Steven Jackson still wanted to play and was hoping he might be one last chance to pursue NFL postseason and maybe even Super Bowl glory.
New England needed to add to a depleted running back depth chart that's lost Dion Lewis (ACL) and LeGarrette Blount (hip) to injured reserve.
So maybe the transaction was a marriage made in heaven. Or a Christmas miracle.
The Boston Globe has Jackson calling his arrival in Foxborough this week “a Christmas gift.” The Globe also has Bill Belichick vocalizing just how proud he is of his seven Pro Bowlers. Odell Beckham's suspension, which was upheld, has been a major news item throughout the sports world.
The Boston Herald says that the guys around the veteran quarterback must get up to speed with Tom Brady. The Herald also has Jackson's first words from his initial meeting with the media. The Herald looks at a rematch between the Patriots defensive backs and the Jets veteran cast of wide receivers. The Herald looks at the statistics of a New England defense that’s as good as it’s been in years.
The Providence Journal notes that Jackson will be returning to the postseason for the first time since his rookie season in St. Louis in 2004. The ProJo passes along Belichick's thoughts on candy cane’s and Santa’s naughty list.
ESPNBoston.com offers up 10 things to know about New England’s game this Sunday in New York against the Jets. The site also has Jets pass rusher Calvin Pace saying he’ll root for Brady to play for a long time…in the NFC. Rob Gronkowski missed practice on Wednesday to attend the funeral of a close friend.
WEEI.com looks at why the Patriots may not run the ball much on Sunday in New York. The site notes that Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman were among the New England players limited in practice on Wednesday.
CSNNE.com has Malcolm Butler talking about his Pro Bowl nod, but notes that his own standards are very high. Danny Amendola played with the Jackson with the Rams and says the back is a great guy to have in the locker room as well as on the field.
NFL.com lists Jamie Collins as one of the annual Pro Bowlers of the future, filling a void that could be left by aging stars like DeMarcus Ware.
NJ.com says it looks like Jets linebacker David Harris will play on Sunday against New England.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch says that the Rams legend Jackson deserves the playoff shot he’s getting in his return to the field in New England.
The *New York Post *says the Jets could upset the Patriots.
