Patriots second year safety Guss Scott will have some big shoes to fill as he replaces Rodney Harrison(on injured reserve) as the strong safety in the Patriots defensive backfield. Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that Rodney Harrison spoke with Guss Scott this week and are likely to talk again before the Patriots play San Diego Sunday. "It's not about me replacing Rodney," Scott said. "It's not about trying to do what he did, or play the way he played. Of course, the media will talk about that, that's their job." For better or worse the Patriots will rely on Scott as their last line of defense.
Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that running back Amos Zereoue is happy to be a Patriot. "The Patriots are envied by a lot of teams around the league," said Zereoue. "I'm just happy to be here." Solomon writes that Zereoue got a ribbing from one of his former Pittsburgh Steelers teammates Joey Porter for joining the Patriots, as Porter referred to them as the "Enemy." Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald also offers a similar article.
Karen Guregian of the* Boston Herald* offers a story on Tedy Bruschi. Guregian speculates that Bruschi may be considering playing this season. When asked yesterday about the possibility of returning this season, Bruschi offered a flat, "No comment.'' The fact that he did not offer a flat out answer futhers the speculation that he may in fact return this season to play. Bruschi is currently on the physically unable to perform list which would allow him to return to the active roster by week six.
Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald discusses with Hub doctors as to whether Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi should return to the field.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald writes that Patriots backup quarterback Doug Flutie has been offering his insight into the personnel of his former team the San Diego Chargers. "What they do on film, the coaches take care of all that. All I can do is help a little bit personnel-wise," Flutie said. "What their strengths are, even that in itself, the guys learn on their own watching film. It's not a big advantage (having me). Maybe it gives us a little jump-start from a personnel standpoint." Flutie played for 4 season with the Chargers and served as a mentor for quarterback Drew Brees.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal writes that the San Diego Chargers have the most balanced, efficient and explosive offense the Patriots will face in the first two months of the season. Last time the Patriots battled the Chargers was in 2002 when running back LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 217 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-14 Chargers win in San Diego. "He is very hard to defend because you have to defend the whole field and, again, it's not like he'll get through the line of scrimmage and you'll run him down for a 10-, 12-, 15-yard gain," said Belichick. "We know as well as anybody. He did it twice against us in '02, where he splits it and will go 40, 50, 60 yards and turn what looks like a short gain into a touchdown. That's a game-breaking skill, but along with that, he has a lot of power. He's good on the goal line and short-yardage situations. He is tough to tackle. He's fast, has good hands, is pretty good in blitz pickup. He does a good job."
Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant offers a story on Patriots full back Patrick Pass. Greenberg writes that Pass figures to have a much bigger role in the offense with running back Kevin Faulk out due to injury. Although the Patriots signed former Steelers and Raiders running back Amos Zereoue, he is more of a runner than a receiver. With Faulk out, Pass moves into a key supporting role in an offense that has had to pass to move the ball this season. "He's really a play-maker," Brady said. "In the preseason, we were giving him the ball and he's running 40, 50 yards. In handoffs, he's outrunning defensive backs. He goes in and lead blocks on linebackers. He catches the ball as well as a receiver can. He's smart and tough. He has a great attitude."
Tom Curran of the *Providence Journal * takes a look at the Patriots newest addition running back Amos Zereoue. Zereoue who will replace Kevin Faulk due to injury is very similar in both stature and running styles to Faulk. Both Backs are 5-8 and are good in both running and catching the ball. "He's built kind of like Kevin. Not the same, but similar. Short, thick, strong legs, good balance. He's probably had more production running than receiving, but I think he can also be in the passing game," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss also offers his latest mailbag where he answers your questions.
