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Bill Belichick responds to a question about trying to be more focused on getting the running game going.
You know you guys have seen us play before and there's time where we've run it 30, 40 times. And there are times where we've thrown it 40 times, or 25 straight plays or whatever it is. Our philosophy offensively is to try to move the ball and score points. Whatever plays those are - if they contribute to that end result, then that's good; if they don't, then we'll try to find something that will. To me, it's not about runs or passes, or which player has stats or what player doesn't have stats, it's about the team moving the ball, not turning it over and ultimately scoring points. That's our job on offense. However that happens, if it's happening, it's good. If it isn't, then we need to find a better way to do it.
Karen Guregian reports Vince Wilfork left the field twice with an ankle injury Sunday, and continues to be dedicated and loyal even without the new contract he craves.
Many athletes probably wouldn’t have bothered, or risked further injury, but that’s not Wilfork. Even in a contract year, he went back out there and gave it a go. Maybe that’s why fans adore and appreciate him so much. Maybe that’s why he’s currently leading all AFC interior lineman with 221,195 votes in the latest Pro Bowl tabulations released by the NFL.
Along with being a force at his position, along with taking on double teams, he always plays hard and he’s always willing to play hurt.
Wilfork did not practice yesterday and was not seen in the locker room, but he did make an appearance Tuesday night at Ira Toyota in Milford to promote Toys for Tots.
The good news was Wilfork did not show up in a wheelchair, nor was he on crutches. By one account, he did walk with a bit of a limp. He did his best to reassure those in attendance he would do what was necessary to be able to play Sunday in Buffalo in a key AFC East game against the Bills. Wilfork signed every autograph and mingled for hours, talking shop and promoting positive feelings about the Patriots, even if those are in short supply at the moment.
TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino Warren on Wilfork, Brady on Moss; Wed notes from Gillette.
- Wednesday Pressers: Tom Brady (11:40 min video), Bill Belichick (24:24 min video) Plus Transcripts
- Wednesday Conference Calls: Bill Belichick and Kevin Faulk Transcripts.
- Wednesday Conference Calls: Perry Fewell and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
- Patriots locker room quotes following Wednesday's practice.
- Patriots Today: Brady, Buffalo, Wrap-a-Pat and more. (11:52 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Karen Guregian and Ian Rapoport report the ESPN duo of Greg Cosell and Merill Hoge examined the coaches' game film and conclude that Randy Moss is no quitter and never even took one play off. Take that Bob Ryan.
- Shalise Manza Young says new Buffalo' coach Perry Fewell has had a positive impact on the Bills.
- Ian Rapoport notes the Patriots have simplified their defense and the players felt the difference.
- Christopher Price reports that many New England defenders said there were fewer intricacies in the defensive scheme Sunday, cutting down on the communication issues that had been dogging them.
- Michael Vega is aware of the man-shortage on the Patriots defensive line.
- Kerry Byrne says that despite their recent struggles, Tom Brady and the Patriots can win the Super Bowl.
- Albert Breer notes Buffalo coach Perry Fewel sidestepped the question of Moss's effort last Sunday.
- Albert Breer talks with Bill Belichick about his experience going through an interim coach situation back when Belichick was with Detroit in 1976.
- Mike Reiss notes Bills' DE Aaron Schobel has more sacks against Brady (12 in 15 games) than any player in the NFL.
- Albert Breer gets in touch with ESPN analyst Merril Hoge to talk about Randy Moss's performance and Hoge was quick and emphatic in his defense of Moss.
- Mike Reiss looks at the weekly Patriots penalty leaderboard, noting false starts were the most common penalty.
- Glen Farley (Brockton Enterprise) Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick learned his trade while playing for Silver Lake's Murphy.
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Boston Herald Patriots Notebook: Bills have a new coach and a new look since Week 1; Injury updates - Brady, Wilfork and Warren all sat out yesterday; Press focus is still on Moss taking plays off and the team's support of him; Burgess felt good about getting his first sack in five games against Carolina.
NATIONAL NEWS
- ESPN Report: Bengals' WR Chris Henry dead at 26.
- ESPN analyst Merrill Hoge, a critic of receiver Randy Moss in the past, defends his performance in the New England Patriots' 20-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Video.
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Despite Drama, Pats still a playoff team.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Bills' captain irate over Incognito move.
- Aaron Wilson (Nat'l Football Post) Bills LB Kawika Mitchell rips Incognito, calls him a bum.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) An early look at AFC East MVPs. Wes Welker tops the list so far, with Darrelle Revis, Ricky Williams, Thomas Jones and Vince Wilfork trailing.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Kevin Faulk says Patriots were vulnerable all along.
- Dom Bonvissuto (SI) NFL Playoff projections: Week 15.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Buffalo Bills claimed nasty guard Richie Incognito off waivers from the St. Louis Rams. Incognito is known as one of the NFL's dirtiest players committing 11 personal fouls since 2006.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Larry Izzo not ready to call it a career - yet.
- Johnette Howard (NBC Sports) Colts, not Pats, best-run franchise in NFL: Indianapolis' consistancy has survived coaching change, injuries, departures.
VIEW FROM BUFFALO
- Mark Gaughan (Buffalo News) Incognito claimed off waivers; Mitchell is no fan.
- Sal Maiorana (Rochester D&C) Buffalo Bills' defense to face test with Wes Welker.
- Don Bates (BuffaloBills.com) Bills eager to end Pats streak.
- Rochester D&C Bills might face local TV blackout Sunday against New England.