Archives for November 9, 2001

‘But veteran linebacker Ted Johnson said he not only feels for teammate Terry Glenn, he relates to the oft-troubled receiver as well. While Johnson in no way compared his rough childhood to that of Glenn, whose mother was murdered when he was 13, Johnson detected similarities nonetheless. Johnson said he carried his own troubled past, and what he said were its resultant "self-destructive behaviors," into his adulthood. It got to the point where a few years ago Johnson had to ask for help. Johnson said until Glenn does the same thing, he will continue to struggle.’

‘Not too long ago, receiver Troy Brown was a third or fourth option in the Patriots passing game, a player that drew little attention from opposing defensive coordinators and rarely anything more than single coverage. That’s all changed. As the Pats’ top receiver – he’s on pace to catch 106 passes – Brown is suddenly the recipient of a lot of attention, and not just on third downs. For the first time in his career, Brown is being double-teamed.’

‘WFSB, Channel 3, will televise the Kansas City Chiefs-Jets game at 1 p.m. instead of the Bills-Patriots. But the decision to ditch the Pats, adding insult to their injury list, was not made by WFSB. "The [CBS] network says, `This is the game we’re going to give you,’ and unless we petition the network to change the game, that’s the game we get," Channel 3 general manager Al Bova said.’

‘Otis Smith is the oldest player on the New England Patriots’ roster, and one of the most popular. These days, he also is one of the most dependable Pats, both on and off the field. At age 36, a time when most cornerbacks have long since gone into another line of work, Smith is playing some of the best football of his career.’

‘The Patriots will not get much sympathy from the Bills when they moan about the unsettled situation with their offensive line. Buffalo has been hurt badly all season by problems with its line. The Bills, 1-6 thus far, have allowed 27 sacks. Only Detroit (32) and Seattle (30) have given up more. Quarterback Rob Johnson has had to work under severe pressure.’

‘"We haven’t had chemistry all year," Ostroski said. "Sometimes it’s tough to sit there and see things happen. Fortunately, I was able to come back sooner than expected and can hopefully contribute some this year."’