Boston.com -- Patriots news

Star bursts

Albert R. Breer, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:03:31Z

There’s not an inch of NFL turf designed for the meek. But it’s the area framed by the two offensive tackles, stretching 7 or 8 yards downfield, where the bodies are bigger, the landscape more crowded, the contact less forgiving.

Driven by the prolific Brees, Saints are drawing comparisons with ’07 Patriots

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:05:11Z

METAIRIE, La. - New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey is a 6-foot-5-inch, 251-pound player with tattoos etched along his forearms and a reputation for speaking his mind. He can appreciate an opinion. So when he describes Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Shockey starts with leadership, citing Brees as the player often first to the practice facility. Then Shockey describes his ...

Offensive line’s injuries are at the forefront

Michael Vega, Globe Staff — 2009-11-29T06:19:09Z

FOXBOROUGH - When the Patriots released their practice/injury report yesterday, five offensive linemen were among 17 players listed as questionable for tomorrow night’s game in New Orleans.

LeVoir set in motion

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T05:00:00Z

At the start of Patriots practice yesterday, Mark LeVoir lined up at right tackle with the starting offense. Last Sunday, LeVoir entered in the middle of the second quarter and played left tackle for 25 snaps. In the past four games, LeVoir has lined up as a tight end or fullback in a power formation on 28 plays.

Blitzing Brees can be a risky strategy

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T05:00:00Z

No team this season has discovered a way to stop quarterback Drew Brees , which is the challenge the Patriots face this week leading up to their Monday night showdown against the Saints. The most important step might be a strong pass rush.

Patriots need loud statement

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T05:00:00Z

The anticipation this week on the streets of New Orleans already had moved beyond a buzz and into something close to a celebration, “like Mardi Gras in November,’’ Saints safety Darren Sharper said.

Connection formed bond

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T05:00:00Z

PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK FOXBOROUGH - Sean Payton and Bill Belichick , the two men trying to figure out how to beat each other Monday night, have never faced one another as NFL head coaches. But they have crossed paths and developed a mutual respect.

Chargers have more than talent going for them

Albert R. Breer — 2009-11-29T04:09:18Z

It has been four years now that the Chargers have heard it. How loaded their roster is. How they could probably win the otherwise meek AFC West playing 10-on-11 all game. How young they are, and how, through the shrewd general managing of A.J. Smith , they’re set up for years to come.

In search of a happier ending, Cowboys have rewritten their script

Albert R. Breer — 2009-11-15T04:52:16Z

Bill Parcells often referred to being with the Dallas Cowboys as performing in the NFL’s “big room,’’ with 31 other teams serving as “lounge acts.’’

Roethlisberger is out against Ravens

2009-11-29T06:10:04Z

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss tonight’s game at Baltimore because of a concussion, forcing the inexperienced Dennis Dixon to start one of the Super Bowl champions’ biggest games this season. Dixon, a former Oregon star, has spent most of the season as the No. 3 quarterback. He has thrown only one NFL pass in two seasons, but must ...

Game plan has gone to the ’dogs

Ed Ryan, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T05:00:00Z

A pair of developments have caught my attention: 1. Underdogs have covered the number 28 of 44 times over the last three weeks. I was prompted to look into this last Sunday after watching Green Bay - a 6 1/2-point favorite - turn a 30-10 fourth-quarter lead against San Francisco into a 30-24 win. Of course, I had wagered on ...

Important to watch your backs

Ed Ryan, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T05:00:00Z

As the fantasy football regular season winds down, I can’t help but think of how a friend replied when I asked him back in late August about his draft strategy: “I stockpile running backs.’’

Broncos knock stuffing out of Giants

Associated Press — 2009-11-27T05:00:00Z

The Denver Broncos still have their troubles with the red zone and yellow flags. The dark cloud that hung over them during their month of misery, though, is gone.

To get into the game, ID often required

Albert R. Breer, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T05:00:00Z

The Patriots yielded two sacks to the Jets Sunday. Considering how well they have protected Tom Brady this season - five times their opponent has had no more than one sack - it’s easy to say that’s not good enough.

Venue holds Super memories

Michael Vega and Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-26T05:00:00Z

No one in the Patriots organization will ever forget their last trip to the Louisiana Superdome.

Off and running with the praise

Michael Vega, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T05:00:00Z

Bill Belichick said there should be no great mystery as to why the Saints are undefeated through 10 games.

Unmistakably, Guyton is a plus

Michael Vega, Globe Staff — 2009-11-26T05:00:00Z

While some might believe Bill Belichick is not prone to admitting errors, the Patriots coach was forthcoming yesterday when it came to a question about linebacker Gary Guyton and why no team - including his own - drafted the former Georgia Tech standout last year.

Panthers WR Smith active; Jets without 2 CBs

2009-11-29T17:19:25Z

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is active for the team's game against the New York Jets after being questionable with sore ribs.

AD:

2009-11-29T17:19:25Z

Kansas prep school streak ends at 79

2009-11-29T01:01:34Z

The streak is over. Centralia scored on its first overtime possession to defeat Smith Center 20-12 Saturday in the Kansas high school Class 2-1A title game. The loss ended the Redmen's 79-game winning streak, the longest in Kansas history and one of the longest in the country.

Notre Dame AD denies contacting potential coaches

Josh Dubow, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-29T00:51:33Z

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said he has not contacted any coaches about a potential vacancy if Charlie Weis is fired after the season.

Jets waive CB-KR Justin Miller

2009-11-28T23:09:21Z

The New York Jets have waived former Pro Bowl cornerback-kick returner Justin Miller a month after re-signing him.

Panthers WR Smith questionable with sore ribs

2009-11-28T22:29:20Z

The Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith has sore ribs and has been added to the injury list as questionable for Sunday's game at the New York Jets.

Bills add Mace to roster, release tight end

2009-11-28T20:31:27Z

The Buffalo Bills have signed defensive lineman Corey Mace to the 53-man roster and released tight end Joe Klopfenstein.

Concussion expected to sideline Roethlisberger

Alan Robinson, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-28T17:51:44Z

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss Sunday night's game at Baltimore because of a concussion, an unforeseen development that forces the inexperienced Dennis Dixon to start one of the Super Bowl champions' biggest games this season.