Archives for December 4, 2002

‘“It’s been a very, very difficult year,” said safety Lawyer Milloy. “It’s a year where everyone is geared up to play us. I think the (opposing) coaches are more aware of (Belichick’s) schemes, too. So it’s harder to camouflage it. It’s just a battle. It’s a grind.”’

‘Richard Seymour practiced with the team yesterday, a good sign that the defensive tackle, who suffered what he called a bruised thigh in Detroit last Thursday, will be ready to play Sunday against the Bills.’

‘Wide receivers Eric Moulds and Peerless Price starting making big plays as soon as the season began. It seemed for a few weeks leading up to last Sunday’s game against Miami that defenses had found a way to contain the pair, but Drew Bledsoe was again finding his favorite targets against the Dolphins in what turned out to be a 38-21 victory.’

‘Recognizing a need at safety, the Patriots reacquired veteran Chris Hayes on Monday to fill their roster vacancy. Hayes, 30, was with the Patriots during training camp, but they released him on Aug. 30 before the season began.’

‘So who has the edge at Gillette this weekend? The Patriots have already exposed the Bills’ weaknesses on defense once this season. It’s doubtful that they will execute the exact same game plan, but why stray from what works?’

‘But every offense needs one thing and it was the big difference against Miami. It’s what the Bills didn’t have against the Jets. Field position.’

‘Patriots running back Antowain Smith will play in his fourth game against his former team this weekend when the Patriots host the Bills. Smith has rushed for an average of 102 yards in his three games against the Bills, including his 111-yard effort in the Patriots 38-7 victory on Nov. 3.’