Paying tribute

Page 4 of 12 -- A: Pretty funny Serge. I wonder if you E-mailed all the people who chose the Titans in that game. You'd be sending E-mails out between now and next year. No need to tell what a good pick I made with the Pats over the Giants last week. That's OK. I know the intent was there.

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What are the Patriots going to do in the latter part of the season when the rookies hit the wall as all rookies do? I'm looking at a battered secondary. Do the Pats end like the Dolphins, or do we get something before the trade deadline?
-- Stephen Guinen

A: Hopefully when the rookies hit the wall, the injured players will be back. This injury situation has been the best possible scenario for the Pats. They've been able to survive and get these young players experience. Can't beat that.

You mentioned that Robert Edwards was upset with the way Bill Belichick released him. This seems to be a trend, starting with Bernie Kosar. Does he have a bad reputation with players? Will it eventually catch up with him/us? Any inside info would be appreciated.
-- Mike Moretti, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

A: I don't think it's any worse than anybody else. There's no easy way to tell a player that he's being cut anyway. As long as the Patriots win nothing they do will catch up to them. It's when they lose that all of the problems surface.

Should something happen to Adam Vinatieri (like the hamstring pop to the Giants's Matt Blake) do the Pats have a backup place kicker? It was many years ago I asked this same question to Mike Holovak on WEEI, about Gino Cappelletti. They prayed they would never have to use Bob Yates. (I believe he was a guard.)
-- Paul Iannelli, Kennesaw, Ga.

A: I think punter Ken Walter would be the kicker in that case. And vice-versa. Adam Vinatieri is actually a pretty good punter.

Nick, Considering the scope of the injury situation and the quality of the players affected by injury, the amount of determination and resolve exhibited by the players and coaching staff is very admirable thus far. What I think is important in mentioning is contributions made by the current rookie class. Johnson, Koppen, Klecko, Wilson, Samuel, and Warren have really stepped up to fill some big holes. Do you think this group of young guys can continue to contribute at this level long enough for some of the starters to return? Will the "Rookie Wall" find them before some of the injured return?
-- Paul Iannelli

A: Paul, I think what ever wish Bill Belichick had for these kids was answered. They've made solid contributions. I'm very surprised at how few mistakes they've made as young players. Normally, you'd have these guys being flagged a lot or missing tackles and assignments. I'm not saying some of that hasn't taken place, but for the most part the kids have caught on quickly and have had a seamless integration to the system.   Continued...