Roman Phifer has adapted to his reserve role nicely. His sole start came in Week 1, and he had a team-best 11 tackles against the Colts. In one of the team’s signature wins of 2004, Week 9 against the Rams, Phifer had a midfield interception that the Patriots turned into a game-breaking touchdown. The quiet, confident linebacker had just 51 tackles (after a combined 239 the past two seasons), but never complained about playing time. Retirement is a possibility. The Patriots are hoping against it.