Paying tribute

Page 5 of 12 -- Nick, I have followed the Patriots ever since the seventies. Andy Johnson was my favorite player as a kid. I have to admit I don't know much about Mike Cloud and had to settle for the game on the radio while I did work in the garage last Sunday. What is the deal with Cloud? Is he a North-South guy or can he run outside? Why was he cut loose by KC? Can we expect him to supplant Antowain? Great column, Nick.
-- Chris Watson

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A: I was a big Andy Johnson fan myself. Cloud has some wiggle to him. He's a little bit like Kevin Faulk, but he might be a better inside runner where he makes his moves between the tackles and kicks it outside. Cloud had a great first game, but he's got to be consistent to get playing time.

I know we signed Gilbert Brown. Where is he?
-- Gus Plakiotis

A: I know we signed Wilbert Brown.

Nick, Love your column. As I now live outside of New England, I get my Patriots fix from Boston.com, which in general is awesome. What's up with that Brady-meter segment though? Comparing Tom Brady to a character and episode from the Brady bunch every week in a snide, often humiliating manner isn't creative, entertaining, or informative. It's just mean, and often not even an accurate portrayal of Tom's play. It's a perfect example of why often athletes grow to dislike the media.
-- Chad Gomes

A: You'd have to ask the Boston.com editors, but this is the first E-mail I've received feeling it's humiliating to Tom.

(Editor's note: The Brady-meter is written by Carol Beggy and Mark Shanahan of the Globe's Living/Arts department.)

Nick, Is there any concern that playing Wilson at safety so much this year will slow his development as a corner or do they see him as more of a safety now than a corner?
-- Ettore Santarelli

A: Great question. I think they still look at him as a future corner, especially if they opt to cut Ty Law in the off-season. He's on the field a lot, playing deep, but at least he's playing. What will be tough is converting back to corner where you have to play a little tighter coverage. But he's young enough where I'm sure he can revert back.

Nick, I love your column. Thanks for all the great info you provide Pats Nation. Is there any news on how Colvin is doing? What are you hearing about Ted Washington's return?
-- Todd Zaino, New Britain, Conn.

A: Last I heard Colvin isn't doing much of anything except light workouts. He needs to let the fracture in the hip heal for quite a while before he can partake in any activity. I always thought Washington would be one of those Week 9 or 10 guys. He may wait until after the bye week.   Continued...