BRADY'S KNEE INFECTED BY RAMPANT SPECULATION
- ESPN reported last night on the he-said, they-said back and forth about whether the Patriots were upset with Brady for having his surgery in California, or supported his decision.
- Mark Schlereth (ESPN) gives his perspective to "Mike and Mike" on Brady's knee, mentioning of course, possible bone infection, amputation, and a potentially devastating outcome. He's not a doctor, he just plays one on TV.
- Karen Guregian reports "The stubborn infection that spread into Tom Brady's left knee originated in an unexpected procedure the quarterback’s surgeon performed when he found that his star patient’s knee had not healed enough to be ready for the planned surgery."
- Ron Borges presents the nightmare scenario. "Frankly, at the moment the Patriots have very little idea what they’re looking at beyond a PR nightmare and, potentially, a second reconstructive surgery on Brady’s knee if the infection he’s now suffering with doesn’t abate."
- Shira Springer says Brady's long-term prognosis also depends on what type of bacteria caused the infection.
- Shalise Manza Young interviews still more doctors who are unconnected with Brady's medical team, but share their opinions anyway.
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Mike Underwood gives us the Profile of Tom Brady's surgeon.
LOCAL SHOTS
- Chris Gasper talks sacks with Matt Cassel, who admitted "I need to do a better job of throwing the ball away when I need to."
- Karen Guregian tells us Matt Cassel and Tom Brady still in close contact, talking football, not medical woes.
- Jim Donaldson's theory: The Patriots don't care about the fan because they don't give out information on player injuries. Rams coach Jim Haslett does care because he spills more on the status of his injured players. --I think he's been rebuffed by the Billster one too many times.
- Mike Reiss puts The Rams in Focus with 5 items to note, gives us the Patriots and Rams Practice Participation Reports., and offers up some links to the St. Louis point of view.
- Robert Lee says that despite injuries, Patriots still have options in the backfield.
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Projo gives us their short and sweet Patriots vs. Rams game preview.
TEAM SHOTS
- Rams' coach Jim Haslett has the team on a two game winning streak and feeling good about itself.
- Matt Cassel addressed the media during his locker room interview on Thursday.
LONG SHOTS
- Jim Thomas (St.Louis Post-Dispatch) says Super Bowl loss still stings for the Rams, seven years later.
- Bill Coats (STL Post-Dispatch) hints at the Rams game plan, “We have to try to stop the run and force them to pass the ball,” DE Leonard Little said, “and then try to get after the quarterback a little bit.”
- Bill Coats (STL Post-Dispatch) brings his St. Louis readership up to date on the Patriots' Super Bowl hangover and concludes, "there's no question that the glimmer has faded in New England."
- Matt Brown (STATS) offers his Patriots - Rams preview.
- Matt Sohn (ProFootball Weekly) hears that the Patriots are struggling to find a suitable replacement for versatile Rodney Harrison.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) says Rodney Harrison could have the credentials to belong in Canton.
- Graham (ESPN) gushes over the Patriots Hall of Fame, saying it's the best he's ever seen.
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Adam Schefter (NFL.com) discusses the Patriots' running back shortage, and notes New England never makes excuses and continues to go out and play playoff-caliber football.