest of the bench, and you wonder if the coaching staff will trust him again. The Patriots need his explosiveness. They don't have anyone like him.
2. Hernandez's injury: Sure looked like a concussion to us. It doesn't appear that he has a history with that, so we have little doubt he'll be back next week. But concussions are always something to be worried about, especially with a young player that is playing so well.
3. That's it. Really, we don't have anything else.
The Patriots' performance was that good.

THREE STARS

1. QB Tom Brady: He was 26 of 34 for 363 yards, six touchowns and a rating of 137.6. He even punted once for 48 yards. The man was on top of his game.
2. OLB Rob Ninkovich: Think he wanted to make up for the last Broncos game? He certainly did that with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, tackle for a loss and a key third-down stop. This is basically a total defensive game ball.
3. LT Matt Light and RT Nate Solder: DE Elvis Dumervil had one assisted tackle. OLB Von Miller had one quarterback hit (matching his cheapshot total of one in the back of Dan Connolly). That's all they had. Both the Broncos' most impactful defensive players were invisible. That has to be applauded.
4. TE Rob Gronkowski: Have to give out one more star. Gronk had 10 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns on 12 targets. Guess that's pretty good.

UP NEXT

TBA in AFC Championship Game, Jan. 22, 3 p.m.

Result: Who ya got, the Texans or the Ravens? Who do you want to face?

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

In his fourteen seasons in the NFL, Champ Bailey has stared down his share of productive quarterbacks. His 11 Pro Bowl selections, most ever for a cornerback, suggest he's won the majority of those battles.

So it means a little something extra when a player of Bailey's caliber and accomplishment essentially admits his defense had no answer for an opponent, which is exactly what happened Sunday night in Foxborough.

"What can you say?," Bailey said after the Broncos came up on the wrong end of a 45-10 score against the Patriots. "He's Tom Brady. He's been around the block a few times, and if you're not ready to punch him in the mouth, he's going to eat you up all night."

Which is exactly what happened to the Broncos' pass defense, which ranked 18th in the NFL during the regular season. Brady completed 26 of 34 passes for 363 yards and a postseason-record-tying six touchdowns.

Five came in the first half when the Patriots built a 35-7 lead, and one got the sense he could have shattered the record, previously accomplished by Steve Young in 1994 and Daryle Lamonica in 1969, had the Patriots set their mind to it.

"They just got rid of the ball so quickly,'' said Broncos defensive end Jason Hunter. "They knew with out edge pressure with Von [Miller] and Elvis [Dumervil] that they had to get rid of it in a hurry, and that's what they did. When you are playing against a team like that, you have to be spot-on."

The maligned Patriots defense was sharp as well, limiting Tim Tebow to 149 combined yards rushing and passing.

"They played a terrific game," said Broncos running back Willis McGahee, who was one of the Broncos' few bright spots with 17 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. "They had us figured out from beginning to end. I think we were all just caught up in the moment at first when they went up on us. We had a couple of fumbles and things like that but that's no excuse. We were supposed to go out and play good football and we didn't in the first half.''

Despite the ugly ending, Broncos coach John Fox had nothing but praise for his team, which began the season 1-4 before an improbable midseason surge helped them earn a postseason berth.

"I was very proud of them," Fox said. "I thought we came a long ways, with a football team that had no offseason, no OTAs. You know, really, I was as proud of them as any team I have ever coached."

Fox didn't make any promises when he was asked whether the Broncos would run a similar offensive scheme next year tailored to the strengths of Tim Tebow.

"Every year has it's own personality," Fox said. "We are officially starting our offseason now and we will do whatever it takes to get better. So, whether that is scheme, personnel, all the same things that teams that didn't make the playoffs are already working on."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady was smooth Saturday. He broke two individual franchise records for passing in the postseason and helped the team set two team records as well in a 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

But walking into his postgame interview, he had no idea what record, if any, he had broken.

"I have no idea what records [I broke]," Brady said. "We try to go out and execute well. I thought offensively we took advantage of some opportunities. That fumble we got was pretty important in the first quarter. Anytime you score points and you score 45, obviously with the help of our defense and special teams played great. Hopefully we can go out next week and play even better.

"Everyone is here for one reason and it’s to win," Brady continued. "That’s the reason why guys are here, is to win. Coach [Belichick] said last night, ‘Every player that was in this room, it was for this game.’ He puts together a game to win this game and we did that."

Despite being oblivious to the records he broke, Brady's six touchdown passes were remarkable in the postseason. Only two other quarterbacks have tossed six touchdown passes in a postseason game, including Steve Young in 1995 for the San Francisco 49ers and Daryle Lamonia in 1969 for the Oakland Raiders.

Five of his touchdown passes were in the first half, an NFL record for touchdown passes in a half in the postseason. And his 363 yards passing were a franchise record, besting his 2004 effort in the Super Bowl win against the Carolina Panthers in which he threw for 354 yards.

He also helped the team set records for points in a playoff game (45) and total net yards in a playoff game (509). The Patriots' previous highs came from a 41-27 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005, and also the team's 2004 Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, coached by current Denver coach John Fox.

Brady's third touchdown of the game, a 12-yard strike to Rob Gronkowski, passed Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino for sole possession of third place all-time for NFL postseason touchdowns with 33. He currently has 36. He's only behind Joe Montana (45) and Brett Favre (44).

Brady also now has 450 postseason completions, 31 away from Brett Favre's record of 481. It's conceivable that he could break both records this postseason. But despite the individual effort, as great as it was, Brady was intently focused on the win, particularly after exiting the playoffs disappointed the past two seasons. For him, it was satisfying to quench his playoff win drought.

"It’s all about winning," he said. "You’re right, you lose a few playoff games and it’s a very bitter way to end the season and it sits on your mind for quite a long time. For us to come out and play the way we did, have a very solid performance in the most important game of the year is very gratifying. I think that we have eight days until the biggest game of the year. From this point on, everyone will be focused on what we need to do to be better next week and hopefully come out and play for another championship."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots rolled over the Denver Broncos with the team's defense playing some of its best football of the year.

The 10 points the Patriots allowed was the lowest point total against the team since Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a 34-3 thumping of another AFC West team, the second lowest of the season. The Patriots also held the Broncos to 252 yards of offense and sacked Tim Tebow five times while holding the celebrated Denver quarterback to nine completions on the night. Even better, Patriots defenders stood tall on third down, allowing the Broncos to convert first downs on only 7 of 18 tries (39 percent).

However, even with a sparkling performance to smile about from the league's 31st best defense, defensive lineman Gerard Warren was explicit when he said it was far from a cakewalk.

"It was far from easy, I'll tell you that," Warren said. "It took a whole lot of guts and technique and discipline. But we just went out and executed tonight.

"It's a blessing to be in the AFC Championship," Warren continued. "But our job's not done yet. We've got work to do. Looking forward to coming in and getting prepared for our next opponent."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez didn't speak much to reporters following Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos, but he did say he was OK after appearing concussed in the fourth quarter.

Hernandez caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. But he made his contribution running the ball for the Patriots. He led the Patriots rushing with a 61 yards on five carries, including a 43-yard jaunt in the first quarter that led to the Patriots' first touchdown.

"I just do what the coaches ask me," Hernandez said. "They put me in positions to try and make plays, help the team and make it to the big game."

Hernandez was running the ball in the red zone, a 2-yard carry, when he was walloped by Denver LB Joe Mays. He left the game and never returned. Trainers were seen on the sideline performing tests on him.

By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

If football were his sole priority, Tim Tebow would have to consider Sunday a lousy day.

The Broncos' second-year quarterback, who became a national phenomenon by orchestrating improbable comeback victories while sparking debate over both his unorthodox passing style and his openly religious personality, had arguably his worst game of the season yesterday during the Broncos' 45-10 loss to the Patriots in an AFC Divisional matchup.

Tebow completed just 9 of 26 passes for 136 yards, with no touchdowns, and his attempts to run -- his greatest strength -- were thwarted as he gained just 13 yards. He was sacked five times and lost a fumble as the Broncos were overmatched from the start by the Patriots, trailing 35-7 at the half.

Tebow had other lows this season -- he completed just 6 of 22 passes for 60 yards in the regular-season finale against the Chiefs -- but yesterday could have been rock bottom.

Except Tebow, so gracious that you get the sense he'd come up with something nice to say about you if you ran over his dog, wouldn't allow it to be. Football is important to him, but to the praise and detraction that has made him such a polarizing figure, he makes it apparent it's not most important.

"It still wasn't a bad day," Tebow said after the game. "It still was a good day, because I got to spend some time before the game with Zack McLeod [a 20-year-old Cambridge native who suffered a traumatic brain injury playing football] and make him smile, and overall when you get to do that, it's still a positive day. Sometimes that's hard to see, but it depends what lens you're looking through. I choose to look through those lenses, and I got to make a kid's day, that's more important than winning the game. So, I am proud of that."

Tebow was asked if the glare of the spotlight this season ever became too much.

"There are pros and cons with everything," Tebow said. "Sometimes, you don't want it all. You just like to be able to go to dinner, hang out with friends, be a normal 24-year-old. So that makes it sometimes hard. But I wouldn't change it for the world, because by having that, I have the platform to walk into a hospital to walk into the hospital and share with kids, I have the opportunity to hang out with Zack before a game, I have the opportunity to go build a hospital in the Philippines or to do a lot more important things than football."

Tebow was told it seemed he became more and more determined the bigger the deficit became on the scoreboard.

"Well, I just wanted to show character," Tebow said. "And anytime you're getting beat like that, you continue to fight. It doesn't change who you are, how you play, you just go out there and be the same at all times. That's what I wanted to show, and it doesn't matter whether it's the first play or the last play or whether you're down 42 points, I was going to be the same player and give everything I have, because that's all I have to give. Every time I step on the field, I'm going to give my whole heart, regardless of the score and regardless of what's happening."

It's something his teammates acknowledged after the game. Safety Rahim Moore was one who offered a vote of confidence for Tebow after the loss.

"He's our guy," Moore responded when asked whether Tebow should be the starting quarterback next year. "People put too much pressure on him. He's going to have some good and some bad. I believe in him and I would like him to be our quarterback. Our team gels around him.''

Just not yesterday, against the Patriots, who are as assured about their quarterback as a franchise can possibly be.

"It's not like we lost to some bums," Moore said. "We lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots. We lost to a great team and a three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Bill Belichick was chipper in his postgame interview following the Patriots 45-10 drubbing of the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional playoff.

The team put up whopping 509 yards of offense and held the Broncos to 252 yards. But it was the center piece of his team, Tom Brady, that was the jewel of the game.

Brady threw for 363 yards and six touchdowns, both franchise records, in leading the Patriots out in its fastest start of the year en route to the win. The Patriots scored their first touchdown 1:51 into the game. They got two quick scores to end the first half too, including a 61-yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch with 1:57 left in the half and then a 19-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski with five seconds left in the half.

"That was huge. We got the first touchdown and then we were able to get the stop there on defense and come back and we were kinda playing for three with 10 seconds to go," Belichick said. "We still had a timeout and we saved that timeout for the field goal and we kinda took a shot at the end zone. Tom [Brady] hit, of course Rob down the middle."

The coach gave praise to his quarterback for handling the team that played no huddle for a majority of the game.

"Tom, I thought, really had a good night other than the one ball that was overthrown," Belichick said. "He managed the team well. We were in a fast-paced, no huddle the whole game. And as usual he did an excellent job of controlling the formations of the plays."

The coach also gave a little insight on Brady's quick kick, something the team hadn't done for years.

"The quick quick we've worked on for seven, eight years since the last time we did it," Belichick said. "So he's 2-for-2. Two inside the 20. That's the kind of play we work on forever and you never know if it's gonna come up."

Speaking of Brady and the team's output after the last two playoff exits, Belichick said he was happy with the team's execution.

"We had good execution by a lot of guys offensively tonight," he said. "Certainly a lot better than the last couple of playoff games we've had here."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady was deadly efficient and the Patriots were dominant defensively, beating the Denver Broncos 45-10 to shake off their playoff woes and advance to the AFC Championship.

Brady was 26 of 34 for 363 yards and six touchdowns. He broke franchise records for yards in a postseason game, touchdowns in a postseason game, and an NFL record with five touchdown passes in the first half. The Patriots amassed 509 yards of offense and faced only six third downs.

Rob Gronkowski recorded 10 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

The Patriots' defense was equally impressive. They held Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow to 9 of 26 passing for 136 yards and the Broncos team to 252 total yards.

2:35 4th quarter: Patriots 45, Broncos 10 -- Tom Brady had a 48-yard punt on third down (weird, right?) and then a rumble broke out with Denver's Von Miller in the middle of it. Multiple penalties on the play as the Broncos take over.

It was Brady's second career punt.

7:14 4th quarter: Patriots 45, Broncos 10 -- Tim Tebow completed his longest pass of the night, a 41-yarder to Demaryius Thomas that got some help from a spring block by Denver running back Lance Ball. But the drive fizzled as Tebow was unable to do anything from the Patriots 3-yard line, unable to complete four straight passes. Lots of pressure from LB Rob Ninkovich and DE Shaun Ellis on fourth down to force a turnover on downs.

12:39 4th quarter: Patriots 45, Broncos 10 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 20-yard field goal as the Patriots pushed their lead back to 35 points.

The kick capped an 11-play, 78-yard drive that featured two big passes from Tom Brady to tight end Rob Gronkowski. One for 20 yards and another for 28 to get the Patriots into the red zone. After three meaningless rushes from the 4- or 2-yard line, the Patriots settled for a field goal.

End of 3d quarter: Patriots 42, Broncos 10 -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has surpassed the 100-yard mark in the game. By the end of the third quarter, he has nine catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns.

Tom Brady is an efficient 24 of 32 for 321 yards and six touchdowns.

2:19 3d quarter: Patriots 42, Broncos 10 -- Denver's Matt Prater kicked a 41-yard field goal to cap a 14-play, 58-yard drive by the Broncos that spanned 6:16.

Patriots DE Shaun Ellis recorded a big hit and sack on Tim Tebow, which got the quarterback fired up. He was seen yelling at his offensive line, and then at nobody, all at the same time.

Patriots LB Brandon Spikes also recorded a sack on the drive, getting the help of some pressure from DL Brandon Deadrick.

8:30 3d quarter: Patriots 42, Broncos 7 -- Patriots RB Stevan Ridley fumbled after catching a pass from Tom Brady. The ball was recovered by Broncos DT Marcus Thomas.

10:35 3d quarter: Patriots 42, Broncos 7 -- The defensive dominance of the Broncos continues. Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich and NT Vince Wilfork shared a sack on Denver QB Tim Tebow as the Broncos went three-and-out again.

11:46 3d quarter: Patriots 42, Broncos 7 -- Tom Brady tied a postseason record with his sixth touchdown of the game, this time a 17-yard strike to tight end Aaron Hernandez who high stepped his way in on the last leg of the score.

13:39 3d quarter: Patriots 35, Broncos 7 -- Three quick plays, including an incompletion by Tim Tebow on third down and the Patriots have the ball back in the second half.

End of the 2d quarter: Patriots 35, Broncos 7 -- The first half comes to a close with the Patriots dominating this game on both ends of the field, holding the Broncos to 120 yards of offense and only 20 passing. Tim Tebow was 3 of 10 passing for 28 yards.

Tom Brady has thrown for five touchdowns already, an NFL postseason record. He's 18 of 25 passing for 246 yards and an interception.

0:05 2d quarter: Patriots 35, Broncos 7 -- Wasting no time with the ball in their hands, Tom Brady efficiently moved the ball down the field and hit Rob Gronkowski for a 19-yard touchdown.

Gronkowski now has the franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a game and is tied for the NFL postseason record with three. The drive was only five plays, 58 yards in 1:04.

1:16 2d quarter: Patriots 28, Broncos 7 -- The Broncos go three and out, with no help from its receiving corps. A drop from Demaryius Thomas and a drop from running back Lance Ball. Patriots take over.

1:57 2d quarter: Patriots 28, Broncos 7 -- Deion Branch still has some wheels left. The veteran wide receiver for the Patriots blew past Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman on a 61-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

Brady's fourth touchdown of the day marks a new postseason record for the team.

2:38 2d quarter: Patriots 21, Broncos 7 -- Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork recorded a 4-yard sack on Denver QB Tim Tebow and defensive lineman Gerard Warren record a tackle for a 6-yard loss to force the Broncos into a 3d-and-20. The ended up punting.

4:52 2d quarter: Patriots 21, Broncos 7 -- It should be noted that with Tom Brady's third touchdown pass he took sole possession of third place in NFL history with 33 playoff touchdowns. Brady's three touchdowns and tight end Rob Gronkowski's two are both ties for franchise records.

5:44 2d quarter: Patriots 21, Broncos 7 -- Deion Branch had the pass downfield, but he couldn't pull in the catch as he tried to avoid a hit from Denver safety Rafael Bush on the third down pass. The Patriots were forced to punt.

6:44 2d quarter: Patriots 21, Broncos 7 -- Tim Tebow couldn't find an open receiver, even though he had a couple, leading to another Broncos punt. The Denver offense accumulated 1 yard on this last drive. CB Kyle Arrington got a nice pass defensed, a possible interception, on one Tebow throw.

7:42 2d quarter: Patriots 21, Broncos 7 -- Tom Brady has regained his accuracy, throwing three darts on the last drive, including a 12-yard strike to Rob Gronkowski for a touchdown as the Patriots go back up two scores.

Brady completed passes to Gronkowski, Deion Branch, and Gronkowski again to move the chains. He also got help from the Patriots' leading rusher, tight end Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez has 58 yards on the ground today, including 10 on the drive.

11:31 2d quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 7 -- The Patriots got a good stop against the Broncos, holding Tim Tebow to a 1-yard rush on 3d-and-4. Jerod Mayo recorded the tackle on the play.

13:36 2d quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 7 -- Tom Brady misfired on a couple of throws, almost getting picked off by Broncos LB Joe Mays. Instead, the Patriots escaped with a nice punt by Zoltan Mesko, pinning the Broncos at their 5-yard line.

14:54 2d quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 7 -- Broncos running back Willis McGahee rushed right up the gut for a 5-yard touchdown. The touchdown was keyed by a 12-yard pass from Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas and Tom Brady's interception.

McGahee has 51 yards rushing already on seven carries.

15:00 2d quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 0 -- The first quarter comes to a close as the Broncos threaten to score in the red zone. They're trying to capitalize on a Tom Brady interception that gave them the ball only 24 yards away from paydirt. Brady is 9 of 11 on the game so far for 86 yards, two touchdowns and a pick.

2:00 1st quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 0 -- Tom Brady threw an errant pass for an interception, picked off by the Broncos' Quinton Carter and returned to the Patriots' 24-yard line.

3:34 1st quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 0 -- Tim Tebow was pressured from Patriots Rob Ninkovich and Brandon Deaderick and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas dropped a possible first down pass as the Broncos were forced to punt.

6:42 1st quarter: Patriots 14, Broncos 0 -- Rob Gronkowski has outdone himself. The burly tight end caught a 10-yard touchdown pass in the back corner of the end zone, diving for the grab and pulling it in before sliding out of bounds. The play was reviewed and upheld.

The drive was another speedy seven plays for 59 yards in 3:25, capitalizing on Tim Tebow's fumble, forced by Rob Ninkovich.

10:07 1st quarter: Patriots 7, Broncos 0 -- Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich hit Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow for a 4-yard sack, jarring the ball loose and fellow linebacker Brandon Spikes recovered to give the Patriots the ball back with 59 yards of field ahead of them.

13:09 1st quarter: Patriots 7, Broncos 0 -- It took less than two minutes for the Patriots. Tom Brady hit Wes Welker across the middle of the field for a 7-yard touchdown. The scoring strike was set up by a 43-yard run by tight end Aaron Hernandez out of the backfield. The drive was a quick five plays, 80 yards in 1:51.

15:00 1st quarter: Broncos 0, Patriots 0 -- Denver deferred the opening kick and the Patriots will receive to being the game.

Game on.

--

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- We're getting ready to kick off at Gillette Stadium. The temperature has dropped to a chilly 27 degrees and it's not likely to get any warmer.

Stay right here for game updates. But we've also got a Virtual Tailgate party going on, with a chat, live game tweets, photos and the expert analysis from Globe NFL writer Greg A. Bedard will be featured. Check it out here.

For photos of tonight's game, expect them to be populated right here. There's already a number of pregame photos in there.

For photos from the playoff weekend, including the 49ers and Saints tonight, go here. We'll make sure some Patriots photos are in there for you too.

Enjoy the game.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady's five touchdown passes in the first half against the Denver Broncos is an NFL postseason record for touchdown passes in a half.

Brady, who was 18 of 25 passing for 246 yards and an interception in the half, also passed the franchise record for touchdowns in a game.

Brady's third touchdown of the game, a 12-yard strike to Rob Gronkowski, passed Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino for sole possession of third place all-time for NFL postseason touchdowns with 33. He currently has 35.

UPDATE: In the second half, Tom Brady tied an NFL postseason record for touchdown passes with his sixth scoring strike. He currently has 36 postseason touchdowns.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

Football fans braved the cold weather while the atmosphere heated up around Gillette Stadium before the AFC divisional playoff battle between the Patriots and the Broncos.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Broncos safety Brian Dawkins, who missed the entire week of practice with a neck injury and was listed as doubtful, is inactive for tonight's playoff game against the Patriots.

In addition to Dawkins, LB Mike Mohamed, OT Ryan Harris, TE Julius Thomas and DE Derrick Harvey are also inactive for tonight's game.

Broncos WR Eric Decker (knee) and long snapper Lonie Paxton (personal) were already out for tonight's game.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

The Patriots announced their inactive players for tonight's playoff game against the Denver Broncos, including RT Sebastian Vollmer, DE Ron Brace and LB Gary Guyton.

Vollmer was listed as questionable for tonight's game with lingering back and foot injuries. Brace and Guyton, both of whom had contributed in recent weeks, are healthy scratches.

On the upside, G Logan Mankins (knee) will be in the lineup tonight, as will safety Patrick Chung (knee) and CB Kyle Arrington (foot).

Other Patriots inactives include QB Ryan Mallett, DB Nate Jones, RB Shane Vereen and OL Donald Thomas.

FOXBOROUGH – Enough talk. Enough writing. Let’s cut to the chase.

Here are the things the Patriots have to do tonight to beat the Broncos and advance to the AFC Championship game:

• Win the turnover battle: This the most important thing. Don’t give the Broncos any life by giving them the ball.


• Protect Tom Brady: We all know the protection hasn’t been stellar for Brady in the playoff defeats – although some of it has been on his own indecisiveness – so the guys up front must be better. The Patriots’ biggest weakness is stunts. The guards and centers must have their heads on a swivel and be aware of lurking dangers that haven’t yet presented themselves.


• Tackle: The Patriots have the benefit of knowing the challenge that tackling Tim Tebow presents. He’s an underrated runner and is tough to bring down. But besides Tebow, the Patriots need to tackle everyone well. No extra yards. Tackling has been average for most of the season. When the Patriots tackle, the defense plays reasonably well.


• No big plays: No team gave up more plays over 20 yards. That can’t go on in the playoffs. The Broncos will get their yards, but make them get them in small chunks. Patriots want to force 10-, 12-, 15-play drives.


• Do your job: Playing this offense requires more mental and physical discipline than any other. The Patriots need to stay in their gaps and don’t overcommit. If you get overaggressive and sellout the teammate behind you, you better make that play. Don’t take a shot and whiff.


• Stiffen in the red zone: Patriots have done this reasonably well most of this season. As long as the Patriots don’t give up touchdowns every time the Broncos get into the red zone, they should be fine.

THE PICK

I pretty much laid out my feeling about this game in the paper this morning. Basically, without a ton of Patriots turnovers, the Broncos’ offense can’t keep pace with Brady -- unless the Broncos’ defense totally confounds him with pressure and coverages. Denver didn’t show anything the first time around that makes me believe it can do it for an entire game. The linebackers and safeties aren’t good enough. The Broncos’ offense will move the ball, but Brady and his weapons will be better.

Patriots 36, Broncos 19.

An early look at Gillette Stadium before the crowds are allowed to enter for Saturday night's AFC divisional playoff matchup between the Patriots and the Broncos.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Good evening from Gillette Stadium as the Patriots prepare to host the Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional playoff matchup.

FULL ENTRY

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

In an effort to get a little bit more inside the game, Alen Dumonjic, an x's and o's football junkie who blogs for The Score, will give us his insight on the intricacies of the game. Look for his analysis before each game.

BREAKING DOWN THE BRONCOS' OFFENSE

The Broncos offense hasn’t changed much since we submitted our analysis for Week 15. It still features two tight ends a significant amount of time as well as three tight ends, which has recently been heavily involved in the personnel packages. The third tight end is often aligned in the backfield as an H-back who is used in the passing game as an outlet or checkdown pass catcher for Tebow.

FULL ENTRY

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

* * *
NOTE: Re-posting this from the last Broncos-Patriots matchup since not much has changed.
* * *

We check in this week with my former Palm Beach Post teammate Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post on all things Tim Tebow and, you know, the other 45 players the Patriots will play on Saturday night. Here's what she said:

FULL ENTRY

We have a fun day planned for Pats fans today, involving a football squares game with a fantastic prize, a fan chat, game preview videos, in-game analysis, action photos, a meter to measure how you're feeling about the team, polls, trivia questions ... you name it.

Here's what's going on:

FULL ENTRY

Thirteen Patriots are officially listed as questionable for tomorrow's playoff game against the Broncos. Even if they play, they won't face friend and former Patriot Lonie Paxton; the long snapper has been ruled out by the Broncos for personal reasons.

The Patriots on the injury list and designated as questionable include defensive backs Kyle Arrington (foot), Patrick Chung (foot), and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); offensive linemen Dan Connolly (groin), Logan Mankins (knee), Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot), and Marcus Cannon (ankle); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen); and receivers Matthew Slater (shoulder) and Wes Welker (knee).

Earlier this week, Broncos coach John Fox wouldn't discuss details about Paxton being away from practice, other than to say, "Right now it's a family matter, and our thoughts and prayers are with he and his family."

In addition to Paxton, Broncos receiver Eric Decker (knee) has been ruled out. He took a hard hit to his left knee in last week's win against Pittsburgh.

Safety Brian Dawkins is doubtful with a neck injury. Safety David Bruton (Achilles), tight end Daniel Fells (ankle), defensive end Elvis Dumervil (ankle), and linebacker Von Miller (thumb) are all listed as probable.

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos have established a deep threat. Greg Bedard examines how worried that should make the Patriots.

Been meaning to post this for a couple of days, with Bill O'Brien suddenly a hot topic. Not much is known about the Patriots' departing offensive coordinator, but in 2008, when I was still with the Providence Journal, I did write a feature on O'Brien. He had played at and coached for Brown University in Providence, so it was a natural fit to do a story on one of the newest members of Bill Belichick's offensive coaching staff.

Even though it's three years old, it gives a bit of a look at who O'Brien is and his personality, something we didn't get to see much of when O'Brien was taking part in the weekly conference calls as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach - those calls were mostly Xs and Os and focused on the last game or upcoming game.

O'Brien is known for doing spot-on impersonations of those he works with (would love to see if he does a Belichick impression), and showed early on that he would be a very good coach.

Here's the link to the full story, with a couple of excerpts below:

On how he ended up in New England -

"In 2001, when I was at Georgia Tech, we [O'Brien and Belichick] made contact through a mutual friend and just talked football," O’Brien said. "After that I just kept in touch with him, maybe once or twice a year, send him an e-mail if I had a football question, and he would respond."

Belichick would occasionally ask O’Brien about certain players in the ACC, to get his opinion on whether or not he thought they’d make good pro players.

"I definitely wanted to coach in the NFL at some point and I was always intrigued, watching the Patriots and how they did things, football-wise and Xs and Os wise, and how coach Belichick ran the team," O’Brien said. "I always wanted to be a part of that, so when the opportunity arose it was something I didn’t give a second thought to. I just definitely wanted to be a part of it and learn from what I consider the best coaching staff, the best players in the league."

O’Brien took a pay cut to come to New England last year, as a coaching assistant. But the move was a good one all around. He says he’s learned more about football in the last 18 months than he had in the previous 16 years, and he gets to be near family and friends again.

Brown head coach Phil Estes on his former assistant:

Charged with preparing the Pats’ wideouts, Estes said he wouldn’t be surprised if O’Brien moves up the ranks in the NFL as he did in the college ranks.

"Absolutely. Absolutely," said Estes. "He’s very organized, very perceptive, I think he sees things on the field that others may not see. He gets along very, very well with other coaches, but at the same time he’s very demanding. It’s only a matter of time.

"People that really know him know that he’s something special."

For a more recent profile of O'Brien, here's a New York Times piece that ran last weekend.

In the latest episode of Inside the Playbook, the Globe's Greg Bedard zeroes in on Denver's deceptive blitzes and how the Patriots will have to wisen up for their playoff matchup with the Broncos tomorrow night.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper is joined by Lindsay Jones of The Denver Post as they take a look at what the Broncos have to do to pull off the upset at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.

We also have Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talking about the the unique challenges that the Broncos offense presents while wide receiver Wes Welker talks about trying to penetrate the Denver secondary.

In the latest episode of Inside the Playbook, the Globe's Greg A. Bedard takes a look at how the Patriots will have to defend against the Broncos' patented swap boot play, the same play that provided the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

FOXBOROUGH -- Every Patriots player was on the field today for practice, which was held inside the field house because of the inclement weather. There were a few deletions to the practice report compared to Wednesday, with one addition.

Offensive lineman Marcus Cannon is the new player; he was listed on the report with an ankle injury, and participated in a limited role. He was one of 12 Patriots listed under limited participation; there were 15 on Wednesday, not including defensive lineman Kyle Love, who missed with a non-injury reason. Love was back on the field today.

The other 11 on today's report: defensive backs Kyle Arrington (foot) and James Ihedigbo (shoulder); offensive linemen Dan Connolly (groin), Logan Mankins (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen); and receivers Matthew Slater (shoulder) and Wes Welker (knee).

Upgraded, so to speak, because they were able to participate fully one day after being limited were receiver Julian Edelman (back), offensive lineman Matt Light (ankle), and defensive back Devin McCourty (shoulder).

The Broncos' practice report was identical to Wednesday's: former Patriot Lonie Paxton (personal reasons), safety Brian Dawkins (neck), and receiver Eric Decker (knee) missed practice; and safety David Bruton (Achilles), tight end Daniel Fells (ankle), and defensive end Elvis Dumervil (ankle) practiced in a limited role.

Willis McGahee and the Broncos practiced Thursday in Denver.

Cornerback Champ Bailey still feels the sting from the last time the Broncos faced the Patriots, but this time around he thinks his team will make life a little more difficult for the opposition.

“I know they’re going to give us their best shot, and I know we felt like we got a good shot from them the last time they were here," he said. "I expect us to play better, make it a little more difficult for them, but it’s [QB] Tom Brady. He’s good for a reason. He’s won a lot of games—won a lot of big games, Super Bowls—so we expect their best shot.”

Bailey also said the Broncos intend to avoid the mistakes that doomed them in the Dec. 18 game in Denver.

“We’re not going to make all the mistakes we made the first game. The thing is, now you’ve got to go stop them. Whether you’re in position or not, they still have good players, so you’ve got to find a way to stop them. The one thing about it, you can’t help them along the way," Bailey said.

Here's more of what the Broncos had to say today as they wrapped up preparations for Saturday's game at Gillette Stadium.

Coach John Fox on Patriots tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski:
“We have great respect for their whole offense. [New England QB Tom Brady] No. 12, it’s no mystery that he’s kind of the engineer of it. They protect well. They run-block well. They’ve got a good stable of backs. Their wide outs are talented as they’ve been in big spots, and their tight ends, they create a lot of tough matchups.”

Bailey, on facing the Patriots recently:
“We kind of know what to expect, but they’ve got a good coaching staff, so I can’t say that we’re going to get everything we got in the first [meeting], but they’re not going to steer away from what they do best. That’s putting the ball in No. 12’s [QB Tom Brady] hands and letting him go to work.”

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, on pressuring Brady:
“You don’t have to be really fast. He’s just got very good pocket presence, and the way he can elude tacklers in the pocket is why he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks.”

Bailey, on possibly pulling an upset:
“As a pro athlete, you kind of live for these moments. This is why you play, to be on the big stage and to get out there and show what we can do as a team. That’s what motivates me to keep playing this game.”

Wes Welker has found a humorous way to make a statement this postseason - and unlike last year, it won't get him in trouble with Bill Belichick.

The Pats' receiver has begun growing a mustache for the playoffs, and is encouraging fans to do so as well via his Twitter account.

When he met with the media today, Welker talked about the Denver defense and Saturday's game, but then he was asked what is on his face.

"That is The Mustache," he said.

Does it have a name?

"I don’t know. I think some people have come up with names, but I don’t know – we haven’t come up with one yet.

"It seems to give you power, especially late in the season and stuff, and I’ve been feeling it this week and hopefully it carries through to Saturday."

To that end, shaving giant Gillette today tweeted to Welker, naming his 'stache "The Welker 83" and providing a paper mustache for fans to cut out and wear on Saturday night.

Welker is also selling t-shirts that say "Catching Passes & Growing Staches!" to benefit his Foundation, which helps at-risk youth in his native Oklahoma City.

Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post and Shalise Manza Young of the Globe held a chat session this afternoon to discuss Saturday's Broncos-Patriots playoff game in Foxborough.

Review the discussion in the chat window below.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Denver Broncos aren't going to be taken lightly by Patriots coach Bill Belichick this week.

Belichick today said the Broncos multi-attack offense was something to worry about and he was concerned about all the different elements Denver will bring to the table at Gillette Stadium Saturday night.

"It's a little different game than most of the time what you play in this league," Belichick said. "As a defensive back you're expecting passes on every play, then when you don't get it, you don't get it. But here it's run force, option responsibilities and then play action, or double moves, and things like that so every time you come out of the huddle, again the secondary's primarily responsibility is always pass, but in addition to that they've got a lot of run force responsibilities in this game and option and those kind of things. It definitely puts pressure on from that standpoint, there's a lot more things to think about for a defensive back and instead of going into the game where you're expecting every play is going to be a pass, you've got to be ready for that on every play, but the reality of it is every play isn't a pass and there's a lot of outside runs, there's a lot of option plays, there's a lot of plays the secondary forces, is critical on, so it really attacks the entire defense. They do a good job of working sideline to sideline and goal line to end zone."

On the other side of the ball, Belichick doesn't believe the Broncos defense will show the same looks they did in Denver in December.

"They've added some things to their sub-defense, their nickel, dime package last week," Belichick said. "[Linebacker Von] Miller looks like he's playing, he's still got that thing on his hand, but I think it's less restrictive. Offensively they continue to use multiple players. They get production out of all their backs, McGahee's missed some time against us but other guys stepped in and were productive."

Belichick was asked if he was concerned about getting beat by deep ball, and the Steelers did in overtime last weekend.

"You have to worry about everything with Denver's offense," Belichick said. "You have to worry about the running game, the passing game, the backs, the receivers, the quarterback, the offensive line, they're a well-balanced unit. They get production from everybody and everybody's got to take care of their job. If you just load up on one thing then, you pay the price somewhere else. Got to be able to handle all the elements of the offense and they're going to test you on all of them...

"I'm concerned about all of it."

Belichick said the New England offense can expect the unexpected from the Broncos pass rush.

"They move Von [Miller] around, they move [Elvis] Dumervil around some like we caught on our right side there on the sack [against the Patriots in Denver] that he had," Belichick said. "It's not 100 percent. Most of the time we have an idea where they're going to be but they do change it up. Last week they used a lot more odd look with their dime package against Pittsburgh so I'm sure that they'll have a couple of new wrinkles for us as they always do. We'll have to be able to handle those within the game as well as all the other things that they've shown."

Thanks to Mother Nature, the Patriots moved today's practice inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse. They were spared from being in the rain, but not the cold, as it was still chilly inside the fieldhouse.

New England also held its pre-practice walkthrough in the Putnam Club inside the stadium, instead of on the Gillette Stadium field as it usually does.

For the second time this week, and just the second time since training camp opened, all players were present - Kyle Love, who missed yesterday's practice (non-injury related), was back with his teammates today.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper and Shalise Manza Young break down the Broncos pass rush and what Tom Brady and the Patriots offensive line can expect from Denver's defense on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.

We also have Patriots offensive linemen Matt Light and Brian Waters on keeping the Broncos defensive front in check during Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff matchup.

FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive lineman Kyle Love was the only Patriot not spotted at practice today during the short portion made available to the media, but his absence was not injury-related, according to the team's practice report issued this afternoon. Players were in sweats and shells, working on one of the fields behind Gillette Stadium.

There were 15 Patriots listed on the report under limited participation. They included defensive backs Kyle Arrington (foot), Patrick Chung (foot), James Ihedigbo (shoulder), and Devin McCourty (shoulder), offensive linemen Dan Connolly (groin), Matt Light (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot), receivers Julian Edelman (back), Matthew Slater (shoulder), and Wes Welker (knee), and linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Brandon Spikes (knee), and Tracy White (abdomen). Quarterback Tom Brady, who's been nursing a sore left shoulder, participated fully.

Vollmer hasn't played in a game since Nov. 27; Mankins was hurt early in the win against the Dolphins on Dec. 24

The Broncos listed seven players on their practice report. Three players, including former Patriot Lonie Paxton, missed practice. Paxton, a long snapper, was out for personal reasons. Safety Brian Dawkins (neck) and receiver Eric Decker (knee) also missed practice. Three were listed under limited participation: safety David Bruton (Achilles), tight end Daniel Fells (ankle), and defensive end Elvis Dumervil (ankle). Von Miller participated fully, despite a thumb injury.

In this video, Globe Patriots beat writer Shalise Manza Young identifies who's hot and who's not in Saturday's upcoming divisional playoff matchup with the Denver Broncos.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Although the Patriots came back to beat the Broncos, 41-23, in the last matchup in December, the Denver defense was able to contain the New England offense early and apply pressure on Tom Brady late, most notably when Elvis Dumervil leveled the Patriots QB in the fourth quarter.

"They did some things early on that we weren't as prepared for as we thought we were," Patriots offensive lineman Waters said from the podium at Gillette Stadium today. "It took us a minute to just understand exactly what they were trying to do for that day, we caught up to what they were trying to accomplish, and then we went from there.

"One of the great things about here are our adjustments to the fact that you never really know what a team is going to do, until you actually get out there. Once we got out there and got a feel for what their gameplan was, I think we caught up to it and eventually end up producing more."

Waters said it was just a matter of catching up to what the Broncos were trying to do before the Patriots could get back on their game.

"I don't know if it was more of a surprise, just trying to get accustomed to what they were trying to do," Waters said. "They definitely have a lot of football players that play multiple positions. They're a very fast football team. At the time they had some injury situations in the secondary, so we had to know who was going to play where and so again, we just had to try to get caught up to what they were going to try to do and how they were going to play the different personnel, so we were able to catch up with it early on."

FOXBOROUGH -- Preparations continue for Saturday's playoff game against the Broncos, with the Patriots getting ready to practice later this afternoon. The locker room access given to the media today was pretty sparse; Aaron Hernandez and Kyle Arrington were two of the players who opened themselves up to questioning by a large, playoff-fueled media gathering. ESPN's Kenny Mayne and a camera crew were making the rounds, so look for his unique take on some obscure subject in the days to come. Mayne was spotted hamming it up with Chad Ochocinco and Matt Light.

Light spent some time at the podium answering questions, and admitted that the last two seasons, which ended with home playoff losses, haven't been easy to take.

"Obviously we haven't done well enough. It's on all of our minds, guys that have been here and been a part of that," Light said. "You work that much, you put that much time into a season, you have success to a degree during the regular season, then you go out and you can't get it done in the postseason, that's a difficult thing to swallow.

"That's why you put a little bit more time into it, you put a little more effort in, and hopefully you get a better outcome. We're working hard towards that."

Light mentioned how tough losing is on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and was then asked if he's surprised at the attention bestowed on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who has become such a lightning-rod story this year that it's almost overshadowed everyone else, including Brady, who has had one of best statistical seasons and led the Patriots to a 13-3 record.

"No, I'm never surprised at what gets talked about anymore," Light said. "Any time there's anything new ... and he's obviously new, he's done incredible things this season ... I think the hype is justified," Light said. "When you go out and can lead a team like that and make the kind of plays that they're making, people are going to talk about you.

"But I think we've always had one good thing here, and that's staying within our own locker room, staying within the framework of what we have to do to improve and not get caught up in that stuff. Hopefully it won't be a factor."

Tebow's faced criticism this season -- and seasons past, dating to his time at Florida -- because he's open and vocal about his faith. Patriots special team star Matthew Slater, while not as public about his faith as Tebow has been, said the top Bronco has made it easier for others with similar religious beliefs to be outspoken.

"I think Tim has brought an awareness to our faith, he's taken some criticism for it, but I think people are thinking more about it now, it's more of a topic of conversation than it ever has been," Slater said. "My hat's off to him for what he's doing. I think he's doing the right thing, and I think he's challenging other believers across the league to maybe be more open about their beliefs."

The Patriots have announced that 2012 season ticket prices will remain the same for 84 percent of the seats at Gillette Stadium. Only seats at midfield in both the upper and lower levels will see an increase.

Seats designated as lower-level midfield will be $185, up from $169; upper-level midfield seats will now be $99, up from $89.

Prices will remain the same for lower-level sideline ($169), lower-level and mezzanine-level corner/end zone ($117), upper level sideline ($89), and upper-level corner, rows 8-26 ($65).

This is the first time the Patriots have raised prices on any seats at Gillette since 2008.

Renewal invoices for season-ticket holders will be sent out next month.

Here is the full list of 2012 ticket prices; the seats with the increased price are in bold.

Lower Level Midfield............................................$185

Lower Level Sideline........................................... $169

Lower & Mezzanine Level Corner/End Zone....... $117

Upper Level Midfield .......................................... $99

Upper Level Sideline........................................... $89

Upper Level Corner (Rows 8-26)........................ $65

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Playoffs Today, Chris Gasper and Greg Bedard report from Gillette Stadium where the Patriots prepare to take on the Denver Broncos, and their unique offense, in Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff matchup.

The Denver Broncos' Tim Tebow conducted a conference call with the New England Media earlier today. Here is the transcript.

Can you talk about the fact that you guys played four weeks ago? What does that game mean, what did you learn from it and how do you carry that into this week’s game?

Tim Tebow: I feel like it was a good learning experience. I think it’s a privilege for us to play again, the New England Patriots and [Bill] Belichick and [Tom] Brady. We’re very excited about that. We’re very excited about being able to move onto the next round in the playoffs and play a team like this in the playoffs. I think there’s a lot that we can learn from our first matchup – different things that we did well, different things that we didn’t do so well and ways that we can improve. I think that there are a lot of things that we can learn and improve on and hopefully just do a little bit better this time around.

How much, if at all, has this New England defense changed since you saw them the first time around?

Tebow: I feel like they’re a very good defense. I feel like they’re coached well. I feel like every game they go into they have a different game plan. There are different things they’re trying to accomplish and maybe they’re trying to get to certain things in a different way. I think they’re overall coached very well; they have a lot of great players there up front and in the secondary. They make a lot of plays. I think for us, we just have to be very sound and execute. I’m sure our coaches will have a great game plan and we have to execute and probably make great sideline adjustments.

Did you guys feel like it was much your fault that you guys lost that game as it was the Patriots winning? I’m not asking you to downgrade what the Patriots did, but it seemed like you guys had a hand in the loss.

Tebow: I think we did some things well and then I think we definitely made some mistakes that made it a little bit easier as far as the three turnovers. I think we have to correct on that. You have to give them a lot of credit, they came and they played well. We have to definitely minimize the turnovers, convert better on third downs and when we get in the red zone, try to punch it in. You have to give them credit; they’re a very good team as well.

How did you celebrate on Sunday night?

Tebow: Honestly, just when we left the stadium, just went home and hung out with my close family, a few friends and my brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law. Just hung out at the house and played with my nieces and nephews and had a good time.

Does it take long to come down from a high like that?

Tebow: Yeah, you’re definitely at a high, you’re feeling great, a lot of momentum and that’s good. But you really have to take that enthusiasm, that momentum into the next week’s work, using that as fuel for next week and trying to continually improve on that. I think you can’t necessarily relish on it too much because the next day we have to get ready for a big game and the Patriots. I feel like we were able to do that and have our time to celebrate and constantly have joy. It was a big win for us, I’m not saying you have to stop enjoying it, but you still have to get ready for the next week’s game and I feel like we’ve done a good job in doing that.

Did the Pittsburgh game help you in any way or teach you anything or give you more confidence in this league?

Tebow: It definitely was a big win for our team to be able to move to the next round of the playoffs. We were definitely excited about it. It’s a memory that we’ll take with us for a long time as players and coaches and hopefully as fans because of the way we won it in front of our stadium and the emotions that we had. It’s definitely very special. To take nothing away from it but we had to move on to get ready for a big week and heading to Foxborough.

Is it possible to compare the game winning moment to any of the things that you accomplished at Florida?

Tebow: I definitely was very blessed to have some great memories at Florida and very blessed to have some great teammates and special relationships and some special wins. I think that was definitely a special one Sunday night. I know it was definitely special not just for the win but for the guys that I won it with, for the fans that supported us, for the coaches and all the work that we put in this season, it was definitely, definitely very meaningful.

What’s the coldest game you’ve played in? Have you played in many games below 20 degrees?

Tebow: I’d say probably a handful but not too many; not as many as Mr. [Tom] Brady has probably.

Are you still able to be as accurate in the cold?

Tebow: I hope so.

You haven’t courted it but there has been awful lot of fixation on you and attention to you. Has it ever been awkward with your teammates, knowing that it is very much a team game?

Tebow: I don’t think so. I think because for the most part it’s not like it’s something that you ask for and something that they know you care about them and that’s what matters. You care about going out there and trying to get better every day and trying to be a great teammate and then I think the rest doesn’t – I don’t think they see the rest. Hopefully they see you as a friend and as a teammate and the rest of it is something that we laugh at and sometimes they make fun of you for.

What’s it going to be like to see Josh McDaniels on Saturday night here? I know you had a pretty unique relationship with him.

Tebow: I wish him nothing but the best. I’m happy for him and his new situation. I want to congratulate him. It’s not about that. It’s about the Broncos versus the Patriots and it’s about us going into a hostile environment and trying to play a good game and playing a great team and playing Tom Brady and Bill Belichick – one of the teams that I watched over the last 12 years growing up. It’s exciting, it’s exciting for me because it’s the next round of the playoffs, it’s a big game, it’s playing one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, one of the best coaches of all-time and playing in a big game. It’s very exciting.

After your last game, John Elway said that Tom Brady might be one of the three best quarterbacks of all-time already. You obviously have a lot of respect for Brady. What is it about his game that you admire and enjoy watching?

Tebow: I think number one, he’s won a bunch of championships. Ultimately as a quarterback, that’s what you want to do and that’s what you want to accomplish. The three championships that he’s won, he’s played great and almost had the best season ever when they lost in the championship game. For me, being able to watch a quarterback like that, how he handles himself, the emotion that he plays with but at the same time the calmness that he plays with, the accuracy, the leadership, the way he motivates his players, the way he gets in and out of great plays, the way he’s able to handle any situation. Those are definitely things for me as a young quarterback I can definitely learn from and he’s someone that I’ve watched for a long time. He’s been one of the best in the business and he’ll definitely go down as one of the best. My hat is off to him and his career and how great of a quarterback he’s been and good for him.

This will be the first time you’ll get to go up against Brandon Spikes. Are you looking forward to that?

Tebow: Yeah, that will be a lot of fun, it will be fun. I’ve gone against him enough times in practice. All the spring practices we had, we had some fun going against each other. You’d like him on your team but it will still be fun going against him. He’s a great player and I wish him nothing but the best. I look forward to giving him a hug.

What’s the hardest he’s ever hit you?

Tebow: I remember a few times in some spring practices when he might have hit me a little late when I had one of those red jerseys on, he wasn’t supposed to hit me but he kind of gave me a little nudge so we’ll see, I don’t know.

What makes you more accurate with the long ball?

Tebow: I’m not sure. It’s probably just that I have really good receivers that make me look a lot better than I really am.

Josh McDaniels was there with you and Mike McCoy. Are you guys using the same line calls, audibles, things like that, that Josh could conceivably give the Patriots going into this game?

Tebow: I think Coach McCoy has done a really good job of implementing what he does. Are there some things that overlap? Absolutely. A lot Coach McCoy has implemented from his background, where he came from and he’s done a great job. We’re not necessarily too worried about that. Coach McDaniels is a great coach and he’ll do a good job but I’m confident in our coaches and their knowledge and I’m very proud of everything they’ve done this season.

Vince Wilfork talked about the physicality with which you play today. He said you’re one of the strongest players he’s faced. How is your body right now heading into this game and any nicks or bruises or bumps and ice packs that you’re using right now?

Tebow: My body actually feels really good. It’s one of the best I’ve been feeling and I’m feeling excited about that. There’s definitely nothing to hold back now, not in these games. These games will definitely be physical and they’ll be definitely be fast and everybody is going to flying around and hitting hard. That makes the game very exciting so it will be a lot of fun. To have that compliment said by a very good player and someone that has been one of the best at his position in the league is definitely a very big compliment and it means a lot.

Denver head coach John Fox recently concluded a conference call with local reporters and of course the topic of former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels came up.

McDaniels was fired 12 games into the 2010 season, and Denver went with running backs coach Eric Studesville filling in as interim coach for the rest of the season before hiring Fox, so their time in Denver did not overlap.

While others in Denver apparently have a problem with McDaniels being hired by the Pats (and for the record, when news came out before kickoff on Jan. 1 that Bill O'Brien was a leading candidate for Penn State, I received an email from a league source within an hour saying if O'Brien left, McDaniels would be back in New England. The team had no idea at that point who it would face in the postseason, and the Broncos hadn't even secured a playoff spot), Fox doesn't think it matters.

Here's the back and forth Fox had with reporters:

Does he have a fear of McDaniels telling the Pats secrets about Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas, etc.?

"Not really. Every organization has a building full of pro scouts, scouting departments, our write-ups are fairly big on every player on both teams as it is. It’s really going to come down to Broncos and Patriots."

Is it any different than one coach calling another for advice during the season?

"Not really. You know, we change players with teams all throughout the year so I’m really…it’s kind of a lot about nothing."

(Later in call) His thoughts on McDaniels with the Patriots:

"I know Josh a little bit and it’s always better to be employed as a coach than unemployed. So we change personnel in this league quite a bit. Coaches change cities and players change cities, and that’s kind of what we signed up for.

Do you have to change your play calls because of McDaniels' presence in NE?

"No, because he doesn’t even know our offense. Our offense is completely different, you know?"

The Patriots are on the lower grass field for practice today, their first on-field work of the week.

Colleague Michael Whitmer reports that all 53 players are present and accounted for, including Logan Mankins, who missed the final game of the season with a sprained MCL, and Sebastian Vollmer, who has not played or practiced since the Pats faced the Eagles on Nov. 27.

Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Marcus Cannon, who also missed time last week, were also present for the media-access portion of the session.

New/old offensive assistant Josh McDaniels was on the field with the rest of the coaching staff, chatting with Bill Belichick.

Players were in full pads for the first time in just over a month.

FOXBOROUGH -- Playing the Broncos for the second time in four weeks should bring some advantages as the Patriots prepare for Saturday night's divisional playoff game.

"We can learn a little bit from our last game against them, but this is a whole new deal," coach Bill Belichick said. "They're a tough team to prepare for, they give you a lot of looks. We know we've got a lot of work to do here in a short week, we'll have to cram it all in here, and hopefully be ready to go Saturday night."

New England forced three turnovers -- scoring on one -- in a 41-23 win at Denver Dec. 18. That was the first of three consecutive losses by the Broncos to end the regular season, but they surprised many by beating Pittsburgh, 29-23, in overtime on Sunday to book a trip to Gillette Stadium.

The Steelers came in with the top-ranked defense in the league (first also against the pass), and Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards on just 10 completions, taking advantage of a Pittsburgh scheme that seemed to focus on stopping the run and forcing Tebow to win the game with his arm.

Belichick said he'll study what the Steelers did and see what might work for the Patriots.

"Each team plays their own defensive scheme against them, whether it's Buffalo or Kansas City or Pittsburgh," Belichick said. "We have our scheme, and we'll take some things from each game that we've seen and try to apply it to what we do."

Among other topics, Belichick also downplayed the role former Broncos head coach and new Patriots addition Josh McDaniels might play this week -- "I covered that yesterday" -- stressed the importance of getting off to a quick start, and praised Tebow's skills, which gives Denver a look that is unique to the NFL.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is excited about a big Saturday night at Gillette Stadium, and he thinks the fans will be ready for NFL playoff action as well.

"There's definitely a heightened sense of intensity, because you got one game," Brady said from the podium today. "There's no next week. It's really a one-game season and trying to control your emotions to the level it doesn't interfere with your level of execution is important. But sometimes you can't control that, so we'll see, you gotta go out there and try to play a good game.

"Emotions will be running high, I'm sure the stadium will be very loud playing on a Saturday night. It's special, it's the playoffs. It's why we work so hard to get to this point, hopefully we can go out and play well."

The Patriots come into the divisional playoff game with the experience of facing Tim Tebow and the Broncos in Denver in December, when they came away with a 41-23 victory.

"They're a tough team," Brady said. "We played them four weeks ago, we know them better than any other team in the league, so we'll be excited and ready to go."

Brady did not seem overly concerned about how the Broncos plan to slow down the New England offense in the rematch.

"How teams are going to attack us, we'll see," Brady said. "We'll see on Saturday night. I'm not really sure. They're putting together their game plan. We're putting together our game plan. We're going to see how it plays out."

Brady was complimentary of the Broncos balanced attack that was on display on Sunday when Denver defeated the Pittsburgh 29-23, in a wild wild-card weekend matchup.

"They do a good job of running the ball," Brady said, never mentioning Tim You-Know-Who by name today. "They obviously can make big plays in the pass game, and they're very balanced, so it's kind of like what we try to do on offense, to be balanced, to be able to run it, to compliment your run game with play-action pass, and you've got to be able to throw it in critical situations. The mark of any good offense is to be able to run it when they know you're going to run it, and throw it when they know you're going to throw it."

Gillette Stadium ground crew member Fred Fletcher helped put the finishing touches on the field yesterday, painting on the logo for Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff game between the Patriots and Broncos.

It will be the third time the Patriots and Broncos have met in the postseason, but the first in Foxborough. The Broncos are 2-0 in playoff games vs. the Patriots, winning 22-17 in 1987 and 27-13 in 2006.

The last time the Broncos played at Gillette Stadium was in 2008, when the Patriots rolled to a 41-7 victory.

One day after his team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a dramatic overtime game to cap the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs, Broncos coach John Fox said his team can't let one victory go to its head.

“Our message is to be the same guy. Try to keep and even keel. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. You’re never as bad as some people say you might be or you’re never as good as some people say you might be. Staying even-keeled is what we try to explain," he said.

Here's more of what the Broncos' personnel had to say as they began turning their attention to Saturday's game vs. the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Fox, on his message to players after Sunday's game:
“You learn with each game, whether it was preseason, regular season or now playoffs. We do have a lot of veteran leadership. We have a lot of guys that are young and have not been there but we have some guys that have been around and they’ve done a fantastic job explaining to the young guys what it takes in the preparation part of it—and then you just go play the game," Fox said. "But I think the preparation is where you step it up a notch and where some youthfulness can kind of hurt you if they don’t understand that. Between our staff and our veteran leaders, I think they’ve gotten that message across. Just like when we were on that run during the regular season, every week is the bigger game. In reality that’s not the case—it’s the same game—but your preparation has to pick up and we understand that.”

Fox, on Denver's loss to New England in Week 15:
“Their [Patriots’] tempo is a little bit different than some people. I don’t know if it will be an advantage but I think they’ll understand a little better about a fast tempo, no-huddle offense. Hopefully we can react better this time around than we did last time.”

Defensive end Robert Ayers, on if the win changes the team’s expectations:
“I don’t think it changes anything. I’ve always felt like we’re a good team. At times we didn’t play our best ball. At times we beat ourselves and made too many mistakes. Our confidence has never been shattered. I think we still have confidence in ourselves. I don’t think the win last night is going to increase our confidence; I just think it’s going to keep building on what we already had.”

Ayers, on improving on things that hurt the Broncos against New England in Week 15:
“It’s executing. That’s the one thing that they do so well. They execute so well. On third down, they convert a lot; in the red zone, they score a lot, so we’ve just got to be able to execute and get off on third down. When they get to the red zone, we’ve got to hold them to three or possibly force a turnover. We didn’t do a good job of that after, I think it was 14, 17 points they had. From that point on, we didn’t do a good job of getting off on third down or holding them to three in the red zone. We’ve got to do that. We know they’re going to get their plays, but we can’t give them gifts.”

Running back Willis McGahee, on his thoughts when WR Demaryius Thomas scored the game-winning touchdown Sunday:
“I was happy for Demaryius. I was happy that we won, but I was really happy for Demaryius because he’s been going through a lot as far playing receiver with the injuries, coming back…For him to just do that, for him and Tim to do that, period, it was really exciting.”

McGahee, on playing the Patriots:
“I played against them when I was with the Ravens, going into the first round, we came out with the victory. It’s going to be one of those games: Who wants it more? You don’t have that second chance where you can say, ‘Okay we’re going to see them next week or a couple of weeks down the line.’ It’s going to be who wants it more and who’s going to go out there and make the plays.”

Thomas, on being a key part of a dramatic game-winning play:
“It was amazing. I know walking up to the line, I saw the safety come down, I was like, ‘This is going to be a big play.’ The middle of the field was wide open. All I had to do was beat the corner. Once I beat him there was nothing but green grass. Once I beat him I knew I was going to score.”

Fox, on Josh McDaniels being hired by the Patriots:
“We just played them a month ago so I don’t view it much differently. I don’t know Josh very well. I wasn’t here so I’m not really that familiar. I just stay in my lane. Other people make those rules. It doesn’t really matter what I think.”

Fox, on McDaniels’ knowledge of Denver roster:
“When you do this for a living you have a pretty good idea of most of the players. You [studied] them in college or coached them before and guys just move cities, that’s kind of what this league is. I mean we’re going to go play Carolina next year. I don’t think that’s going to be a huge advantage for me. Plus, their team has changed and so has ours. I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In this episode of Playoffs Today, Globe columnist Chris Gasper takes a look at the Patriots matchup with Tim Tebow and the surprising Denver Broncos who come to Foxborough to face New England in the AFC divisional playoff game Saturday.

The Patriots just wrapped a conference call with Bill Belichick, defensive coach Matt Patricia and director of player personnel Nick Caserio.

As you'd expect, there was a good amount of talk about the return of Josh McDaniels.

Said Belichick of the re-hiring of McDaniels, who was first with new England from 2001-2008:

"Well it's good to have Josh on the staff. He's a person that I've spent a lot of time with in a lot of different situations, I have a lot of confidence in him, he's smart, he's got great experience and background and he knows our system. I've enjoyed our conversations the last past couple days, it was good getting caught up on some things, and move forward into the playoffs here, and I think that he'll be a good asset to our team for the remainder of the season. We'll deal with next year next year."

Caserio, who was college teammates with McDaniels at John Carroll in Ohio, had this to say:

"I think it's great. I have a lot of respect for Josh, not only as a coach but as a friend, I've known Josh a long time - that's no secret. I think it's great to have him back, it's great to have him part of our program and our system again, and his goal and our goal is for everyone to work as hard as they can in preparation for this game and that's what we'll try to do."

Also, Caserio was asked about the Colts, who officially asked for permission to interview him for their general manager opening last week, but Caserio declined the opportunity.

"I would just say that I've got a great job here in New England, work with a great staff, it's a privilege to work for the head coach that I do, and today is no different than it was any other day. I enjoy being here and right now the focus is on getting ready for the Denver Broncos and that's where we're at," Caserio said.

Was he flattered by the interest?

"I don't really have anything else to add. I love New England, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the work that I do, the people that I work with, and that's not going to change," he said.

After getting a couple of days off, Tom Brady was readying to return to work and preparations for the Denver Broncos this morning when he called in to WEEI for his weekly chat.

Brady, who was in good spirits, said he didn't watch every minute of last night's Pittsburgh-Denver game, but he checked on the score every few minutes, and then he heard his friends screaming over the incredible finish in the next room.

Not surprisingly, Brady credited the Broncos team, not just quarterback Tim Tebow, for the win.

"(Tebow) is a good player, and I think it’s a lot for the defense to prepare for. I know in our preparations from this last time, it’s challenging, it’s a very different style, but they’re effective," Brady said. "They have a very good team, it’s certainly not about one player on this team, and I know a lot of people try to make it out to be one player on a lot of teams, but reason why Denver Broncos are in this position is because of their team as a whole and certainly the way Tim played yesterday…it was just a great win all around by them.

"We’ve got a big challenge; we realized going into Denver how challenging that game would be, we were the beneficiaries of some turnovers, and we’re going to need to get some turnovers this weekend."

As for the changes on the offensive coaching staff - Bill O'Brien will depart when the Pats' season ends, and Josh McDaniels has been re-hired and will serve as an offensive assistant until O'Brien moves on to Penn State - Brady isn't sure how things will work out with McDaniels coming into the fold now.

"I’m not sure – I don’t know. We’ll see how it plays out. Josh is a great friend of mine and the a familiarity that we have with Josh is something that’s great, but we’ll see how it works this year and going forward, but it’s always great to have another great coach on our staff and he’s certainly a great coach and has been, and I’ve always enjoyed my time with him, either as quarterbacks coach in ’04 all the way till he left to coach the Broncos," he said.

Brady said he's spoken with McDaniels briefly, but hasn't yet seen him since he's returned to the Pats' staff.

On the differences between McDaniels and O'Brien, he noted that each is simply running the offense that New England has been running for over a decade.

"They both have a great understanding of offense, and what we’re trying to do, and Bill worked with Josh – they’re great friends, and how…their styles differ – it’s the same offense. What we’ve done since Charlie (Weis) was here is pretty much the same offense, and I’ve been lucky to be in the same system for 12 years," he said. "There’s different wrinkles that different coaches have, but Josh and Billy always worked really close together."

Was Brady surprised that O'Brien took the Penn State job, where he faces the dual challenges of following a legend in Joe Paterno and overtaking a program mired in scandal.

"Am I surprised? No. I think it’s a great opportunity for a very deserving coach," Brady said. "He’s worked his tail off for a long time to get opportunities. We’re all competitive – if you’re a backup quarterback you want to be a starting quarterback someday and I think that probably goes the same for a lot of coaches; you want to get your opportunity to be a coach. Everyone’s very happy for Billy and his family; it’s a great tradition they have, a great school, and hopefully he doesn’t start work there full-time for another month or so but we’ve got to go out there and play our best football this time of year, and I know Billy’s committed to that, players are committed to that, and that’s why we work so hard is for opportunities like this."

A recurring theme among the Patriots' leaders over the last week or so is the character of this team, and how it's different from in recent seasons, in a positive way.

Brady was asked if he also believes that the team is doing what Bill Belichick needs it to do.

"We’ve done it more on a consistent basis. I think we definitely have put ourselves in a position – 13-3 is a very respectable record," he said. "Last year we were 14-2 and that was a very different team last year and the strengths of this team are different than they were last year. How it all plays out, it depends on how we play. There’s nothing that happened last week or last year or five years ago or 10 years ago that can play into this game. If we bring a good attitude, if we’re committed this week, which I know we will be, then we’re going to go out there and be ready to play our best game.

"Does that mean you win 50-0 because that’s what you want or that’s what you hope? No. you have to go out there and do it on the field. So that’s where all of our energy is focused, is on what we need to do this week so we can put ourselves in the best position to play our best this weekend. I’m not going back and looking at a game five years ago to say, ‘wow, this happened five years ago.’ I think that’s the approach that we’ve taken is to focus on very short-term goals; (we’re a) very short-term focused team and I think that’s the thing that coach Belichick talks about that really we’ve bought into. The game that we played in Denver four weeks ago will mean nothing. That means nothing. The determining factor in this game will be our level of execution, and that’s why we need it to be at our best."

Perhaps Brady's most interesting answer came when he was asked about his days at Michigan. This week's Sports Illustrated takes a look back at Brady while he was there, and Brady discussed how it shaped him into the player he is now.

"I think I grew up a lot there and it was a very challenging experience, and I was a young man – you’re not 25, 26, I mean I was an 18-year old kid who was a long way from home and really battling through some challenging situations, just in terms of the competition on a daily basis and what’s expected of me, and I really had to grow up, you can’t sit there and pout," he said. "I tried to look at everything as a positive – even when the coach would say, ‘Ok, you’re going to play this first quarter and Drew (Henson) is going to play the second quarter’, or the competition I had with Brian Griese – I just felt like, ‘man I’m getting reps. That’s the best thing in the world. At least they’re giving me an opportunity to show what I can do.’ Rather than bitch about how many chances I got or ‘man, I only got a few reps and this guy got nine reps, so that must mean that they like him more…’ – no. I mean, if I was getting one rep, I was going to try to do the best I could with that one rep. And look, if I did well there, it would lead to another rep.

"I think that really helped my competitive spirit in practice, and I treat practice very seriously. If you can’t perform in practice – I don’t buy into the player, ‘oh, I just flip a switch this weekend and I’ll be ready to play on game day.’ That’s not the way it works. You’ve got to prove it day in and day out and that you’re level of consistency in practice and as a professional, and studying and all that discipline that it takes to be a professional, I was really fortunate to be able to learn at a younger age. I was under scholarship so they couldn’t really cut me, but in the pros, when guys learn that lesson when they’re 22, 23, they’re on the street and they don’t have a job.

"All those opportunities that guys get at different times, whether you’re a first-round pick and you finally get your chance to play or you’re a late-round pick like Wes Welker [Welker was undrafted] who gets his opportunity and takes advantage – everyone has a different story to tell. I’m really fortunate to do something I love to do in aplace that I love to do it and I owner I love to do it for and an owner too – it’s been a great situation."

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

DENVER - The Broncos were still sky high after their 29-23 overtime victory over the Steelers tonight, but a few players did have some thoughts about facing the Patriots again.

New England defeated the Broncos 41-23 on Dec. 18 at Sports Authority Field to halt Denver's six-game winning streak. Dominated the first quarter to take a 16-7 lead, but three second-quarter turnovers started the Patriots on a 27-0 run that gave them control of the game.

Of course, this week will feature the subplot of Josh McDaniels, who was the head coach of the Broncos from 2009-10 and drafted quarterback Tim Tebow, being a part of the Patriots' staff as an offensive assistant.

Broncos end Elvis Dumervil didn't know McDaniels had already relocated after being the Rams' offensive coordinator this season.

"McDaniels is over there? Already?" he said. "That will be funny. We’ll see, we’ll get after him."

Most players thought the McDaniels storyline was much ado about nothing.

"I mean, it doesn’t matter, really," cornerback Champ Bailey said. "I don’t know how much affect he’s going to have or not. It really doesn’t matter. He’s not on the field. I’m worried about the guys on the field."

"It gives you guys something to write about of course, and something for us to read during the week, it’s the buildup, but again it’s about trying to win a postseason game," cornerback Andre Goodman said. "It’s all about winning. It has nothing to do with who’s on the other sideline."

Here are some of the players on the first matchup against the Patriots:

Quarterback Tim Tebow

"They’re a very good team, one of the best players in football in Tom Brady playing for you, one of the best coaches in Coach Belichick so you know they’ll have a great gameplan and you know they’ll be well rested and they play hard, they play well and we’re going to have to go get ready for them tomorrow."

On his post-game talk with Tom Brady: "He was very nice and very kind and he said some very nice things and I really appreciated it."

On if Brady said 'we'll see you again': "He might have said something like that. So I guess he’s a prophet, I don’t know. What an honor it is to play them again, have that opportunity, and it’s exciting as well, to be able to face one of the best quarterbacks and one of the best teams in the league."

Running back Willis McGahee

"I didn’t finish the game (leg injury after having 70 yards on seven carries) so I definitely felt like there was more out there on the field. Just ready to see them next week. ... I know coach Belichick is going to have those guys prepared well for us but we just have to go out there and play our football."

Cornerback Champ Bailey

"(The loss) sucked because we were on a roll and we lose a game like that (and) it sucks, but it was almost like a reality check. We weren’t playing as good as we know we were. To have that loss, it kind of woke us up a little bit. ... We’re the same team, we just play different. We play harder, smarter, more physical I think that’s the only you’ve got to play in these playoffs.”

"I knew how they were going to attack us. One thing about them is they have a smart quarterback, a smart quarterback, smart coaching staff, so they’re going to find the weaknesses and the holes and it’s tough. We’ve got a nice chess match coming up next week and we’ll get it figured out one way or another."

Cornerback Andre Goodman

"Tough, a team that we knew put up a lot of points and were able to put up a lot of points on us. What I took from that game was we weren’t able to make any big plays. And today, I think those big plays are what helped us today and we’re going to need those types of plays to beat a team like the Patriots."

"I think the one thing about the Patriots is you know they’re going to put up points, and we have to be able to counter that by making some big plays on defense."

"I think what we able to do during the stretch where we were winning games in terms of keeping the score down on defense, making big plays on offense and then special teams complimenting us and giving ourselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter, we did none of that against the Patriots. I don’t think we’re a different team. When we don’t play our game, the score gets out of hand the way it did."

Safety Quinton Carter

"After this game, we had some of the same calls, same situations against the Patriots and we didn’t execute. Against the Patriots, we had guys running open all down the field and you can’t make those mistakes against a team like that. It’s on us to just play smarter."

“You cannot make mistakes a great team like that, they’ll exploit you as they did right here on our field."

The Patriots have officially announced the re-hiring of Josh McDaniels.

In a release, the team said he's joined the team as an offensive assistant for the remainder of the 2011 season.

McDaniels first joined the Patriots in 2001 as a personnel assistant; in 2006, he was named offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, a position he held through the 2008 season. After the '08 season, McDaniels left New England to become head coach of the Broncos, the team the Patriots will host on Saturday in the AFC Divisional round.

McDaniels spent the 2011 regular season as the Rams' offensive coordinator.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

DENVER - A 80-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime gave the Broncos a 29-23 victory over the Steelers and sends Denver to Gillette for Saturday's divisional playoff game.

The Patriots beat the Broncos 41-23 at Denver on Dec. 18.

The game will also pit new Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels against Tebow, the man McDaniels drafted in the first round as coach of the Broncos in 2010.

DENVER -- Welcome to Sports Authority Field at Mile High where the Steelers and Broncos will face off for the right to face the top-seeded Patriots.

A couple of quick-hit thoughts:

• I will be watching very closely how Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) moves in the pocket. They'll likely get C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle-out) back next week, so I'm not that concerned about the Steelers' protection (it's never that good). It's important how Roethlisberger moves. If he doesn't plant well, the Steelers will struggle and they likely won't beat the Patriots either. The Steelers have scored two touchdowns in the 10 quarters since Roethlisberger sustained a high ankle sprain.
• The Steelers made a huge mistake playing both Roethlisberger and Pouncey in the season-finale against the Browns. That they both did more damage could be the death knell to their postseason hopes.
• Steelers get a big boost with OLB LaMarr Woodley being back. Basically, this will be the first time Woodley and OLB James Harrison have played together since Week 4.
• Broncos are in trouble without S Brian Dawkins (neck). Rookie OLB Von Miller (thumb) hasn't been the same of late.
• Who Broncos CB Champ Bailey matches up with should be interesting. I'd put him on Mike Wallace all day.

With that out of way, I assume all of New England will be rooting hard for the Broncos and Tim Tebow. Hard to blame you. Think they can pull off the upset?

Watch Bill O'Brien's formal introduction as Penn State's next football coach. The video above includes opening remarks from Penn State president Rodney Erickson, acting athletic director Dave Joyner, and O'Brien.

Part 2 below is the conclusion of O'Brien's opening statements.

Video provided by Penn State University.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

All right, the playoffs are here. Who's up for some completely wrong picks?

For a little background information, I also made preseason playoff picks. The results were a mixed bag.

I had four of the six AFC participants correct -- the Patriots (as the top seed), Texans, Steelers and Ravens. Missed on the Chargers and Jets.

In the NFC, I had same. Four correct -- Saints, Packers, Falcons and Lions (ATL and DET seeds were correct) -- and missed on Eagles and Cardinals.

The Eagles are the lone team in my Final 8 not still playing, and my preseason Super Bowl matchup is still alive:

AFC Divisional: Patriots over Ravens; Steelers over Texans. AFC Championship: Patriots over Steelers.

NFC Divisional: Saints over Lions; Eagles over Falcons.
NFC Championship: Saints over Eagles.

SUPER BOWL XLVI: Saints 27, Patriots 17

Last year I had the Packers winning the Super Bowl before the season but went against them when it came time to picking the actual games. Will I do that again?

Here we go:

AFC WILD-CARD ROUND

Texans 20, Bengals 16: This is going to be a real struggle for Houston, who I love except for the quarterback. QB Andy Dalton and the Bengals are better team than people think.

Steelers 23, Broncos 10: I don't what to make of the Steelers at this point. They surely aren't going far if Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison look gimpy in this one. But they have enough to beat the Broncos, that's for sure.

NFC WILD-CARD ROUND

Saints 42, Lions 24: The Superdome is an incredibly tough play if you get off to a bad start, especially for a young and immature team like the Lions. Not their time yet.

Giants 24, Falcons 17: New York is playing with a lot of confidence with its pass rush and passing game. Like the loss last year to the Packers, I don't think the Falcons' secondary is good enough as a group.

AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

Steelers 24, Patriots 20: This all hinges on the health of the Steelers and I reserve the right to change this if Roethlisberger looks terrible against the Broncos. What goes unsaid about the first matchup against these teams is a) the Steelers didn't come close to playing a perfect game -- they left a lot of points on the field, and b) they didn't have OLBs James Harrison and Jason Worilds, ILB James Farrior or WR Hines Wards. The Patriots had everyone but now don't have the highly underrated Andre Carter. This is going to be some kind of game, and I hope we get this matchup.

Ravens 23, Texans 10: Baltimore is almost unbeatable at home, especially against a guy like T.J. Yates.

NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

Packers 24, Giants 20: Wouldn't be surprised if New York wins this game, but if Aaron Rodgers doesn't turn the ball over, the Giants won't be able to stop the Packers enough. Greg Jennings' return from injury is the x-factor. If he's near 100 percent, the Packers roll. If he's not, this is going down to the wire.

Saints 23, 49ers 13: New Orleans is obviously a different team outside, but we just can't see defensive coordinator Gregg Williams letting 49ers QB Alex Smith breathe. Could be a repeat of San Francisco's road loss -- this time at home -- against the Ravens.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Steelers 17, Ravens 14: Pittsburgh prides itself on being the better postseason team than its bitter AFC North rival. If there was any year for Baltimore to get over the hump, it would be this one. The Ravens are primed. But in the end, the Steelers are just too tough.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Saints 23, Packers 20: Two historic passes offenses will go head to head but this one will be about the weather that day, and which defense is better. We think it's the Saints, and running back Darren Sproles will be the x-factor. Green Bay does not have an answer for him.

SUPER BOWL XLVI

Saints 27, Steelers 20: New Orleans earns it way back to the friendly confines of a dome, and no one plays on turf like this team. The Saints are a video game.

By Zack Feldman, Globe Correspondent

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — When Bill O’Brien was announced as Penn State’s new head football coach this morning, he made sure to tell his new school about his commitment to see his current job through as the New England Patriots offensive coordinator.

“I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but it’s something that’s been done before,” O’Brien said. “I’m concerned about the next 10 to 20 years here. So I think the best thing that I can do is show our team the kind of loyalty and commitment I have for the Patriots. And then go there and do the best job I can for the Patriots. It’s a one game season.”

Penn State officials are hoping the school’s first new head football coaching hire in 46 years will usher in a brand new phase of the school’s legacy.

But before that can happen, the coach is still aiming for a Super Bowl.

Twenty-four hours after ESPN broke the news, Penn State informally announced the move by a tweet from assistant athletic director Jeff Nelson, saying “#PennState Names Bill O'Brien 15th Head Football Coach in Storied 125-Year History of Program.”

But the new coach’s formal announcement was held in the ballroom of Penn State’s Nittany Lion Inn in front of about 200 members of the media, the school and people important to him, including his family.

Penn State Ad Dave Joyner, football coach Bill O'Brien, and Penn State president Rodney Erickson (from left) (Associated Press)

“After a careful and deliberative search, we have found the right man to lead our football program. He’s a person or great integrity, leadership and skills, who will lead the Nittany Lions to many more winning seasons," Penn State president Rodney Erickson said. “He understands the relationship between athletics and our core educational mission. And he’s committed to continue our tradition of academic excellence.”

In the days preceding the announcement, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft extended best wishes to the soon-to-be-departing coach. And Saturday, O’Brien reciprocated his well-wishes.

“I can’t go any further without thanking the Patriots organization, led by Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, they have been nothing but supportive of me during this whole process,” O’Brien said. “I can’t wait to see them again and thank them in person.”

During a 25-minute session, O’Brien addressed issues ranging from his current duties for the Patriots, how he will begin recruiting and how he will handle his first head coaching job after handling offensive duties for the Patriots as well as 14 college seasons between Georgia Tech, Maryland and Duke.

“We have found that person who has Penn State integrity and Penn State ideals, who can mold young men and lead our program to compete and win at the highest level. He comes with the expertise and passion to lead this important next chapter in Penn State football history,” acting athletics director Dave Joyner said.

O’Brien refused to talk about several topics in detail, including his first contact with the school, recruiting and the scandal that has plagued both the football team and the school since early November.

But he talked about how he intends to split his time until the end of the NFL season — time during which he won’t get many breaks.

“There’s no way I can stand up in front of our football team and talk about loyalty and commitment and then leave the Patriots at the start of a playoff run. I have committed to the New England Patriots to see them through this playoff run,” O’Brien said. “There’s not going to be a lot of sleep over the next two-to-three weeks. Any break I have, to make sure I have as much time as I can for Penn State. I’m in the process of putting together a staff, the best staff for Penn State … Once I get that staff in place in the next two-to-three weeks, those guys will hit the ground running with recruiting and those types of things.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick issued a statement regarding O'Brien's move.

“Over the course of his long coaching career, Bill O’Brien has met every personal and professional challenge head on with great passion and competitiveness. I expect Bill to draw on his deep background in college football and the NFL to continue attracting and developing top players. For five years, Bill’s outstanding work with our quarterbacks and entire offense has led to record-setting performances. His presence and command before our team has grown into that of a inspirational leader. This is a great match between a storied program and a old-school football coach. Bill will be up to the task and I couldn’t be happier for him, Colleen and the O’Brien family.”

Penn State University has (finally) officially announced the hire of Bill O'Brien as the 15th coach in the school's history, though he will be the first since 1966, the year Joe Paterno began his 46-year tenure as head coach.

O'Brien will officially be introduced at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow on campus.

In a press release from the school, O'Brien said, "I am thrilled to be the head coach of the Penn State football program. I cannot tell you how excited I am to get started, meet the team, meet the football alumni and meet all of the people that make this University so special.

"As head coach of this special football program, it is my responsibility to ensure that this program represents the highest level of character, respect and integrity in everything we do. That includes my coaching staff, our players and everyone involved in the football program. There is tremendous pride in Penn State football and will never, ever take that for granted."

Acting athletic director Dave Joyner said of O'Brien, "We have found the man to take Penn State football forward. Needless to say, we have been looking for someone with some very special qualities, beginning with a heart that beats to the values and vision of Penn State University and our Penn State football legacy and tradition. That was our starting point, and Coach O'Brien exemplifies those traits that Penn Staters hold so highly.

"In addition to his model characteristics as a man and a teacher, he's all about producing winners, and doing so the right way. He will embrace tradition, demand excellence and pursue Success with Honor in every phase of our program."

In light of the unfavorable reception news of the hire was given by football alumni like LaVar Arrington last night and today, with several saying they felt the school was wrong by not hiring someone with strong Penn State ties to lead the embattled program, both O'Brien's and Joyner's comments seem pointed.

When you go to the web site for Penn State athletics, you're met with the image of O'Brien wearing a headset, in Patriots garb, on the sidelines.

Bill O'Brien will take over at Penn State, but he also will remain the Patriots' offensive coordinator until their season ends.

The situation isn't unprecedented, even in New England: as the 2004 season wound down, Charlie Weis interviewed for and accepted the head coaching position at Notre Dame while the Patriots were in the playoffs. The Pats, of course, went on to win Super Bowl XXXIX, the last game Weis, Bill Belichick and Romeo Crennel coached together.

Weis is currently the head coach at Kansas, and though he's busy putting together his staff with the Jayhawks, he did write up some comments on what it was like during that time, when he was both the Pats' offensive coordinator and the head coach of the Fighting Irish:

"It was a hectic period, but all things considered I thought it went as smoothly as could be expected. I had a plan of prioritizing everything that went into getting the new staff and program up and running, but I also made it clear that compromising the job at the Patriots was never going to be an option. In the end, the results turned out pretty well."

As New England prepares to welcome a playoff opponent to Gillette Stadium next Saturday, they are likely hoping O'Brien's transition is just as smooth.

A record-setting season by Rob Gronkowski and consistent excellence from Wes Welker put both Patriots in the same spot – on the Associated Press NFL All-Pro first team.

Gronkowski and Welker were the only two Patriots selected to the 28-member first team, which was announced yesterday and is voted on by 50 members of the media who cover the league. Offensive guard Logan Mankins and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork were second-team picks.

Unlike the Pro Bowl selections, which recognize starters and back-ups by conference, the AP All-Pro team encompasses the entire league.

It’s Welker’s second time on the first team; he was also selected in 2009, and was a second-team choice in 2007 and 2008. It’s Gronkowski’s first time on the team.
Gronkowski, in his second year, set NFL records for single-season receiving yards (1,327) and receiving touchdowns (17) by a tight end.

Welker led the league with 122 receptions and was second in yardage (1,569), behind the other first-team receiver, Calvin Johnson of the Lions. In five seasons with the Patriots, Welker has eclipsed 100 catches and 1,000 yards four times.

The San Francisco 49ers put a league-high five players on the first team.

Here's the teams:

Offense: First Team
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Running backs: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville; LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
Fullback: Vonta Leach, Baltimore
Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, New England
Wide receivers: Calvin Johnson, Detroit; Wes Welker, New England
Tackles: Jason Peters, Philadelphia; Joe Thomas, Cleveland
Guards: Carl Nicks, New Orleans; Jahri Evans, New Orleans
Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh
Placekicker: David Akers, San Francisco
Kick returner: Patrick Peterson, Arizona

Defense, First Team
Ends: Jared Allen, Minnesota; Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants
Tackles: Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; Justin Smith, San Francisco
Outside linebackers: Terrell Suggs, Baltimore; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
Inside linebackers: Patrick Willis, San Francisco; NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco, and Derrick Johnson, Kansas City
Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson, Green Bay; Darrelle Revis, New York Jets
Safeties: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh; Eric Weddle, San Diego
Punter: Andy Lee, San Francisco

Offense, Second Team
Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans
Running backs: Ray Rice, Baltimore; Arian Foster, Houston
Fullback: John Kuhn, Green Bay
Tight end: Jimmy Graham, New Orleans
Wide receivers: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Tackles: Duane Brown, Houston; Joe Staley, San Francisco
Guards: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore; Logan Mankins, New England
Center: Ryan Kalil, Carolina, and Nick Mangold, New York Jets
Placekicker: Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland
Kick returner: Devin Hester, Chicago

Defense, Second Team
Ends: Justin Smith, San Francisco; Jason Babin, Philadelphia
Tackles: Geno Atkins, Cincinnatil Vince Wilfork, New England, and Richard Seymour, Oakland
Outside linebackers: Tamba Hali, Kansas City; Von Miller, Denver
Inside linebackers: Brian Cushing, Houston; London Fletcher, Washington
Cornerbacks: Johnathan Joseph, Houston; Carlos Rogers, San Francisco
Safeties: Ed Reed, Baltimore; Earl Thomas, Seattle
Punter: Shane Lechler, Oakland

FOXBOROUGH -- Most of the Patriots were either already gone today when the locker room was opened to the media, hurriedly leaving, or in no mood to discuss the reports about offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien becoming the next head coach at Penn State. Players arrived at Gillette Stadium this morning for team meetings, but did not practice.

One player who did stop and chat was Julian Edelman, who has helped the Patriots on all three sides of the ball, but has gotten to know O'Brien in his role as a receiver.

"Coach is a very passionate guy, knows his stuff, you know he’s going to give it his all always, and I love playing for him," Edelman said. "You want to do well for him."

Edelman was quick to say he couldn't confirm the reports, which surfaced last night, that O'Brien will succeed Joe Paterno, but remain with the Patriots throughout the team's playoff run.

"I don’t know if it’s true yet, I know just about as much as you guys do. From what I was told, Coach [O'Brien] will be here, so that’s my thoughts on that."

What kind of a coach is O'Brien?

"Very passionate guy, knows his stuff, you know he’s going to give it his all always," Edelman said. "Very charismatic, very emotional, he gets fired up when you get fired up. Billy O is just a good guy."

If the reports are true and O'Brien is staying with the Patriots through the playoffs, any distraction could be minimal. But he could also be lining up his future staff at Penn State, which might include other Patriots coaches.

What kind of distraction, Edelman was asked, could this become?

"We’re still getting ready for the playoffs, we didn’t change anything," he said. "We’re going to get right back to work here soon, enjoy a couple days off, rest.

"You’re always happy to see a guy succeed and get opportunities. I know Coach [O'Brien] as an offensive coordinator, he’s done great for us, and he’s going to keep doing well for us, and I look forward to preparing with him this next week."

By Matt Pepin, Globe Staff

The news that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has accepted the Penn State head coach position has been met with some tough commentary, especially from Penn State alums.

Most of the criticism is focused on O'Brien's lack of connections to Penn State. The harshest is from former Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington, who commented to BlueWhite Illustrated prior to news emerging that O'Brien was the pick.

"I will put my Butkus (Award) in storage. I will put my Alamo Bowl MVP trophy in storage," Arrington said. "Jerseys, anything Penn State, in storage. Wherever [interim coach] Tom Bradley goes, that's the school I will start to put memorabilia up in my home. I'm done. I'm done with Penn State. If they're done with us, I'm done with them."

Beyond dealing with the negative perception surrounding the school because of its child sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, O'Brien faces the added challenge of being "the man who replaces the man" at Penn State. Joe Paterno, who had coached the Nittany Lions since 1966, was fired in November.

Former All-American linebacker Brandon Short was also critical of the choice.

"I don't want to be affiliated with the university if they don't choose a Penn State guy because of our standards, our graduation, all the things that have been important... it's no longer Penn State, so we might as well be in the SEC," he said.

Short told USA Today that three members of the Lettermen's Club, a football alumni group, have scheduled a meeting today with Penn State interim athletic director Dave Joyner, who headed the search committee for a new coach.

"There is a tangible standard at Penn State that this poor guy [O'Brien] knows nothing about. I feel badly for him, he is clueless and will not have the support of the majority of the Lettermen. This is a hornet's nest for him," Short said.

Penn State had difficulty filling the job, and its pursuit of more high-profile coaches such as Boise State's Chris Petersen and the Tennessee Titans' Mike Munchak was not successful.

"It just doesn't do anything for me," ESPN analyst and former Penn State quarterback Todd Blackledge said this morning on SportsCenter, adding he doesn't know O'Brien and would reserve judgment about his coaching ability.

"Most coaches get a honeymoon period. It doesn't sound like he's getting one with the Penn State people," former Notre Dame coach and current ESPN analyst Lou Holtz said.

By Greg A. Bedard and Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff

Bill O'Brien, who has directed the Patriots' offense the past three seasons, will become the next head coach at Penn State, according to league sources.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported the news.

O'Brien, who was born in Dorchester but raised in Andover, will stay on until the Patriots' season concludes, similar to the situation the team encountered when then-offensive coordinator Charlie Weis accepted the Notre Dame job in 2004 and stayed on through the Super Bowl run.

O'Brien, 42, came to the Patriots in 2007 as an offensive assistant after coaching at the collegiate level for 14 years, including at his alma mater Brown.

He was named receivers coach in '08 and ascended to quarterbacks coach and playcaller when Josh McDaniels left to coach the Broncos following the '08 season. O'Brien officially got the offensive coordinator title before this season.

Under O'Brien, the Patriots ranked sixth, first and third in points scored in the NFL. In yards, they were third, eighth and second this season.

Analysis

Despite how some fans viewed him, O'Brien is an excellent coach. He could have had his pick of NFL jobs in the near future but not everyone aspires to be an NFL head coach, at least not right now, especially with a young family with some personal concerns. The time demands are much greater in the pros compared to college. You can actually have a semblance life. It's still not ideal, but it's better than the NFL. Of course, everything at that level depends on recruiting, so for O'Brien's sake, I hope he has a good chief recruiter in mind.

Now, where does that leave the Patriots?

In the short term, this won't have much of an effect. O'Brien will do his job and use whatever free time he has to set the wheels in motion at Penn State. It's not perfect, but they'll deal with it.

As for the Patriots going forward, what you have to remember is the Patriots have their own system. It's much different than other NFL teams, where coordinators come in with their own playbooks and completely change everything.

With Bill Belichick and several key assistants -- Dante Scarnecchia and Ivan Fears on offense, Pepper Johnson on defense and Scott O'Brien (no relation) with special teams -- around for the duration, the Patriots run the Patriots' defense and offense regardless of who comes and goes. The coordinators put their own spin on things, but the core is the same and will continue to be that way.

As far as who replaces O'Brien long-term, here are the likely scenarios:

• The return of Josh McDaniels?: The man O'Brien replaced is still under contract with the Rams, but Patriots fans should be watching the coaching searches in St. Louis and Miami. If Jeff Fisher accepts the Rams job -- which many think he will -- then McDaniels will undoubtedly be cut loose. Fisher doesn't like that kind of wide open offense, and McDaniels won no points with Fisher when he basically said the Titans were coached to play dirty after Denver's 2010 victory. If Fisher goes to Miami and the Rams were to hire a defensive minded coach, then McDaniels could stay. Of course, the Chiefs -- with a possible older head coach if Romeo Crennel gets the job -- could be a viable option. But McDaniels does things with Belichick's blessing, and so does Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli. If Belichick wants McDaniels back, he'll get him. We would term McDaniel's return as the most likely scenario. It's far from certain, but if we were betting, this is where we would put our money. (UPDATE: Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported both the Patriots and Chiefs requested permission to speak with McDaniels but it's not known whether the Rams granted that permission).
• Promotion from within: Fears, the veteran running backs coach, could handle things, but the Patriots have a rising coaching star in tight ends Brian Ferentz. He's just 28, could he handle the playcalling duties? Quite possibly. Considering what he's done with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in two seasons, Ferentz could handle just about anything. The Patriots would probably like him to serve under a McDaniels type for a year or two before replacing McDaniels when he gets another head coaching job. Chad O'Shea, the receivers coach, is in his ninth NFL season -- six seasons elsewhere -- is another candidate. Plus, Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady control a lot of the offense, so if there's any team that could afford to go young at quarterbacks coach/playcaller, it's the Patriots. That's what they did with McDaniels, who at 28 (same age as Ferentz) became quarterbacks coach in '04 (after two seasons as a defensive assistant), and called the plays starting a year later in '05.

The Patriots have announced that former linebacker Ray Costict died on Tuesday in Orlando. He was 56.

A Mississippi native who remains the all-time leading tackler in Mississippi State history (467 tackles in three years) and was the 1976 SEC defensive player of the year, Costict was a special-teams standout with New England.

He was the 24th pick of the 11th round (303rd overall) in 1977, and found a niche on special teams as a rookie; in his second season, Costict started four games and was credited with 50.5 tackles. In the final season of his career, 1979, he was credited with 50 tackles and an interception.

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

In the video above, Chris Gasper takes a look at the potential Patriots postseason opponents that are playing in the first round this weekend and how New England matches up with each one.

The Patriots are once again practicing on the game field inside Gillette Stadium in shells and sweats, and today there are six players who were not present for the media-access portion of practice (mainly stretching):

Five were the same who missed as yesterday: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer, and Marcus Cannon; and they were joined by BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the sixth absentee.

The Globe's Greg A. Bedard and former Patriots tight end Jermaine Wiggins analyze the Buffalo Bills' 4th-and-1 fake punt that caught the Patriots off guard.

Bill Belichick confirmed that offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will not be at Patriots' practice today, which would seem to support the multiple reports that say O'Brien is interviewing for the vacant head coaching position at Penn State.

"He will not be at practice today," Belichick said. Asked if there's anything else he can say about O'Brien's situation, Belichick shook his head no.

According to the reports, O'Brien is one of three NFL assistant coaches that Penn State has targeted as possible replacements for Joe Paterno. Packers quarterback coach Tom Clements will be interviewed later this week, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, while 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman interviewed last month.

O'Brien has been with the Patriots since 2007, and was given the offensive coordinator title prior to this season.

Belichick also commented on Marcus Cannon, who was named the team's Ed Block Award winner, which is voted on by teammates and goes to the player who best exemplifies the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while also serving as a source of inspiration. Cannon was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, before last year's NFL Draft, and missed the Patriots' first nine games.

"Great selection," Belichick said. "Marcus has gone through a lot this year, he's certainly had to deal with a lot more than a normal rookie would have to deal with. He dealt with a lot very maturely and unselfishly, was always there for the team and doing what he could to help the team. And he's helped the team, in a lot of ways."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named the AFC offensive player of the month for December/January, when he led the Patriots to five victories and the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

The Patriots scored at least 27 points in each of the victories, and hit a high of 49 vs. the Bills on Sunday.

Brady passed for more than 300 yards in all five games except one, which he struck for 289 vs. the Colts on Dec. 4. He had 357 vs. the Redskins Dec. 11, 320 vs. the Broncos Dec. 18, 304 vs. the Dolphins Dec. 24, and 338 vs. the Bills Jan. 1.

It is the second time this season Brady was named player of the month -- he also received the award for November -- and sixth time of his career.

Globe NFL reporter Greg A. Bedard is hosting a chat session right now to discuss the Patriots and the NFL wild-card playoff games. Join the conversation in the window below.

According to multiple reports, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patriots' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will interview tomorrow for the head coaching opening at Penn St.

NFL Network said that not only is the interview in place, but a "deal is possible soon," though negotiations have not begun.

The NFL Network report went on to say the Jaguars, who earlier this week request and received permission to interview O'Brien for their head coaching position, planned to interview him this weekend but that could be unlikely at this point.

O'Brien was first mentioned as a strong candidate for the Penn State job on Sunday, with news coming just before kickoff of the Patriots' season finale against Buffalo.

The 42-year old O'Brien's coaching roots are at the college level: after graduating from Brown, where he was a defensive end and linebacker, he took a job as a graduate assistant with his alma mater.

He joined the Patriots' staff in 2007.

A limited number of single tickets for the Patriots' Jan. 14 playoff game at Gillette Stadium will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., the team announced today.

Orders will only be handled by Ticketmaster on its web site or by calling 800-745-3000.

The Patriots said the seats available are mostly only single seats.

Tickets are also available on the Boston.com Tickets powered by Ace Tickets page.

The Patriots have announced tonight that a limited number of tickets are available for the team's Jan. 14 playoff game and will be made available to the public starting on Friday morning. There are mostly single seats available, with each person permitted to purchase four.

The sale will start at 10 a.m. Friday, with tickets being offered only two ways: at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. A Visa debit or credit card is the only form of payment accepted.

Ticket prices are set by the NFL, and range from $85 to $198.

In the latest episode of Inside the Playbook, former Patriots tight end Jermaine Wiggins and Globe NFL writer Greg A. Bedard break down the Patriots' dual-threat tight ends and Aaron Hernandez's big catch.

The Patriots are holding practice on the game field inside Gillette Stadium today, and there were five players not spotted: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon and Sebastian Vollmer.

Bill Belichick has emphasized this week that while the team would practice, that would means different things for different guys, depending on their injury status, etc.

Brady is dealing with a left shoulder injury, Welker has been listed with a knee injury and also took a pretty good pop in the rib area on Sunday; Mankins suffered a left MCL sprain against Buffalo on Christmas Eve, and Vollmer hasn't practiced for weeks.

At this point, unsure what's going on with Cannon.

The players were in shells and sweats.

New practice squad player Britt Davis is wearing No. 17, last worn by Taylor Price.

The Patriots have announced the signing of WR Britt Davis to the practice squad. To make room, TE Garrett Mills was released.

Davis, 25, is listed at 6-3, 215 pounds. He played in three games with the Broncos last year, but has not been on a roster since being released by Denver at the end of training camp this year.

He originally came into the league with the Jets in 2009, as an undrafted rookie out of Northern Illinois.

Garrett had been on the Pats' p-squad for most of the season.

In today's edition of Globe 10.0, Bob Ryan and Greg Lee discuss which potential playoff opponent would be the most favorable matchup for the Patriots.

If the Bengals beat the Texans Saturday (4:30 p.m.), it'll be Cincinnati at New England on Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.

If the Texans beat the Bengals, the Patriots will face the winner of Sunday's Broncos-Steelers game (4:30 p.m.).

Watch Bob and Greg give their take in the video above, then cast your vote.

Here's a look at how the Patriots finished in a number of team statistics:

OFFENSE
Total offense: 2nd, 428.0 yards per game (1st, New Orleans 467.1)
Rushing: 20th, 110.3 YPG (1st, Denver 164.5)
Passing: 2nd, 317.8 YPG (1st, New Orleans 334.2)

First downs per game: 2nd, 24.9 (1st, New Orleans 26.0)
3rd-down efficiency: 5th, 45.9 percent (1st, New Orleans 56.7)
Points per game: 3rd, 32.1 (1st, Green Bay 35.0)

Red-zone offense: 2nd, 65.3 percent touchdown rate - 47 TD/72 opportunities (1st, Jets 65.5 percent touchdown rate - 36 TD/55 opportunities)

DEFENSE

Total defense: 31st, 411.1 yards per game (1st, Pittsburgh 271.8)
Rushing: 17th, 117.1 YPG (1st, San Francisco 77.3)
Passing: 31st, 293.9 YPG (1st, Pittsburgh 171.9)

First downs allowed per game: 32nd, 23.1 (1st, Pittsburgh 16.5)
3rd-down defense: 28th, 43.1 percent (1st, Arizona 31.4 percent)
Points per game: 15th, 21.4 (1st, Pittsburgh 14.2)

Red-zone defense: T-21st, 55.7 percent touchdown rate - 34 TD allowed/61 opportunities (1st, Baltimore 38.1 percent touchdown rate - 16 TD allowed/42 opportunities)

Points per game differential: 3rd, 10.7 (1st, New Orleans 13.0)
Takeaway/giveaway: 3rd, plus-17 - 34 takeaways, 17 giveaways (1st, San Francisco plus-28 - 38 takeaways, 10 giveaways)

By Steve Silva, Globe Staff

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spoke about slow starts, lack of calls, and the upcoming NFL playoffs during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan show today.

After falling behind early on the scoreboard for the second straight week, most recently letting the Buffalo Bills jump out to a 21-0 lead on Sunday, Brady was asked if the ongoing slow starts could be a fatal flaw for New England in the postseason.

“I think we’re always trying to play better,” Brady said. “We come out of every game saying there’s things we didn’t do so well and things we have to do better. I don't think what's in our mind is, 'We're going to lose, we're going to lose, we're going to lose.' You don't think about that. You think you're going to win. You think you're going to pull the game out. You have confidence that if you play for four quarters and you play hard and you make more plays than the other team, then at the end of the 60 minutes you're going to win the game. Believe me, we’d all love to be up 21-0 instead of down 21-0 but if we're down 21-0 we still have confidence that we can come back and win the game."

“We just didn’t make the plays,” Brady added when pressed on why the team wasn’t ready to execute at the opening kickoff. “We’ll go in there today, we’ll watch the film and we’ll try to make corrections… I don’t think anyone can put a finger on exactly what it is but we won eight straight, we feel very good about that and we continue to make improvements. We've certainly showed that we can score points and when we get a lead on teams, we don't usually give that up. There's been a lot of positives to take from the last eight weeks."

Brady was reminded about being bounced from the playoffs on their home field the last two seasons and said those losses have no relation to this year’s upcoming games.

"They're two totally different teams in two totally different years against two totally different opponents that really have no impact on next week's game," he said. "It's a completely different team that we have and probably the team that we'll face. To me, it's very pointless to talk about something that happened a year ago, like it's going to have any impact on what's going to happen in two weeks, because it really won't."

Brady was asked about landing on his newsworthy left shoulder after being sacked in the first quarter of the Buffalo game and if it did any damage to him physically.

“I didn’t think about it at all,” Brady said. “I don’t think about that when I’m out there. You just try to play through the sacks, or hits, and some feel better than others but I’ve played a lot of football games now and there’s only one serious injury that took me out of a game so hopefully I don’t have any of those in the near future.”

Brady commented on the possibility that offensive coordinator Billy O'Brien may leave New England for a job elsewhere next season.

"I haven't thought about it,” Brady said. “I really don't know what the situation is with Billy. He's been a great coach and a friend of mine so I don't think anyone really knows what's going to happen. I hope he's here for a long time, but everyone gets different opportunities. No one really knows how those opportunities, what will really pan out."

Brady was asked if he enjoyed the demise of the New York Jets, a team he said he hated in the past.

"There's a few websites I like where they have all the New York papers so I read a few of those articles,” Brady said. “I would be remiss not to. They had a tough year and I'm glad we beat them twice. That was a huge key to our season, that win against the Jets in the Meadowlands. We'll see them next year. They're not going anywhere. I'm sure they'll come back with just as much confidence next year."

Brady was asked if he agreed with the official’s call that he was driven to the ground on an interception return on Sunday.

“Probably not,” Brady said. “I didn’t even know they threw a flag. I was already on the sideline. I was pretty pissed at that point… it doesn’t take much for me to go down.”

Brady doesn’t think he gets favorable calls from the officials in general.

"No, I haven't gotten any calls all year,” Brady said. “That may have been my first call all year. I don't think I've gotten any roughing or any of that. I know, it's funny, because people say that. I don't get any calls. Just a little bitching from other guys ... It’s part of the position, receivers get calls, DBs get calls. But when a quarterback gets calls, there's some big issue with it you know? Everyone's bitching about quarterbacks getting calls. There's linemen that hold and don't get called. There's D-linemen that hold and don't get called. It's part of the game."

Brady, who passed for over 5,000 yards this season, was asked what individual accomplishment he is most proud of this season.

"Yeah, I'm happy I was out there to start 16 weeks,” Brady said. “I think that's probably what I'm probably most proud of, that I was able to be there for my teammates and really come out every week and start the game. To be durable and to try to be a consistent player on our team, that's probably what I'm most proud of."

Patriots' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien's name continues to come up as NFL and college teams search for new head coaches.

A short while ago, ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that Jacksonville requested and received permission to speak with O'Brien about its head coaching vacancy.

In the same tweet, he said that O'Brien remains "squarely on Penn St's radar", a report which contradicts an earlier tweet from CBS's Charley Casserly.

Casserly said this afternoon that O'Brien "Won't be going to Penn State. Greg Roman SF Off Coord has been interviewed. Penn St to take another shot at Peterson(Boise)."

Translated, he was saying that San Francisco offensive coordinator Greg Roman will be interviewed for the Nittany Lions' opening, and that the school will also take another shot at Boise State coach Chris Petersen.

Petersen has declined to even interview with Penn State, as I understand.

All of which is to say, stay tuned. And that O'Brien is creating some interest.

Yesterday was the final game of Jason Taylor's career. The longtime Dolphin, who also played with the Redskins and Jets, decided that 15 seasons were enough, and was carried off the field by his teammates in Miami yesterday after 230 games, 578 tackles, and 139.5 sacks.

No player has sacked Tom Brady more often than Taylor, who finished his career with 11.5 sacks of his friend, Brady (and also with 6.5 of Drew Bledsoe), and Bill Belichick respected Taylor's play so much that he tried more than once to get him to sign with New England, but it never worked out.

Both Belichick and Brady wrote statements, which were initially forwarded to the Dolphins, on Taylor's career:

Belichick:

“Jason Taylor was the player I coached against the most times and may also be the one
who ruined the most games so his retirement is met with some mixed reactions in New England. Jason was a relentless competitor, a game changer and I congratulate him on a truly remarkable career.”

Brady (pretty humorous from TB12):

“I couldn’t have been happier – for Jason and his family, of course – to learn that Jason Taylor was finally retiring. We have had to battle him twice a year for more than a decade. While I had a tremendous amount of respect for Jason when I first entered the league, my admiration for him only grew through our rivalry on the field and our friendship off of it. For 15 seasons, he was one of the league’s most dominant defenders. He was a tenacious pass rusher and as fierce as a competitor as you will find. The NFL will miss his presence on Sundays, but I for one will not. I wish Jason and his family the very best in his retirement and look forward to seeing him … off the field.”

Now that the NFL regular season has ended and playoff entrants have been determined, it was pointed out on Twitter that the Patriots' 13 wins all came against teams who finished 8-8 or worse.

Does that matter? Well, we'll find out soon enough - in theory, playoff teams are supposed to feast on weaker opponents.

Using strength of schedule (the composite record of all opponents) and strength of victory (the composite record of teams defeated), New England was in the middle of the pack among the 12 teams that made the playoffs in the NFL.

Here's a look at how things broke down among the dozen teams whose seasons continue:

(SoS - strength of schedule; SoV - strength of victory; * - playoff team)

AFC playoff teams
1. New England - 13-3 record, SoS .449, SoV .423
Wins against: 6-10 Miami (twice), 8-8 Jets (twice), 6-10 Buffalo, 8-8 San Diego, 8-8 Oakland, 8-8 Denver*, 7-9 Kansas City, 8-8 Philadelphia, 8-8 Dallas, 5-11 Washington, 2-14 Indianapolis
Losses against: 6-10 Bills, 12-4 Pittsburgh*, 9-7 Giants*

2. Baltimore - 12-4 record, SoS .477, SoV .484
Wins against: 12-4 Pittsburgh* (twice), 9-7 Cincinnati* (twice), 4-12 Cleveland (twice), 2-14 St. Louis, 8-8 Jets, 10-6 Houston*, 8-8 Arizona, 13-3 San Francisco*, 2-14 Indianapolis
Losses against: 5-11 Jacksonville, 9-7 Tennessee, 7-9 Seattle, 8-8 San Diego

3. Houston - 10-6 record, SoS .453, SoV .413
Wins against: 5-11 Jacksonville (twice), 2-14 Indianapolis, 9-7 Tennessee, 6-10 Miami, 12-4 Pittsburgh*, 4-12 Cleveland, 4-12 Tampa Bay, 10-6 Atlanta*, 9-7 Cincinnati*
Losses against: 2-14 Indianapolis, 13-3 New Orleans*, 8-8 Oakland, 12-4 Baltimore*, 9-7 Tennessee, 6-10 Carolina

4. Denver - 8-8 record, SoS .520, SoV .445
Wins against: 8-8 Oakland, 9-7 Cincinnati*, 8-8 San Diego, 6-10 Miami, 7-9 Kansas City, 8-8 Jets, 3-13 Minnesota, 8-8 Chicago
Losses against: 8-8 Oakland, 9-7 Tennessee, 15-1 Green Bay*, 8-8 San Diego, 10-6 Detroit*, 7-9 Kansas City, 13-3 New England*, 6-10 Buffalo

5. Pittsburgh - 12-4 record, SoS .492, SoV .411
Wins against: 9-7 Cincinnati* (twice), 4-12 Cleveland (twice), 13-3 New England*, 7-9 Seattle, 2-14 Indianapolis, 9-7 Tennessee, 5-11 Jacksonville, 8-8 Arizona, 7-9 Kansas City, 2-14 St. Louis
Losses against: 12-4 Baltimore* (twice), 10-6 Houston*, 13-3 San Francisco*

6. Cincinnati - 9-7 record, SoS .492, SoV .326
Wins against: 4-12 Cleveland (twice), 6-10 Buffalo, 5-11 Jacksonville, 2-14 Indianapolis, 7-9 Seattle, 9-7 Tennessee, 2-14 St. Louis, 8-8 Arizona
Losses against: 12-4 Pittsburgh* (twice), 12-4 Baltimore* (twice), 8-8 Denver, 13-3 San Francisco*, 10-6 Houston*

NFC playoff teams
1. Green Bay - 15-1 record, SoS .457, SoV .458
Wins against: 10-6 Detroit* (twice), 8-8 Chicago (twice), 3-13 Minnesota (twice), 13-3 New Orleans*, 6-10 Carolina, 10-6 Atlanta*, 2-14 St. Louis, 8-8 San Diego, 4-12 Tampa Bay, 9-7 Giants*, 8-8 Oakland, 8-8 Denver*
Loss against: 7-9 Kansas City

2. San Francisco - 13-3 record, SoS .449, SoV .418
Wins against: 7-9 Seattle (twice), 2-14 St. Louis (twice), 8-8 Arizona, 9-7 Cincinnati*, 8-8 Philadelphia, 4-12 Tampa Bay, 10-6 Detroit*, 4-12 Cleveland, 5-11 Washington, 9-7 Giants*, 12-4 Pittsburgh*
Losses against: 7-9 Dallas, 8-8 Arizona, 12-4 Baltimore*

3. New Orleans - 13-3 record, SoS .441, SoV .442
Wins against: 6-10 Carolina (twice), 10-6 Atlanta* (twice), 4-12 Tampa Bay, 8-8 Chicago, 10-6 Houston*, 5-11 Jacksonville, 2-14 Indianapolis, 9-7 Giants*, 10-6 Detroit*, 9-7 Tennessee, 3-13 Minnesota
Losses against: 15-1 Green Bay*, 4-12 Tampa Bay, 2-14 St. Louis

4. New York Giants - 9-7 record, SoS .520, SoV .465
Wins against: 7-9 Dallas (twice), 8-8 Philadelphia, 2-14 St. Louis, 8-8 Arizona, 6-10 Buffalo, 6-10 Miami, 13-3 New England*, 8-8 Jets
Losses against: 5-11 Washington (twice), 8-8 Philadelphia, 7-9 Seattle, 13-3 San Francisco*, 13-3 New Orleans*, 15-1 Green Bay*

5. Atlanta - 10-6 record, SoS .480, SoV .375
Wins against: 6-10 Carolina (twice), 4-12 Tampa Bay, 8-8 Philadelphia, 7-9 Seattle, 10-6 Detroit*, 9-7 Tennessee, 3-13 Minnesota, 5-11 Jacksonville
Losses against: 13-3 New Orleans* (twice), 4-12 Tampa Bay, 8-8 Chicago, 15-1 Green Bay*, 10-6 Houston*

6. Detroit - 10-6 record, SoS .535, SoV .394
Wins against: 3-13 Minnesota (twice), 8-8 Chicago, 4-12 Tampa Bay, 7-9 Kansas City, 7-9 Dallas, 8-8 Denver*, 6-10 Carolina, 8-8 Oakland, 8-8 San Diego
Losses against: 15-1 Green Bay* (twice), 8-8 Chicago, 13-3 San Francisco*, 10-6 Atlanta*, 13-3 New Orleans*

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

With the 2011 regular season over, the slate of Patriots' opponents for 2012 have been set.

Here are the home and away opponents.

HOME

Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets

Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts

San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals

Denver Broncos (AFC West winner)

AWAY

Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets

Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans

Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams

Baltimore Ravens (AFC North winner)

The Globe's Christopher L. Gasper breaks down the Patriots' 49-21 win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday and takes a look at how they project in the playoffs.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

Not one team fighting for a playoff spot in the AFC managed to punch their ticket on their own. Instead, the Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) and Denver Broncos (8-8) dropped games on Sunday and still managed to sneak in.

The Bengals will be the No. 6 seed in the AFC and face No. 3 Houston. The Broncos, winners of the AFC West, will be the No. 4 seed and host the No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Patriots, in the second week of the playoffs, will face the lowest-seeded team to emerge from the wild-card round. They can only face Denver, Pittsburgh, or Cincinnati. That game will be 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Gillette Stadium.

Yesterday, the Broncos lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 7-3, and the Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 24-16.

Because the Oakland Raiders lost to the San Diego Chargers, 38-26, and the Broncos held a tiebreaker over Oakland, Denver won the AFC West.

The Bengals, which needed to win to secure a wild-card berth or get help, got lots of help. Losses by the New York Jets and Broncos clinched their spot. If the Broncos had won, the Bengals still would've gotten in because of the losses by the Jets and Raiders.

The Atlanta Falcons (10-6), which nailed down the No. 5 seed in the NFC after routing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 45-24, will visit the New York Giants (9-7) after the Giants beat the Cowboys 31-14 Sunday night for the NFC East title.

The Detroit Lions (10-6), which fell to the No. 6 seed after losing to Green Bay, 45-41, will visit the No. 3-seeded New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round.

The San Francisco 49ers (13-3) clinched the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win over the St. Louis Rams. Green Bay had already clinched the top seed.

AFC

1. New England Patriots (13-3)
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Denver Broncos (8-8)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

NFC

1. Green Bay Packers (15-1)
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
3. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
4. New York Giants (9-7)
5. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
6. Detroit Lions (10-6)

Wild-card matchups

Saturday
AFC: No. 6 Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) at No. 3 Houston Texans (10-6), 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
NFC: No. 6 Detroit Lions (10-6) at No. 3 New Orleans Saints (13-3), 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Sunday
NFC: No. 5 Atlanta Falcons (10-6) at No. 4 New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
AFC: No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) at No. 4 Denver Broncos (8-8), 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

Divisional playoff matchups

Saturday, Jan. 14
AFC: No. 1 New England Patriots (13-3) vs. TBD, 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
NFC: No. 2 San Francisco 49ers (13-3) vs.TBD, 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

Sunday, Jan. 15
AFC: No. 2 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) vs. TBD, 1 p.m. ET
NFC: No. 1 Green Bay Packers (15-1) vs. TBD, 4:30 p.m. ET

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- At 13-3, the Patriots are once again atop the AFC playoff picture. But much like last season's 14-2 finish and No. 1 seed, it doesn't mean anything unless the Patriots play well come the playoffs. Bill Belichick said as much in his postgame press conference.

"What’s important is how the teams play next week and then the following week," Belichick said. "We’ve seen the No. 6 [seeded] team win the Super Bowl, we’ve seen first-seeded team win the Super Bowl, and we’ve seen teams in between win. I think what’s more important than where your seeded is how you play in the playoffs. We’ll try to play the best we can. That’s what we’ll do."

Quarterback Tom Brady was similarly wary of the benefits that come with being the No. 1 seed.

"It depends how well we play," Brady said. "I think that’s going to be the determining factor on whether we win or lose is how well we execute. It’s great playing at home. It’s great to have a bye, but I think we have to concentrate here this week on what we need to do to play our best football in a couple weeks."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- When Tom Brady hangs up his cleats, Jan. 1, 2012 may only be just a footnote in his career. But it was an historic day nonetheless.

Throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns, Brady surpassed 5,000 yards for the season in leading the Patriots to a 49-21 comeback win over the Buffalo Bills to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

He’s the third quarterback in NFL history to have passed for more than 5,000 yards, finishing the season with 5,235, a total second only to the Saints' Drew Brees. The New Orleans quarterback threw for 389 yards Sunday to finish with an NFL-record 5,476. Both quarterbacks broke Dan Marino's mark of 5,084, which had stood since 1984.

Brady surpassed the 5,000-yard mark with a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez in the second quarter.

Detroit’s Matthew Stafford joined the list later Sunday, becoming the fourth QB to throw for more than 5,000 yards, eclipsing the mark with 520-yard passing performance.

Brady also reached the 300-touchdown milestone Sunday, tying him with John Elway for fifth all-time in NFL history. The significance of the milestones was not lost on Brady, but it's not nearly as important to him as winning.

“I play this game for one reason and it’s to win,” Brady said. “There’s nothing more important to me than that. As a quarterback you do everything you can do to help this team win. When your number is called upon to go out and execute certain plays, that’s what you’re expected to do. It’s not something I think about, it’s not something I ever [think], ‘Man, I love throwing touchdowns,’ or ‘I love throwing for yards.’ I love winning and that helps me sleep at night.”

In retrospect, the 2011 season won’t match up to 2007’s perfect regular-season run. Brady may only be worried about Super Bowl wins at the end of the day. He’s burning for a fourth title, which eluded him in 2007. But he does credit his successes to the abundance of talent around him. Rob Gronkowski, who recorded an NFL-record 1,327 yards receiving this year for a tight end, has certainly made things easier for him. As has Wes Welker, who finished the year with 122 catches and 1,569 yards receiving. And one can’t forget Hernandez, who had his third 100-yard receiving day Sunday of the season.

“Our passing game has been obviously a big strongpoint of this team,” Brady said. “The pass catchers and the blockers have been great and we’ve run the ball great, too, at times. That’s what it takes – a complementary offense. You run it and we throw it when we need to throw it and we can be effective. You have to stay balanced and those guys have done a great job all year doing stuff with it.”

For Patriots coach Bill Belichick, much like Brady, there’s a tendency to gloss over individual accomplishments and focus in on the wins. But they are acknowledged, if only slightly. When asked to comment about Brady’s year as well as Gronkowski’s record – much like he’s been asked about their achievements all year long – Belichick didn’t give up much. But he at least acknowledged it.

“They’ve obviously had great years,” Belichick said. “No question, they’ve had great years.”

His attention, just like Brady’s, is on winning the next game.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who infamously pretended to shoot himself in the leg in a touchdown celebration against the New York Jets earlier this season, was flagged yet again for his antics.

This time, after catching a 17-yard touchdown against the Patriots in the first quarter, he lifted his shirt to reveal a message that said "Happy New Year's." The humor was short-lived.

"I didn't know it was going to draw a penalty," Johnson said. "At the end of the day, what I did was what I did, and I am going to try and bring in the New Year. Ultimately, it hurt my teammates and that is the thing that is hurting me the most. The fact is that it hurt my team."

Johnson was benched the remainder of the game.

"The coach told me I was out of the game," Johnson said. "He said for the rest of the game and I have to respect his decision. He made it and that is what it is. I can't complain about it or whine or pout. He made his decision and I am going with it. It really doesn't matter why or how it happened at the end of the day, what I did hurt my teammates and I have to take that and I will."

Little did Johnson know his touchdown catch and subsequent penalty would be his last play this year, a contract season for the talented wideout.

"Well, what we said after we had an issue earlier in the season was if anybody got a penalty that hurt our football team for any kind of demonstration, that he was out that game and then we would decide about the next game," Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "And so, if I say that, then I am going to do it, so he was out."

Gailey said he was tired of Johnson being selfish.

"I got tired of it the first time it happened," Gailey said. "But, you hope people learn from situations."

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots scored 49 unanswered points, picked off Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick four times, beating the Bills, 49-21, to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Tom Brady, who finished 23 of 35 for 338 yards and three touchdowns, passed the 5,000-yard mark, becoming the third quarterback in NFL history to have done so. He finished with 5,235. He beat Dan Marino's 1984 record of 5,084 yards but now sits behind the Saints' Drew Brees, who finished the season 5,476.

Rob Gronkowski, who had eight catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns, broke the NFL record for yards in a season by a tight end with 1,327. Gronkowski finished with 18 touchdowns as well, good for second all-time in Patriots history.

1:30 4th quarter: Patriots 49, Bills 21 -- Antwaun Molden intercepted a floating Ryan Fitzpatrick pass, the Patriots' fourth pick of the Buffalo QB. Fitzpatrick equaled the number of interceptions Tom Brady threw in the teams' first meeting in Buffalo.

2:55 4th quarter: Patriots 49, Bills 21 -- Once is fine, but twice is nice. Sterling Moore recorded his second interception of the game and his career, returning it 21 yards for a touchdown.

The Patriots have now scored 49 unanswered points against the Bills and Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown three interceptions.

3:02 4th quarter: Patriots 42, Bills 21 -- Rob Gronkowski caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady for his second TD of the game.

It was Brady's 300th touchdown pass of his career and it gave Gronkowski 18 touchdowns on the year, second in franchise history behind Randy Moss's 23 in 2007.

Gronkowski also passed the NFL record mark set in 1980 by San Diego's Kellen Winslow for yards in a season by a tight end. He needed 72 yards to surpass it. He currently has 86 yards on seven catches.

11:16 4th quarter: Patriots 35, Bills 21 -- Aaron Hernandez's 44-yard catch-and-run set up a 3-yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Patriots capitalized on Devin McCourty's interception. They've now scored 35 unanswered points.

12:04 4th quarter: Patriots 28, Bills 21 -- Devin McCourty picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Patriots' second pick of the game. It is McCourty's second of the year. McCourty was playing free safety on the play after playing the last 15 games at left cornerback.

End of the 3d quarter: Patriots 28, Bills 21 -- We've come to the end of the third quarter and the Patriots have scored 28 unanswered points since getting drubbed in the first quarter.

Gronkowski's third-quarter touchdown gave him 17 this season, tying Curtis Martin for second on the franchise list.

1:32 3d quarter: Patriots 28, Bills 21 -- The Patriots capitalized on Sterling Moore's interception, with Tom Brady connecting with TE Rob Gronkowski for a 17-yard touchdown pass. The Patriots went for 2, putting them up 7 points with Danny Woodhead punching in the extra deuce.

It was a five-play, 25-yard drive that spanned 2:22.

3:54 3d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 20 -- Sterling Moore picked off Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Patriots get the ball back at the Bills 25-yard line.

5:13 3d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 20 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 20-yard field goal after BenJarvus Green-Ellis set the Patriots up in the red zone, catching a screen pass and racing 53 yards to the 20-yard line.

Wes Welker caught a 15-yard pass on the drive, giving him 120 catches on the year. It's the second time he's had 120 catches in one season. The only other player to have 120 catches more than once in the NFL was Cris Carter, who did it for the Minnesota Vikings in 1994 and 1995.

8:45 3d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 17 -- Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick appears to have lost his touch, misfiring twice on the last drive to receivers en route to another Bills punt. Credit the Patriots' secondary and LB corps for throwing different coverage at him. The Bills continue to use a spread offense. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are alternating at the safety positions, with Antwaun Molden and Sterling Moore at the outside corners. WR Julian Edelman is manning the slot, or star, corner.

12:19 3d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 17 -- Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 47-yard field goal as the Patriots went 50 yards on nine plays to open the third quarter.

On a 13-yard run by Stevan Ridley, the Patriots surpassed a franchise record for total yards in a season.

15:00 3d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 14 -- The third quarter is underway and the Patriots have the ball at the 22.

End of 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 14 -- Brandon Coutu missed a 45-yard field goal and the Patriots escaped the first half without giving up another score after Tom Brady's interception.

Brady is 11 of 15 for 134 yards and a touchdown. Today's favorite target is Aaron Hernandez, who has four catches for 81 yards and a score.

Stevan Ridley has been the featured running back today. He has nine rushes for 48 yards. However, BenJarvus Green-Ellis punched in a 1-yard TD for the Patriots, diving over a goal-line pile for the Patriots' first score of the day.

The Bills have ridden the arm of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He's completed 20 of 28 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, including a 17-yard strike to Stevie Johnson and 15-yard score to C.J. Spiller.

0:51 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 14 -- Tom Brady was intercepted on third and 14, his pass intended to Wes Welker getting tipped. Bills LB Nick Barnett snagged the ball and returned it 33 yards.

Bills CB Drayton Florence was flagged for hitting Brady during the return.

2:25 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 14 -- On fourth and 12 at the Patriots 36, Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was forced into a bad throw by safety Patrick Chung. It was the second stop by the Patriots' defense in a row.

5:42 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 14 -- Aaron Hernandez high-stepped his way into the end zone, completing a 39-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to pull the Patriots within a touchdown.

On the TD, Tom Brady surpassed 5,000 yards passing. He's the third quarterback in NFL history to do so. Brady is 8 of 10 for 107 yards and touchdown now. He needed 103 yardsto pass 5,000.

8:59 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 7 -- Mark Anderson recorded his 10th sack of the year. It's the first time since 1985 that the Patriots have had two pass rushers with at least 10 sacks. Andre Carter, who is now on injured reserve, has 10 sacks. Anderson's sack on first down helped the Patriots to hold the Bills to a punt for the first time this game.

Devin McCourty continues to play at safety for the Patriots as the Bills utilize a spread offense. Patrick Chung, who returned after missing the past seven games, is playing corner in the slot in these situations.

11:58 2d quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 7 -- BenJarvus Green-Ellis jumped over a goal-line pile for a 1-yard touchdown run and the Patriots are on the board.

Stevan Ridley's 21-yard rush to the Bills' 2-yard line helped set up the score, as well as Tom Brady's 27-yard pass to Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots went 77 yards in nine plays in 3:50, utilizing their hurry-up offense.

It was Green-Ellis's 10th touchdown of the year.

End of 1st quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 0 -- Tom Brady completed two quick passes before the end of the first quarter. In this situation, you can typically expect the Patriots to go to their hurry-up offense. But then again, this is not a typical situation for the Patriots, being down, 21-0.

0:48 1st quarter: Bills 21, Patriots 0 -- Ryan Fitzpatrick completed all five of his passes, including a 15-yard touchdown strike to RB CJ Spiller out of the slot as the Bills have now gone up by three scores in the first quarter.

The Bills went 82 yards in six plays in 3:07.

Fitzpatrick is 13 of 16 for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

After the touchdown, Patriots fans at Gillette booed the players on the field.

3:55 1st quarter: Bills 14, Patriots 0 -- Tom Brady was sacked hard for a 10-yard loss on third down and the Patriots punted for the second drive in a row. Brady got up gingerly, not moving his left shoulder much. Keep an eye on that shoulder.

5:19 1st quarter: Bills 14, Patriots 0 -- Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a 17-yard touchdown to Stevie Johnson, topping off an 10-play drive that went 70 yards. The touchdown catch, which was a diving grab, was reviewed and upheld.

Johnson made up for a dropped pass on third down, coming right back and catching a pass on fourth and 4 to keep the Bills' drive alive. Two plays later he was in the end zone, showing off a T-shirt under his jersey that read "Happy New Year's'' that got him flagged for excessive celebration.

Patriots DT Kyle Love recorded a 3-yard sack on Fitzpatrick on the drive.

The Bills have opted to go with a five-receiver offense for most of the game, spreading the Patriots defenders out. We'll see if this trend continues.

10:00 1st quarter: Bills 7, Patriots 0 -- Tom Brady was hit on a throw to Wes Welker, an incomplete pass, and Stevan Ridley ran twice for two yards as the Patriots went three and out. Ridley got the start over BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Ryan Wendell got the start at left guard over Donald Thomas.

11:18 1st quarter: Bills 7, Patriots 0 -- Antwaun Molden was flagged for pass interference, giving 47 yards to the Bills. They capitalized with a 4-yard touchdown run by Tashard Choice. The Bills converted a fourth down with a direct snap to George Wilson to help set up the scoring drive. The Bills went 80 yards in eight plays and 3:42.

12:30 1st quarter: Patriots 0, Bills 0 -- Patrick Chung has already made his presence felt in his first game since Week 9. He pummeled Bills receiver Stevie Johnson on a third and 6, keeping him from getting a first down. Also of note in the first series, Devin McCourty has lined up at safety a couple of times. Keep your eyes on him.

15:00 1st quarter: Patriots 0, Bills 0 -- The Patriots have deferred and the Bills will receive the opening kickoff. Game on.

--

The Patriots are looking for revenge after a 34-31 loss in Week 3 to the Buffalo Bills in which Tom Brady threw four interceptions. They're now on a seven-game winning streak and the Bills are in their way for the top seed in the AFC. Stay right here for all of the game's updates. We'll also have playoff matchups on the blog later today when all the games have concluded.

It's 51 degrees out with sunny skies and warm (enough) conditions. Enjoy the game!

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By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH – Some quickie thoughts at halftime:

• The Patriots have made significant changes with their coverages, and I just think it’s practice for the postseason. They’ve played almost all man-to-man underneath one or two deep safeties. The safeties in nickel and dime are Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty. This is an admission by the Patriots that McCourty is not capable of playing man coverage.
• The Patriots aren’t going to play all man in the postseason but it’s important that they practice it now so they can mix it in.
• Bills have 295 total yards and 235 passing yards at halftime.
• Patriots set the league record for gross and net passing yards allowed in a season.
• LB Dane Fletcher and DB Nate Jones were pulled in favor of LB Brandon Spikes and WR Julian Edelman after the Bills raced to a 21-0 lead.
• Chung looks pretty good in his return.
• Remember that the Bills played their final four drives without WR Stevie Johnson, who was benched after drawing a penalty celebrating his touchdown.
• The Patriots have benefited from a rookie at LT Chris Hairston (sack allowed) and journeyman at center Colin Brown (fumbled shotgun snap) for the Bills.
• RB Stevan Ridley ran well with 48 yards on nine carries as he continues to take the starting job from BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
• Aaron Hernandez (81 yards on four catches) is killing the Bills underneath.

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady finished today's 49-21 victory over the Bills with 338 yards and three touchdowns, and became the third quarterback in NFL history to pass the 5,000-yard mark. He finished with 5,235.

On a touchdown pass to TE Aaron Hernandez in the second quarter for 39 yards, Brady eclipsed the mark.

"Guys did a lot – catching the ball and running with it. Our passing game has been obviously a big strong point of this team," Brady said. "The pass catchers and the blockers have been great and we’ve run the ball great, too, at times. That’s what it takes – a complementary offense. You run it and we throw it when we need to throw it and we can be effective. You have to stay balanced and those guys have done a great job all year doing stuff with it."

Last week, Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed the 5,000-yard mark for the second time in his career, this time breaking Dan Marino's NFL record of 5,084 yards.

Brady began today's game needing 103 yards to hit 5,000.

"I play this game for one reason and it’s to win," Brady said. "There’s nothing more important to me than that. As a quarterback you do everything you can do to help this team win. When your number is called upon to go out and execute certain plays, that’s what you’re expected to do. It’s not something I think about, it’s not something I ever [think], ‘Man, I love throwing touchdowns,’ or ‘I love throwing for yards.’ I love winning and that helps me sleep at night."

Bills receiver Stevie Johnson scored a touchdown on an 18-yard pass play in the first quarter of today's game at Gillette Stadium, and immediately hopped up and pulled up his uniform jersey to reveal a message on his undershirt.

"Happy New Year," it read.

It also proved costly. Johnson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and a 15-yard penalty was assessed on the kickoff. It also cost Johnson playing time, as he was benched at the start of the Bills' next series and did not play again in the Bills' 49-21 loss.

Johnson is no stranger to excessive celebration penalties. He had one last season vs. the Patriots when he imitated the New England Minutemen's practice of firing their muskets after Patriots touchdowns, and earlier this season was flagged for mocking Jets receiver Plaxico Burress by pretending to shoot himself in the leg. Burress did jail time after shooting himself in the leg with a handgun in a nightclub in 2008.

"I don’t even really know what happened. I know he got benched. I saw the flag, but I don’t know what he really did. Who knows, maybe this is the last game we play together, but maybe it’s not. But things started out well and unfortunately he got taken out," Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said.

"It definitely hurt that Stevie wasn’t out there. I don’t know what to tell you. I assume whatever he did, he didn’t think he would get a penalty for it. Unfortunately he got the penalty and coach Chan [Gailey] made the decision," Fitzpatrick added.

By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH – Time to finish out the regular season with home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs at stake against the Buffalo Bills.

To cap a 13-3 regular season, the Patriots need to do the following things:

• Protect Tom Brady: He has a gimpy left shoulder and you don’t want to inflict any further damage. The good news for the Patriots is the Bills don’t rush the passer very well.
• Limit C.J. Spiller: The Bills’ starting running back has played well of late and is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. The longer the Bills can stay balanced, the longer they’ll stay in the game.
• Pressure Ryan Fitzpatrick up the middle: The Bills quarterback is very streaky and he can get hot. The best way to prevent that is to pressure him up the middle. His footwork gets sloppy and he starts to sail passes, which could lead to interceptions.
• Run the ball: The Bills’ front seven is not very good outside of SLB Chris Kelsay and ILB Nick Barnett. The Bills really have problems setting the edge, so this could be a very big day for Stevan Ridley.
• Hit the underneath crossing routes: While the Bills have a good ballhawking secondary, they don’t cover underneath very well with the linebackers. Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez could find a lot of room, but Brady must watch the tipped passes. That was a gameplan point for the Bills the first time around and it worked as some of his tipped passes wound up as interceptions.

THE PICK

The Patriots’ defense could have some issues against the Bills, but the Patriots’ offense should have no problem moving the ball. The Bills are a great backdoor cover team so we could see them rallying late.

Patriots 37, Bills 27.

The Patriots have announced their inactives for today's game:

G Logan Mankins
RB Kevin Faulk
OT Sebastian Vollmer
DL Ron Brace
LB Tracy White
RB Shane Vereen
QB Ryan Mallett

That means that S Patrick Chung (foot) and LB Brandon Spikes (knee) will both be active for the first time since Nov. 6, when both were injured against the Giants.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- Greetings and Happy New Year's from Gillette Stadium as the Patriots (12-3) get ready to host the Buffalo Bills (6-9) in their final regular season game.

With a win or tie over the Bills, the Patriots will clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. After last week's win over the Miami Dolphins, 27-24, the Patriots clinched a first-round playoff bye. By the end of the day, the Patriots will know which teams it will possibly play after the wildcard round.

Also on the radar today is Tom Brady's quest for 5,000 passing yards. He currently has 4,897 and given his average of 326.4 yards thrown per game, he's a virtual lock to pass for more than the 103 yards needed to pass the threshold.

Rob Gronkowski, who has 1,219 yards receiving this year for a franchise record as a tight end, needs 72 yards to eclipse San Diego's Kellen Winslow's NFL record of 1,290 yards set in 1980.

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Records: Patriots 12-3 (clinched AFC East, first-round bye); Bills (6-9)

TV/Radio info: WBZ-TV Ch. 4 (Don Crigui, Randy Cross); 98.5-FM The Sports Hub (Gil Santos, Gino Cappelletti, Scott Zolak); Sports USA Radio Network (Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker).

Projected lineups:
Based on information distributed to the media, injuries and last week's lineups.

Patriots offense: WR Wes Welker, LT Matt Light, LG Donald Thomas, C Ryan Wendell, RG Brian Waters, RT Nate Solder, TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Deion Branch, QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB Danny Woodhead.

Patriots defense: LDE Shaun Ellis, DT Vince Wilfork, DT Kyle Love, RDE Mark Anderson, LB Ron Ninkovich, LB Jerod Mayo, LB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, CB Kyle Arrington, S James Ihedigbo, S Patrick Chung.

Bills offense: WR David Nelson, LT Chris Hairston, LG Andy Levitre, C Colin Brown, RG Chad Rinehart, RT Erik Pears, TE Scott Chandler, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, FB Corey McIntyre, WR Stevie Johnson.

Bills defense: LDE Alex Carrington, NT Marcell Dareus, RDE Dwan Edwards, LB Chris Kelsay, MLB Kelvin Sheppard, LB Nick Barnett, LB Spencer Johnson, CB Aaron Williams, SS George Wilson, FS, Jairus Byrd, CB Drayton Florence.

Inactives

Patriots: G Logan Mankins (knee), RB Kevin Faulk, DL Ron Brace, T Sebastian Vollmer, LB Tracy White, RB Shane Vereen and Ryan Mallett.

Bills: WR Brad Smith, DB Josh Nesbitt, OL Kraig Urbik, DL Jarron Gilbert, LT Demetrius Bell, WR Kamar Aiken and TE Fendi Onobun.

By Matt Pepin, Globe Staff

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this morning on NFL Countdown and via Twitter that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien "has emerged as a leading candidate," for the vacant head coaching job at Penn State University.

UPDATE (11:15 a.m.): According to this tweet from USA Today's Jonny Saraceno, the O'Brien-to-Penn State deal is all but done:

Wrote Saraceno:

A person with knowledge of the Penn State hiring tells USA TODAY that only contract details need to be finalized before O'Brien is the man.

(End update.)

O'Brien was identified by NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora earlier this week as a candidate for several coaching positions, including with the Kansas City Chiefs and Penn State.

Schefter this morning tweeted his report as follows: "Patriots OC Bill O’Brien has emerged as a leading candidate, if not the leading candidate, to be hired as Joe Paterno’s successor at Penn St"

O'Brien was in the national spotlight earlier this month after a sideline spat with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after Brady threw an interception in the game vs. the Redskins. He was named the Patriots' quarterbacks coach in 2009, and has been with the team since 2007 when he was a coaching assistant. O'Brien played football at Brown University, and he is from Andover, Mass.