Paying tribute

We pay tribute to the players this week. We fully understand and admire the great coaching job done by Bill Belichick in keeping this Patriots team afloat and flourishing with a 4-2 record heading into the toughest test of all -- Miami on the road. But it's the players who play; and though I've been away the past two weeks covering the Red Sox in the playoffs, the games I've watched on tape and the players I spoke to this week have to give all of you in Patriots Nation a new appreciation for some of these guys. I hear a lot of Cowboy Up talk with the Red Sox, but it looks like the Patriots are the ones who are playing in the spirit of the phrase.

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We salute:

1. Roman Phifer: Ted Johnson once referred to him as a freak, and I'm beginning to see why. No 35-year-old linebacker can be in this type of physical condition and make plays all over the football field like Phifer. Here's a guy who's been playing inside a lot for the first time in his career and acting like he's played there all of his career. I remember during training camp thinking that Phifer might be the odd man out, but now he's an instrumental part of the linebacking unit.

2. Rodney Harrison: Fun to watch. Fun to speak to. Fun to be around. Harrison brings an energy to the team and the fans. He loves to play football; and sure, once in a while he'll take a foolish penalty for a little extra curricular activity, but he appears to have a knack for picking his spots.

Junior Seau said of Harrison in this week's conference call with the New England media: "I love any player that loves the game of football, that treats the game with honor and respect and is a guy that is a leader on and off the field. So that's Rodney Harrison. I am going to love him either way. What you are seeing, especially with a healthy Rodney Harrison, you are seeing a guy that is able to be used in the defensive scheme with [Bill] Belichick has which allows him to play safety and linebacker. He has that mentality. He has that athletic ability. He can't just be consumed with one responsibility. You have got to move him around. And that's exactly what they are doing. It is working best for both parties, the New England Patriots and Rodney Harrison. Rodney is like Forrest Gump; he just keeps running."

3. Damien Woody: His run blocking the past two weeks has been magnificent. Is there a better guard in the league right now? He was an All-Pro center last season, and he might be an All-Pro guard right now.

4. Richard Seymour: It looks more and more as if Seymour is going to be a perrenial All-Pro. He didn't make many tackles last week, but his DI (Disruption Index) was off the charts.

5. Tom Brady: He's playing hurt. I referred to him rating on the GTM (Grogan Toughness Meter) a few weeks back, and he's still doing it. What he's doing out there doesn't look pretty, but he's won the respect of his teammates because he's showing the attributes of a true leader.

6. Tyrone Poole: This guy is so consistent. A very good player. A very underrated player who has made some big plays already.

7. Ty Law: What Brady is doing offensively, Law is doing defensively. He's setting an example playing hurt and excelling while subpar. It goes to show you how good he is when he's completely healthy.

8. Tedy Bruschi: Watch him go through a wall every week.

9. Larry Izzo: He might be at the top of his game. He's been absolutely dominant on cover teams.

10. Bobby Hamilton: Doesn't get much pub, but he leaves his heart and soul on the field on a weekly basis. Not the most gifted D-linemen, but he has a great feel for the moment.

I'm calling a Patriots upset in Miami this week. I know, crazy, right? I don't like the 5-1/2 spread on the game. I think it'll be much closer. The Patriots never play well there, but if they can keep Ricky Williams from running wild and force Jay Fiedler to throw it around, it might be a good day for the New Englanders.

Some of the funniest e-mails I read every week are the ones who 1) take me to task for not picking the Patriots every week; and 2) when I don't pick them right. Like "Boy you must hate the Patriots because you picked the Titans" or "You really blew it on that Titans pick this week!"

It has to be frustrating for Troy Brown, who is having big plays called back because of penalties. At least we know he can still make them.

Interesting comment from Charlie of Brookline: "It looks to me that the teams the Patriots play are all having bad days when they play them. I doubt that will continue in Miami."

Can't wait for the Dallas game. To those who write here claiming Bill Parcells can't coach without Bill Belichick, well, unless he's calling him every week for pointers, I think Big Bill is doing pretty well.

I wonder if the Jets are re-awakening.

Celebrity restaurant review

Joe Cochran, Red Sox clubhouse manager: Joe is a big Capital Grille fan. He likes his steak medium with a pinch of onion strings. It's amazing the job Joe has done over the years in the tiny confines of that clubhouse since 1986. Joe says this is probably the best group of players he's ever dealt with.

With the emergence of Mike Cloud at running back, are the Patriots going to continue with Running Back By Committee? With Faulk, Centers, Smith and now Cloud, is the position getting a little too crowded?
-- Roy Chorev

A: Roy, I think the Patriots would have to be quite pleased with their running game, the offensive line in particular. Kevin Faulk came off the bench and gave them a real spark in the second half last week vs. the Giants. Cloud is running well. I would think based on Faulk's performance last week, that he would likely get the start this week in Miami.

Nick, one comment on whether or not this is a football or baseball town. In the early '60s, the Red Sox were a hockey/basketball town. My old man used to tell me how he could go to any Sox game he wanted for a dollar in the early '60s. The '67 team rejuvenated baseball in Boston and the Red Sox have been the most popular team since. 2001 was the Pats version of 1967. I still think baseball is king here in Boston, but if the Sox went through a stretch of mismanagement (like the Bruins) you would see the Pats take over as the most visible team in the region, especially with the first generation Pats fans getting into their 30s and 40s (there are a lot of older NY Giants fans around here because that was the squad they grew up with). Boston supports a well-run franchise, and right now we have two which are very well run (Pats and Sox), one with new ownership (Celtics) and one which is not committed to winning (Bruins). Just wanted to throw my two cents in there.
-- Larry Pohner

A: It's always an interesting debate, but I've always been on the side that says the Red Sox are and will always be No. 1. It's not like this anywhere else in the country where football is king, but here we are a part of a special storybook team. It's a sad story, but we love being a part of this team that can't win a championship. The Patriots are very close, just look at the weekly TV ratings and you'll see that. The Patriots are popular because they're two years removed from a championship, they're run very well as an organization and fans feel, that even though they're paying incredibly high ticket prices, they're getting their money's worth.

Hey, Nick. So much for your prediction that the Pats had no chance against the vaunted Tennessee Titans and their "physical" defense. My question to you is: What do you find more frustrating personally -- a Patriots win or a Bills loss?
-- Serge Brodsky

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.

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.

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

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.

Ty Law's contract is an issue looming on the horizon at the end of the year, and I know many fans (myself included) thought his cap-price too high for next year. But lately he has proved himself indispensible (TD on a bum ankle?) and the consummate team player. Until our young secondary proves it can play at a higher level, wouldn't it make sense to go with Ty as your premier corner for one more year? I think that him leaving would immediately downgrade the Pats secondary?
-- dave

A: I can't disagree with you, but we all know in the end it comes down to money and his hit on the salary cap. If he doesn't reduce it, he's gone. I think we've learned that from the Lawyer Milloy fiasco.

Steve McNair completed nearly 375 yards passing against the Pats. Excluding Ty Law having trouble with his ankle, why did the Pat's have such difficulty defending the pass against McNair?
-- Chris Baker

A: He's an outstanding player. There are some guys in this league who are just going to have great performances week in and week out. I'm guessing the Patriots will run into the same problem this week with Ricky Williams.

What are the options for the Patriots in terms of both retaining Law and lightening the 2004 cap hit? Is it possible that they could guaranty some money this year with Milloy's savings? If not is there any way they can retain him next year without a new deal (which he has already said he will not do)?
-- Peter Dwyer

A: You can always guarantee a portion of his salary and push it back over the remainder of the contract. That option is always there, but like with Milloy, they'll be looking for a drastic cut. Law has the highest average salary per season among corners and the highest cap number.

Nick, It seems to me that the Pats play with a much deeper rotation of players than most teams. While most teams have one guy who plays 90% of the snaps at probably 14 of their 22 positions, the Pats seem to have rotations at pretty much every position except offensive line. I am sure that much of this is due to the unbelievable spate of injuries the they have suffered, but it's a pattern I've noticed of Belichick's teams in the past too. While teams like Tampa, Washington, and KC rely on two or three stars on each side of the ball to make most of the plays, the Pats seem to spread out the touches on offense and the snaps on defense. The defensive line seems to be the most heavily rotated with Seymour, Lyle, Hamilton, Warren, Klecko, Green, McGinest, Vrabel, and originally Colvin all getting snaps there a few times a game. After all this observation, my question is this: Is this a result of a roster that is very deep but lacking impact players or is it a result of the Belichick/Pioli/Crennel/Weis mentality of how to win football games? Thanks and I look forward to next week's column.
-- Mike Askenase

A: It's completely and totally their philosophy. I mean there are some constants. Richard Seymour being the one. Otherwise, they truly believe in fresh legs at the big man positions. They know their guys will wear down if they have to play every snap, so they don't. They pick the situations carefully. It's a team with a system, and as long as they play the system, there shouldn't be a fall off if Ty Warren is playing over Bobby Hamilton.

Nick, Did anyone do a better job of helping their team for this season with this past draft than the Pats? While they didn't use their second first rounder, the Pats seem to have more rookies playing serious minutes (and playing well) than any other team in the league. This is largely due to injuries, but the rookies seem to be filling in capably. Warren got his first start and seems to have played well. He looks better than Robertson so far at least. Wilson has been all over the place since moving to free safety. I love his play. Bethel Johnson has opened some eyes returning kicks and I don't think the Pats expected much of an impact this year as a wideout. Samuel has been beaten a bit, but seems to be playing pretty darn good nickel for a rookie fourth rounder. Klecko has found his way into the lineup and made a few nice QB pressures against the Titans. How do you feel about the Pats rooks so far? Is Wilson's move to free safety a permanent one, or will they move him back to corner after this season? Thanks and go Red Sox!
-- Mike Askenase, Cambridge

A: They had a very good draft. I always like to see the players before declaring one way or the other, and maybe I should hold off since only six games have been played. But you have to think they have starting-caliber players in Warren, Wilson and Samuel and it looks like Klecko will eventually be a starter at middle linebacker.

Nick, Love the mailbag. But I have to be honest. When I look at Eugene Wilson playing FS in place of the departed Lawyer Milloy, I see an upgrade. He is faster, quicker, and always appears to be in front of the play. I, along with many other Pats fans, hated to see Lawyer go and really could not understand the justification. But after the last two games, I truly feel it might be an upgrade with Wilson. I can't help but remember the rumblings of Pats fans when BB drafted Seymour instead of David Terell. And based on that outcome I ask, has Bill Belichick out smarted us all again?
-- David Vanasse

A: He probably has outsmarted us. I reported rumblings about Milloy possibly being out of here in the off-season. It was never a move that Belichick sweated even though many people did. And it has worked out OK after six games, but don't forget that first Bills game. If they don't win their division by a game or make the wild-card by a game, or don't get home field advantage, you can blame that game.

Nick, While watching the Colts/Bucs game on Monday night, I couldn't help but notice a former Patriot, Greg Spires, at defensive end. He played on the Super Bowl team last year for the Bucs. Why did they choose not to keep him and also why did they trade of Greg Robinson-Randall to Houston (he starts for them) when the Pats are so thin on the offensive line?
-- James Jarvis

A: Spires didn't fit their scheme. He's one of those undersized, smaller, quicker pass rushers that best suits the Bucs, Colts, type defenses. I always thought Randall was a very good right tackle, but he didn't work hard enough for Belichick's liking and he was gone. The Pats did get a fifth-round pick for him and they put it to good use for BC's Dan Koppen, who has played very well.

I also have a complaint about the parking at Gillette. I was surprised when I went to the first game to see they raised the parking prices by 50% to $30. Not everyone who goes to the games have very deep pockets. Some of us are just ordinary working stiffs who save all year long to pay for our tickets. At this rate they will soon be pricing the little guy out. I realize with a waiting list of 50,000 waiting for tickets we are easily replaceable, but I expected more from the Krafts. I would appreciate any insight you may have on this matter.
-- Bob Burrell

A: It's a huge pet peeve of mine. Not only in Foxborough, but at Fenway where they hiked parking fees to $45 and $50 for the post-season. Ridiculous. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.

Nick, When the team cuts injured players week-in and week-out (McCrary, Morris) to make room for players coming off the injured list what do they tell them? Do they tell them not to venture too far out of town in case they have to bring them back when they themselves are healthy (McCrary)? How is the injury settlement calculated? Can you explain these business transactions?
-- Hugh Kirkpatrick

A: Obviously in McCrary's case, they probably told him he'd be back. In Aric Morris' case the team reached an injury settlement which means he was really injured. They settled on three weeks pay which is pretty routine. Both sides negotiate what they feel a fair sum would be based on the severity of the injury. It looks as though Morris will be able to play with another team late in the season.

Nick, What do you think about Lavar Arrington calling out Warren Sapp like he did? I know it's just trash talk, but I kind of like the fact that someone is standing up to Sapp, especially someone like Arrington who seems to be cool off the field. Sapp is your typical meathead who knows nothing but football. Put him in his place Lavar!
-- Joe

A: I like trash talking. I think it adds to the buildup of the game. It reminds me of boxing that way where guys go after each other verbally and then settle it in the ring or on the field. I have no problems with it as long as you can back it up. Both Arrington and Sapp can, but it looks like Sapp got the best of that one.

Please join us in reciting this prayer and spreading the message: O'Lord, if it would not be too much of an imposition, I have a special request of you, Please shine down your heavenly rays upon the boys of Summer in Beantown. Make their already potent bats and lively arms instruments of Holy decimation, in order to strike down the Evil Empire. Deliver us to victory, assuage our many years of anguish and lift us to heights we have not seen since 1918. BOSTON RED SOX WORLD CHAMPIONS 2003! Lord is this too much to ask in the Big Scope of things? If so then so be it, if not then allow us to kick their Yankee Butts! Amen.
-- Joan and Butch

A: I'll have to say 10 Hail Mary's for that one.

Nick, do you think Koppen's good enough to earn a permanent starting role next year? He's looked OK so far considering he's a rookie with limited time. Rodney Harrison used to get to drop coverage and blitz every once in a while in San Diego and I don't see the Pats ever using the safety blitz. Do they think he no longer has the speed to blitz? I've seen him catch up to receivers who had a step on him this season. I think he can still run OK, last year he was running with a groin injury. He has had several sacks over his career. I think three years ago he had like six. I know they use that CB blitz every once in a while.
-- Eric Dolan

A: I get the feeling Koppen isn't going to be moved from that spot, he's been excellent. Woody may make the Pro Bowl at a different position this season -- guard. Harrison is a terrific player. I think in San Diego he was allowed to, or took it upon himself, to free lance more. Freelancing isn't encouraged here.

Nick, How can someone suggest the Patriots don't show up for the Monday Night Denver game because they are going to be blown out. I shelled out big cash and am driving 12 hours to see this game, and subject myself to Denver fans abuse. Monday Night is the spectacle of the NFL. And the Patriots have stepped it up and are playing hard nosed football. They are reminiscent of the Super Bowl team two years ago. I am full of Patriot Pride and see no reason to expect a blow out from a opponent such as the Denver Broncos! Thanks, Nick. Go Red Sox!
-- Joe Sawhill

A: I think they have a shot in Denver. I really do. I wouldn't say it's an automatic loss. Denver can be beaten. Now they're without Jake Plummer for a while, so they are beatable.

At what point would you consider Daniel Graham to be a bust? We know he has some physical skills but he isn't near the player we were led to expect.
-- David Berg

A: Not yet. He still shows flashes and he's very young. He does get hurt a lot, however, and that to me is the most concerning part. Why can't he stay healthy?

Nick, I was the guy sitting across from you at Yankee Stadium Thursday night. Thanks for putting up with this Yankee fan. It was a pleasure talking to you. Have a great weekend, Saturday Pedro vs. Roger and then your specialty on Sunday, Patriots vs. Giants. But not too great, let's go Yankees!
-- Mitch Bistyga

A: Mitch, if Red Sox fans could have met you, they would change their opinions of Yankee fans. You were a gentleman and you have a lovely family.

Nick, On your suggestion that Ty Law is playing so the coaching staff will come to the conclusion that the Patriots can live without him has to rank as one of the dumber things I've read in this space. Did you or the fans of this space know he played collage and pro with a separated shoulder? Never a word out of him. He signed a good contract and has lived up to it. The man is a player and a warrior period. If any one saw Cloud at BC, the Patriots should have drafted him out of the gate. Having been on vacation this week and catching more national sports reports I'm amazed the lack of reporting on the fine job the Patriots are doing! The offensive line looks the best since '01. Defense with the new guys are just a blast to watch. Klecko 3-way? Hats off to Belichick on that one. As always, great forum and hi to all the readers. Go Sox!
-- Mark Drews, Framingham

A: I guess you called me dumb but said it was a great forum. I'll accept the second one.

Hi, Nick. What do you think are the reasons behind the Minnesota Vikings great start to the 2003 season? Do you think they are Super Bowl bound?
-- Philip Sawyer

A: Beautiful city you live in Philip. The Vikings have a terrific offensive line which opens holes and gives their QB a chance to make plays with the deep passing game.

Hi, Nick. My question is: If a receiver fails to catch a pass because he is interfered with, is it considered an official pass, and if so, is it considered a complete or incomplete pass by the quarterback? Sounds like a dumb question, but I've never heard it mentioned. Thanks.
-- Arsene Vaillancourt

A: No pass. It's ruled a penalty.

Why did San Diego let Rodney Harrison go? Lawyer Milloy had some good years for the Pats, but Harrison can defend the pass and intimidate Bryan Cox style. Is this the best bunch of rookies that we've ever had?
-- Jeff Blanchard

A: Chargers thought he had slowed down considerably from what he used to be.

Nick, I feel that the most important part of our offense is the line. I know they don't want Koppen to try learning how to play guard during this season, but what about next season? I can't imagine the offensive line wouldn't be better with Woody at center. Koppen seems to be a great lineman, but doesn't have the power of Woody. As long as we keep Woody, would it be a stretch to see him move to guard next season? And just how good are the rest of the new offensive line starters really doing? Any chance that any of them have securedtheirr spots as starters?
-- Ray Rogers

A: Like I said, I don't think Koppen is going anywhere. I think he's the center and Woody is a guard.

Nick, Is the story of the season so far Bill and Scott's excellence in player personnel selection? It looks to me like both in the draft and free agency they have made the right moves, and particularly in terms of depth. Dan Koppen is filling in for an all-pro center and doing it well. Dan Klecko is playing so well he is getting national attention (SI this past week) Matt Chatham is playing well enough to fill in for what ESPN called the deepest and best LB corps in football. He was a waiver claim duringBelichickk's first year. Tyrone Poole. I have been a Panther's PSL holder since Day 1 of the franchise, and have seen every one of Poole's home starts as a Panther. He is playing the best ball of his life. Asante Samuel, Eugene Wilson, Ty Warren and Bethel Johnson are all contributing as rookies. Samuel is going to be a star. Is it the best Pats draft ever? Rodney Harrison is playing at a sky-high level, and you know he has raised the bar for aggressiveness for everyone on the defense. Mike Cloud may or may not be a star, but he has three touchdowns and won us a game over the Titans I had penciled in a for a loss. This is just the new players emerging, never mind all the other smart moves we know about. Nick, the timing on the Milloy move was a huge mistake, but other than that, are these guys personnel geniuses or what? Is there anyone else in football right now as successful at sifting out gold?
-- Bill Marcellino

A: They did very well with their personnel moves this season. They've had some bad picks in the past. If you're talking about this year, I agree with you. Genius is a strong word.

I haven't been able to catch any Patriots games during my semester abroad in New Zealand, for obvious reasons, so i can't confirm or dispel my concerns about Adam V. I've been checking the box scores every game and i've noticed that he's been missing an alarming number of field goals. While I understand it's unreasonable to ask a kicker to go 100% for the whole season, he is one of the premiere kickers and therefore there are going to be higher expectations. I was wondering if you had any insight or info that would help explain AV recent kicking problems. I still maintain the opinion that he is one of the best, if not the best kicker in football, and I just want to see the situation fixed.
-- Dae Ho Kim

A: Plain old fashioned slump. He went through in '99. He'll come out of it soon and he'll be Automatic Adam again.

Nick: Tom Brady seems to be getting a lot of heat in the media for his 8-of-21 performance against the Giants. However, if those five dropped balls were caught then Brady's completion percentage becomes 61% -- right in line with his typical accuracy range. Is this an issue of receivers leaving their hands on the sidelines, or is Brady just not getting the right touch on his throws because of that bad elbow and shoulder? Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!
-- Mark V. Lonergan

A: Tough conditions last Sunday. The ball was wet. Tough to catch. I don't blame Brady or the receivers. In fact, who ever blamed Brady doesn't have a clue.

Why are the Patriots carrying six running backs, Pass, Centers, McCrary, Cloud, Smith, and Faulk? Centers seems to be not very productive this year.
-- Mark Zinan

A: I'm not sure how long that will last. They love Pass on special teams. Centers seems to fit their passing offense. I get the feeling as some of the injured players get back one of these guys will be gone.

The Patriot offense has been sputtering as of late. Penalties have been a huge factor and have taken away the big play, no to mention making third down conversions near impossible. It kills me to see these well paid professionals making pop-warner mistakes that will eventually cost the team one or more victories in the coming weeks. What can be done by the Pats coaching staff to cut down on the discipline problems?
-- Bill Donovan

A: They're supposed to be a well-disciplined team. But when you have so many new guys playing you're bound to make mistakes. I'm shocked the mistakes haven't hurt them more, but the only way it gets better is for the team to gain experience with each other.

Nick, Within the division, do you think the Patriots coaching staff gives them a significant competitive advantage? Also, do you sense the players resent the attention/credit the coaches receive for the teams success?
-- Joe Q

A: I think the Patriots have a tremendous advantage with their coaching. Absolutely. The other guys don't even come close. And I would apply that compliment to them in terms of the rest of the league as well. I don't think the players resent it, but I think we don't give them enough credit. After all, they are the ones who play on Sunday.