Turnovers, not injuries, reason for loss

Page 6 of 17 -- Hey Nick, What is the status of Mike Cloud's calf injury that he suffered in training camp? I know he is serving a 4 game suspension but I have heard no word if he will be ready for week 5 after the surgery he had. Thanks, Jamie
Jamie Barrett, Newton

A: I'm told he won't need too much time after Week 4 to get ready. Question is, will they activate him?

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Hi Nick, Love the mailbag. With Rosevelt Colvin and Ted Johnson out, do you think we will be seeing any of Dan Klecko filling in for either of them? I know Belichick played him as an LB in a couple of practices. I would love to see him get some more playing time. What do you think?
Mark Iwanicki, Watertown

A: Sure. Klecko has been active out of necessity. I think the staff is still trying to fine tune a role for him, but he played well against Washington with a sack and a blocked field goal.

Can you give us an update on our #1 draft choice Ty Warren?
David Balmelli, Lake Forest, IL

A: Coming along slowly. Reading between the lines, it appears he's having problems understanding some of the complicated schemes. Nothing to be alarmed about. Physically, he's going to be able to compete in the league.

What does the talent look like at the Running Back position for next years NFL draft? It is never too early to start thinking about that!
Ben Peasley, Chilmaltenago, Guatemala

A: I think we're all waiting to see the result of the Maurice Clarett suit against the NFL. I think he's going to be a great back.

Nick, Do you think there's a chance the Patriots would implement a program similar to the "Smart Fan" program the Sox had this season? It seems like it would be a great way for fans to buy tickets to games, and for season ticket holders to sell their tickets without the risk of losing their seats if some bonehead winds up with them.
Dave Shea, South Boston

A: Dave, that's a great suggestion. Hearing of too many incidents of fans losing tickets for that reason. I don't think some of them are very fair.

Why is the media so obnoxious in there press conferences with the football coach of the Patriots?
Jay Goldstein, Framingham, Mass.

A: I'm there every day and I would never consider them "obnoxious." Don't really know what you're talking about. Can you be specific? Here's the thing: the team calls the press conference. The media elects to attend it. The point of a press conference is for the media to ask questions and for the person being asked the questions to answer them. When a media person asks a question and does not receive anything resembling a specific answer, then the media should ask a follow-up in an attempt to get information. Otherwise, it's a useless exercise. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but if you're trying to obtain information, even in your personal life and the person you're asking isn't going to give it you, what would your reaction be? "Ok fine, thanks anyway?" If you're a reporter your business is information. I'm not sure why that's a hard concept to understand or why persistent questioning is considered "obnoxious." Now I can understand if President Bush can't answer a specific question especially if it effects national security. But a football coach?   Continued...