Patriots @ Bills: some notable injuries

by MaPatsFan on Dec 20, 2009 11:03 AM EST in New England Patriots News

The Patriots provided a brutal injury update tonight, ruling out Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Myron Pryor, Steve Neal, Fred Taylor, and Nick Kaczur for tomorrow's game against the Bills.

Uhhmm... Ouch?!?! Taylor's not a surprise and Wilfork has been banged up, but the big man's absence leaves quite a hole in the defensive line. It looks like we'll need the so far ineffective Ron Brace to step up his game. Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur? Well, Dan Connolly picks up Neal's spot and Sebastian Vollmer is the most likely replacement for Kaczur. That puts Matt Light in for the whole game. A little thin on the 300 pounders on both sides of the ball.

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This is going to be a tough one

With the huge number of injuries at key positions, the weather, the potential for the Bills to play spoiler in the AFC East, I fear this game is maybe the biggest challenge of the season for the Patriots. I don’t even want to think about what will happen if we lose and the Jets and Dolphins both win. We’ve got to tough out this game, find a way to win, and begin building momentum. Last week’s win stopped the bleeding; this week we need to reassert ourselves and build toward a deep run in the playoffs. With any kind of win (close, blowout, ugly, impressive) we can stay in command of the division and gain some momentum. But this game has the potential to be a disaster. I hope I’m being needlessly pessimistic.

by ProfessorTodd on Dec 20, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions

I agree

This is a hugely important game, so the number of injuries on the lines is worrying. At least line play is not really a strenght of the Bills either, but still…

by hythlodaeus on Dec 20, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

These injuries on both Lines are really creating weak points that play to the Bill’s strengths.

I have a bad feeling about this. One thing that helps relative to the first game – when they ran all over us – is having Mayo back. But I’m real leary about protecting Brady.

We need to run the ball to protect Brady and be efficient on offense, get a lead and force them to pass to stay in the game. If we do those things, we’ll be alright.

If we dally with trying to pass all the time again, and Shoebel penetrates and forces Brady to make mistakes, … ugh. Things could get ugly.

by mmmmm on Dec 20, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions