Turnovers, not injuries, reason for loss

Page 2 of 17 -- You must admit, Brady is one tough guy. He's playing with a really messed up arm and elbow, but he won't come out. He didn't have enough zip on a couple of those throws that were picked off, but it's necessary that he stay on the field at this time because everyone is looking to him for leadership. He's got to be the rock out there. Though if you could have seen him staring into his locker after the game, he looked completely beat. The Redskins got a lot of hits on him after the throw. And you can't really blame the offensive line. The Patriots started a rookie center making his second NFL start, and right tackle Tom Ashworth and guard Russ Hochstein made their first NFL starts.

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Tyrone Poole has played very well. Very consistent. Here's a guy who was about to quit football for the second time in three years during training camp because he wanted to be closer to his family. He was somehow talked out of it, and has had to play catch-up because he missed the offseason program much to the dismay of the coaching staff. Poole is proof that the offseason program is a tad overrated for a veteran player. I understand younger guys needing to be there to learn the system and get acclimated to the pro game. But this constant pressure put on players to participate in a voluntary offseason program, and then to see so many injuries, it just doesn't fit. Poole didn't show up, and he's one of the few healthy, productive players out there

It's amusing to walk toward the media room at Gillette Stadium the past few weeks and seeing a stray black cat walking around the facility. Players can be superstitious. If you believe in that stuff and link it with all the injuries ... you know what I mean?

Celebrity restaurant review

Scott Cordischi, WSKO talk show host Providence, R.I.: Scott selects "Ten" in Providence as his favorite. He enjoys the 16-ounce sirloin medium-rare with a side of onion-strings.

Ed Harding of Ch. 5's "Eye Opener:" Ed says there's nothing like the pork chops at Capital Grille in Boston.

Mike Dowling, Ch. 5 sports reporter: Mike is a loyal Legal Seafoods diner. His favorite is swordfish, but he won't push away the salmon and scallops.

Nick, I don't claim to have any first-hand, inside knowledge of the game of football, but I am a fan who watches the games. How can anyone with eyes not see how Kevin Faulk produces all most every time he touches the ball, while Antowain Smith runs into a wall of people for a loss, no gain, or , when there is a hole he rips it for a whopping yard or two. And for everyone who says that Faulk can't hold up as an every down back, consider the benefits of using him that way - you get better results in the running game, and if he gets worn down you have a thoroughly motivated Smith (isn't that what he's been missing?) on the sidelines chomping at the bit to come in and prove he can still do it. I know the coaches have felt he's most effective as a situational player, but I think they would benefit from giving him bulk of the running load. I think the linemen would be in better physical shape too, not having Smith running into their backs all day. Your thoughts?
Jim Delfino, Sarasota, Fla.

A: Jim, I think the staff has come away to your way of thinking. He normally gets the most touches, and he should, he's probably the best player on offense. In the ideal situation, he would be the home run threat and Smith would be the tough yardage guy. That's what they're hoping will emerge.   Continued...