March 2008 - New England Patriots Wiretap
Brady 'Doing Well' In Recovery From Surgery
Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady made an unpublicized appearance Wednesday with his girlfriend Gisele and said that his recovery is going well.
Brady told reporters that he's "doing well" more than two months after a season-ending injury to his left knee in the opener.
NFC Continues To Dent Into AFC's Dominance
The NFC, beginning with the Giants' victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII this past February, has begun to put a dent into the AFC's recent dominance in the NFL.
Through Week 12 of the 2008 season, the NFC has a 22-19-1 record against the AFC. Cut out the horrendous NFC West ? which has a 2-7 mark against the AFC ? and that mark jumps to 20-12-1.
Prior to New York's shocking win over New England in Glendale, Ari., the AFC had won four-straight Super Bowls. Even with the Giants recent triumph, the American Conference has taken eight of the last eleven titles.
Miami's Porter Apologizes For Action Against Pats
Dolphins' linebacker Joey Porter has apologized to his teammates and coach Tony Sparano for his actions on Sunday against the Patriots.
On New England's final drive, Porter was flagged for unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct in a span of three plays.
Cassel: I Emulate Brady Every Day
Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady have largely been responsible for the emergence of Matt Cassel.
"Everything I do in the games has to do with Tom's guidance," said Cassel. "He took me under his wing when I was a punk rookie and he was a superstar. He's been great to me this year. I emulate him every day when I got out to practice or to play a game."
"In training camp this year, there were times I thought the Patriots liked [current third-stringer] Matt Gutierrez better than Cassel," said an AFC scout. "You could have traded for Cassel in camp this summer if you really wanted him. But you'd have had no reason to. The point is, the Patriots have done an amazing job of drafting and developing late-round and free-agent quarterbacks. Whatever their secret is, we should all be following it. I want to find out who their quarterback in the late rounds is next year and get him.''
Pats, Dolphins Fight Could Lead To Suspensions
Patriots' tackle Matt Light could face a possible suspension after getting into a fight with Miami's Channing Crowder during the fourth quarter on Sunday.
Light was seen throwing punches at Crowder, pummeling the Miami linebacker after his helmet came off.
Both players were ejected.
"He was doing a good job, drilling him right in the head," fellow lineman Logan Mankins said of Light, "so kudos to Matt."
Porter: Cassel Has Grown Up
Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter had some kind words for Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel this week.
"I think he's got a little smarter and he's grown up since then," Porter said. "He's played a lot of football since then [their first meeting]. If his read is not there, he's going to take the 3, 6 or 7-yard (completion) instead of just sitting there and taking no play.
"He's being a smarter quarterback. If his first read is not open he's not going to sit back there and take a sack when he can try to make a play out of something that's not there."
Belichick: Parcells' Success Doesn't Surprise Me
Bill Belichick was very complimentary of the abilities of Bill Parcells' work with the Dolphins.
?I am sure he has had a lot to do with it,? he said, referring to the Dolphins? success. ?Bill has a great ability to build football teams, not just from personnel but in putting it together. I?m sure he?s helped do that, whether it be staff, personnel department, medical department, so forth and so on. There are a million things that go into putting together an organization and a football team, and he has had tremendous success at pretty much every place he has been.
?And it doesn?t surprise me that they are having success down there this year,? Belichick said. ?He?s had it every place he?s been. That?s not taking anything away from their coaches, players or anything else, but I?m sure he?s had a big impact on them.?
Miami To Launch Wildcat 2.0 Against Patriots
Against the Patriots, the Dolphins went into the game with four Wildcat plays installed that they were capable of running, one of which was a passing play designed for Ronnie Brown to hit tight end Anthony Fasano.
Since then, the Wildcat has become much more complex. The team has used it 59 times this season, gaining an average of 7.1 yards a play for a total of 420 yards and eight touchdowns.
During that time, more than eight other wrinkles have been utilized in games.
"Right now, we've probably run 12 to 15 other plays [in games]," coach Tony Sparano said.
Since then, the Bills, 49ers and Jets have tried to utilize their version of the Wildcat against the Patriots.
Brady Is Only Patriot With Mirror In Locker
Quarterback Tom Brady is the only member of the Patriots that has a mirror in his locker, which is filled with numerous beauty products.
Brady's locker is also filled with clothes, caps, and a variety of other personal care must-haves.
Pats: Porter Has Earned Right To Talk
The Patriots believe that Dolphins' linebacker Joey Porter has earned the right to talk trash because of his play this season.
"When you have 12-and-a-half, 13-and-a-half sacks or whatever he's got in 10 games, you can pretty much say what you want in this league and get away with it," Patriots' fullback Heath Evans said Tuesday. "Until we do something about him, he's earned the right to say what he wants to say. They're 1-0 against us this year."
Evans believes Porter should get much of the credit for the inspired play of the Dolphins' defense this season.
"I think he's that fired up every week," Evans said. "He's a competitor. I admire a guy like that on the field."
Even Bill Belichick had good things to say about Porter.
"He's the same player we've seen," Belichick added. "I think it certainly helps them defensively. Their turnovers, their sacks, some of their big plays on defense have come, as usual, when the offense is in long-yardage situations or they're ahead and (the offense) has to throw, they're taking more chances, they're a little more exposed."
Joey Porter Attacks Patriots
Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter had some choice words for the Patriots on Monday as the two teams prepare to face off this Sunday.
'72 Dolphins Legend Mercury Morris Rooting For The Titans
Dolphins' legend Mercury Morris was a critic of the Patriots last season, but is rooting for the undefeated Titans this year.
Pats Unlikely To Franchise Cassel?
Matt Cassel is expected to play for Minnesota, Detroit, San Francisco, St. Louis or possibly with Josh McDaniels if he gets a head coaching gig.
Jets Outlast Pats In OT
The Jets outlasted the Patriots, 34-31, in overtime on Thursday night to take sole possession of first place in the AFC East for the time-being.
Pats' Thomas Could Return For Playoffs
Adalius Thomas is definitely out for Thursday's game against the Jets, but he's not definitely out for the season.
Brady Works Out In Pats Training Room
Quarterback Tom Brady has returned to Foxborough and is working out at the Patriots' training room.
Maroney: I Have No Issues With Belichick
Laurence Maroney believes the media created an issue between he and Bill Belichick that was non-existent.
Jets Bring Law Back To New York
Cornerback Ty Law on Monday agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Jets, just in time to play against the Patriots.
Moss Fine Rescinded
The NFL is rescinding its $20,000 fine of New England's Randy Moss.
Sources: Adalius Thomas Breaks Arm
Patriots' linebacker Adalius Thomas broke his arm against the Bills on Sunday, according to sources.
Randy Moss Fined $20K For Criticizing Officials
Patriots' receiver Randy Moss has been fined $20,000 for comments made regarding officiating after the team's loss to the Colts in Week Nine.
Cassel Could Make $8M In 2009
Matt Cassel would command something in the $6 million to $8 million per year range to be a starter next season, according to an agent.
Randy Moss Upset With Officials
Patriots' wide receiver Randy Moss was not happy with the officiating in the team's loss to the Colts on Sunday night.