Boston.com -- New England Patriots news

Class operation here

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-22T06:46:16Z

FOXBOROUGH - There are rules for rookies in the NFL. They enter a new world with tons of questions, uncertain of the answers.

With more ground to cover, Burgess improves

Albert R. Breer and Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-22T06:45:36Z

FOXBOROUGH - Derrick Burgess , the player the Patriots acquired to inject life into their pass rush, has a grand total of two sacks this year. One came in a Hail Mary situation at the end of a victory over Buffalo. The other came at the finish of the Tampa Bay blowout in London.

To take off again, Jets must prepare

Albert R. Breer — 2009-11-22T06:49:19Z

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The Jets that welcomed the Patriots to the Meadowlands Sept. 20 were a swaggering, swashbuckling bunch.

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2009-11-22T06:49:19Z

Makeup game

Jim McBride, Globe Staff — 2009-11-22T04:58:46Z

Jets at Patriots Today, 4:15 p.m., Ch. 4 (Line: Patriots by 10 1/2) When the Patriots run The Jets’ run defense lost a lot of its swagger (and beef) when chunky nose tackle Kris Jenkins was lost for the season with a knee injury. Manning the middle now is Sione Pouha, who has the bulk (6 feet 3 inches, 325 ...

Morris may be in running

Adam Kilgore and Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

Running back Laurence Maroney is prone to fits of silliness for benefit of the media, and yesterday he engaged in one to make a point. Maroney compared the Patriots stable of running backs to Voltron, the cartoon character from the 1980s that, by connecting different vehicles together to form one robot, was capable of defending the universe.

Stanback has landed on his feet with Patriots

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

On the day the Dallas Cowboys made final cuts this summer, Isaiah Stanback prepared himself for an uncomfortable prospect. He could wake up as an NFL wide receiver and by night be looking for his next team. “I was definitely aware,’’ Stanback said.

Patriots come to the defense

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

At this time last year, Tedy Bruschi was a leader on the Patriots defense. This week, in an indirect way, he may have sped the passing of those duties to linebacker Jerod Mayo, already a captain in his second season.

Patriots had us covered

Ed Ryan, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

Why is everyone so upset about the Patriots’ loss Sunday night? They covered the number - lost by a point but were getting 3. That’s a win where I’m coming from, if you picked New England.

A few more observations from Bird’s nest

Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

Larry Bird was not in the house when Bill Belichick decided to go for it on fourth and 2 from his 28. Even though Bird works just a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium, he has never been to a game there.

Ryan in Revis’s corner

Albert R. Breer and Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

The final word on the coverage on Randy Moss in Week 2 came from Jets coach Rex Ryan yesterday.

Consider this one a periodic credit report

Chad Finn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

On recent occasions in this space, we’ve made references to underrated, unsung, and unheralded media personalities, from ESPN’s Ryen Russillo to former Patriots tight end Christian Fauria, who is thriving on WEEI’s “NFL Sunday’’ program.

Mass. panel OKs $9 million for Patriots footbridge

2009-11-19T20:09:29Z

A Massachusetts panel has given approval to use $9 million in federal stimulus funds for a pedestrian bridge sought by the owner of the New England Patriots.

Jets’ Revis has bravado covered

Adam Kilgore and Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T05:00:00Z

The debate out of Foxborough yesterday wasn’t about fourth-down calls but how the Jets defended Randy Moss in Week 2.

Restructured for rematch

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T05:00:00Z

Back in September, Joey Galloway was taking snaps at receiver and Wes Welker was on the bench with a knee injury when the Patriots played the Jets.

Patriots return to practice after big loss at Indy

Howard Ulman, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-18T22:53:10Z

Bill Belichick has heard enough about his fourth-down decision that failed. So has Tom Brady.

These things tend not to grow

Albert R. Breer and Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

Need evidence that the Patriots will bounce back fine from Sunday’s devastating loss to the Colts, and do so in short order?

Jets have run into some turbulence on this approach to Foxborough

Albert R. Breer, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

An AFC scout provides a look at the New York Jets, this week’s opponent: “One thing that’s interesting is that at the beginning, with [ Mark ] Sanchez , they weren’t asking him to win games, and that was based on the run game with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington .

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2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

Patriots are hitting red lights in red zone

Albert R. Breer, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

There is a category in which the offenses in Detroit, Jacksonville, and Washington outrank the Patriots. A pretty important one, too.

Pats' assistant says boss unaffected by critics

Howard Ulman, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-17T23:39:24Z

When defensive coordinator Dean Pees returned to work after New England's stunning loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Bill Belichick was preparing for the Patriots' next opponent.

Patriots defense lacks consistency despite record

Howard Ulman, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-17T21:59:27Z

The New England Patriots' young defense kept Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts under control for three quarters.

Debate team

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-17T04:42:17Z

Patriots coach Bill Belichick grabbed the sides of the podium during his press conference at Gillette Stadium yesterday and maintained the call that ignited a national sports debate gave his team the best chance to beat the undefeated Colts Sunday night in Indianapolis.

Percentages say coach made the right call

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-17T05:00:00Z

Among the countless criticisms hurled at Patriots coach Bill Belichick for his decision to go for it on fourth down late in Sunday night’s game, former Colts coach Tony Dungy summed up the most popular when, speaking on NBC, he said, “You have got to play the percentages and punt the ball.’’

Little reason in some of these arguments

Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-17T05:00:00Z

It did not look any better in dawn’s early light. Groggy Patriot Nation woke up yesterday and wondered, “Did that really happen?’’ Perhaps it was some Ambien-induced hallucination. A bad dream. Hangover haze.

Coach quite open about Colts’ Wayne

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-17T05:00:00Z

Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite spent most of Sunday night sprinting and diving and doing anything he could to keep up with Colts receiver Reggie Wayne .

Belichick had the numbers on his side

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T23:09:30Z

FOXBOROUGH - Among the countless criticisms hurled at Patriots coach Bill Belichick for his decision to go for it on fourth down Sunday night, former Colts coach Tony Dungy summed up the most popular when, speaking on NBC, he said, “You have got to play the percentages and punt the ball.’’

View from here: Crucial decision was an error

Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff — 2009-11-17T05:00:00Z

Bill Belichick is no stranger to controversial or unpopular decisions. He chose Tom Brady over Drew Bledsoe in 2001. In Super Bowl XXXVI, instead of kneeling on the ball with 1:30 left and no timeouts and playing for overtime, he let a second-year quarterback fire away and set up the winning field goal. He cut starting safety Lawyer Milloy five ...

Belichick stands by decision to try for first down

Howard Ulman, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T19:28:29Z

Bill Belichick defended his decision to go for it on fourth down as criticism mounted Monday of the call that led to the New England Patriots stunning loss.

Manning-Brady a draw, but Belichick takes the loss

Jim Litke, AP Sports Columnist — 2009-11-16T09:50:17Z

The argument over who's the better quarterback, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, will continue long after both have stashed enough souvenirs in the Hall of Fame to qualify it as a second home.

Pats support Belichick's gamble in loss to Colts

Cliff Brunt, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T08:29:00Z

New England's players firmly stand behind coach Bill Belichick's costly gamble. The Patriots failed on a fourth-and-2 deep in their territory with two minutes to play, giving Peyton Manning a prime opportunity to steal a victory after trailing by 17 points early in the fourth quarter. Manning took advantage, throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne with 13 seconds ...

Colts take advantage of Pats' gamble for 35-34 win

Michael Marot, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T05:20:46Z

Bill Belichick risked everything on one play Sunday night. It cost him a victory, and it may wind up costing him a trip back to Indianapolis for a rematch with Peyton Manning later this season.

With Tate out, options abound

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T07:09:08Z

INDIANAPOLIS - The Patriots hoped they had found an option at the third wide receiver position when Brandon Tate , the rookie third-round pick, became healthy to play three weeks ago. That hope fizzled nearly as quickly as it materialized.

Explain this? We’ll go for it

Albert R. Breer — 2009-11-16T07:13:15Z

INDIANAPOLIS - Going for it on fourth and 2 from your 28 with 2:08 left and a 34-28 lead says one of two things.

A loss for words

Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T07:42:19Z

INDIANAPOLIS - With all the hype washed away - the Rivalry Of The Decade and Manning-Brady story lines set aside - it all came down to an eye-popping, unforgettable gamble by Bill Belichick. The Patriots’ lead had been chopped to 6 points, just more than two minutes remained, and it was fourth down. And their punter was running off the ...

Misses made it interesting

Monique Walker, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T07:14:01Z

INDIANAPOLIS - The Patriots gained 477 total yards last night, but it was the 2 yards they didn’t get that will be remembered.

Given a chance, Colts were ready to strike

Joe Sullivan, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T07:12:44Z

INDIANAPOLIS - A two-minute drill is practically second nature to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, but it usually means they’re looking at an expanse of turf before they can score a late, game-winning touchdown.

Belichick gaffe unrivaled

Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-16T07:07:03Z

INDIANAPOLIS - Ghastly. This was as bad as anything the Red Sox ever did. Had it been a playoff game, it would be right up there with Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner, Aaron Boone, and History Derailed in Glendale, Ariz.

Team takes firm position on Faulk bobble

Gary Dzen, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T07:10:27Z

INDIANAPOLIS - Kevin Faulk hasn’t fumbled all season. And coming into last night’s game with the Colts, the Patriots had only fumbled the ball away twice all season. But Faulk’s bobble, as perceived by the officials, on fourth down late in the game cost his team a first down, and kept his team from finishing off a satisfying victory.

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2009-11-16T07:10:27Z

Colts take advantage of Pats' gamble for 35-34 win

Michael Marot, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T04:58:32Z

Bill Belichick's stunning gamble failed, and Peyton Manning took advantage by throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left that rallied the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts over the New England Patriots 35-34 Sunday night.

Patriots lead Colts 24-14 at end of 3rd quarter

Cliff Brunt, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T02:30:56Z

Tom Brady had 315 yards passing and two touchdown passes, and the New England Patriots lead the Indianapolis Colts 24-14 at the end of the third quarter on Sunday night.

Patriots lead Colts 24-14 at end of 3rd quarter

Cliff Brunt, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-16T02:28:26Z

Tom Brady had 315 yards passing and two touchdown passes, and the New England Patriots lead the Indianapolis Colts 24-14 at the end of the third quarter on Sunday night.

Patriots deactivate 4 starters, 2 RBs vs. Colts

2009-11-16T00:53:06Z

New England has deactivated three starters and running backs Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor for Sunday night's game at Indianapolis.

Patriots deactivate 4 starters, 2 RBs vs. Colts

2009-11-16T00:20:28Z

New England has deactivated three starters and running backs Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor for Sunday night's game at Indianapolis.