Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 11/26/08

by Marima on Nov 26, 2008 8:16 AM EST in New England Patriots News

TEAM SHOTS

Patriots vs. Steelers at Gillette Stadium Thanksgiving Weekend.
Ask PFW: The future status of Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel highlights this edition of Ask PFW.
Bill Belichick's and Josh McDaniels' Tuesday Conference Calls.
Contribute to children's coat drive on game days at Patriots Place.

LOCAL SHOTS

Mike Reiss details the Patriots options regarding Matt Cassel, who's given us a remarkable season that few saw coming.
Robert Lee says there will be little margin for error against Steelers.
John Tomase points out the Steelers own the best defense in the league, and they’ll bring it to Foxboro on Sunday.
Steve Buckley says that Matt Light's fight wasn't too bright, especially if it leads to a suspension.
Mike Reiss answers his mailbag, notes Sunday's broadcast tandem will again be Gregg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf, and looks at which Pats are in the top 5 of their respective positions in AFC fan Pro Bowl voting.
Globe Patriots Notebook: Steeler defense is No. 1 issue; Patriots' next three opponents will all have three extra days of preparation; injury updates; Cassel nominated for FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week.
Michael Felger analyzes the Miami game and hands out his Report Cards.

LONG SHOTS

John Clayton (ESPN) says that staying put might be in Cassel's best interest and wonders, can Cassel pass for 400 yards against the Steelers?
Gregg Easterbrook (ESPN) asserts Cassel is just a temporary hero and the Pats system seems more important than Tom Brady.
Michael Lombardi (National Football Post) praises what the Patriots and Matt Cassel have accomplished over the season.
AP Report: 5 Starters could be out for Steelers. What, only 5?

VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH

Ed Bouchette (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): Cassel keeps Patriots right in thick of NFL playoff race, and Parker might be out Sunday (swollen knee).
John Harris (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review): Steelers face daunting schedule, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's Take.
Bob Labriola (Steelers.com) notes the New England Patriots still have a potent offense, even without Tom Brady, but this time the Steelers can counter with a healthy defense.

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Comments

injuries

Marvel smith (LT) has been about for about half the season now. Our O-line sucks with or without him, but the dropoff in his backup is not that significant with the way Smith has been hurt.
Keisel (DE) being out is a bummer, but his backups (the steelers rotate at least two in there) have played lights out when he was gone for a few weeks earlier this year. Our DE’s are only asked to stop the run anyhow, so…
Not so happy about Parker (RB) being out, but we can run without him. He needs to get healthy.

The only real significant ones I think are the CBs. They’ve been out for a few weeks (notice we’re still #1 in pass defense?) but will be needed against the Pats. Word on the street is McFadden will most likely be back. He’s been in full practices for over a week now, but they’ve been cautious – they won’t be this weekend. He’s a damn fine CB. The nickelback townsend would be awfully nice to have this weekend, but it seems unlikely he’ll play as of right now. Still, our depth isn’t bad, but having 4 good CBs and your castoff fernando bryant would be infinitely helpful this weekend.

by steelguy99 on Nov 26, 2008 9:05 AM EST reply actions

how's Bryant been doing?

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Nov 26, 2008 9:21 AM EST up reply actions

There’s a reason you guys cut him.

He’s been forced into the #3 role which is not where he should be. I’ve heard his name called far too often, and I imagine the pats will exploit him quite a bit since he’ll be in the #4 role. That said, most people don’t exactly have stellar lower-tier CBs, so it’s hard to complain with his adequate performance.

by steelguy99 on Nov 26, 2008 10:53 AM EST up reply actions