In preparation for Sunday afternoon’s Texans at Patriots showdown, I took a few minutes to talk with Claire Mullins of “State of The Texans”. Here is the interview with questions from Claire and other Houston fans on Twitter, along with my responses below.

To check out the interview and the rest of the site, click here.

@the_halby — How much does Bill Belichick change a game plan when facing an opponent they’ve beaten? How many new wrinkles can HOU expect?

 

Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, so his week-to-week preparation is nearly unmatched. I think when you are facing a team again in the same season, you have to try and do what worked well in the last meeting while also trying to catch your opponent off-guard with anything they might try and adjust to.  I would expect several new wrinkles and wouldn’t be surprised to see a trick play of player in an unusual position.

 @Frobeus_NS — Do the Patriots plan on resting Tom Brady since this game will be so easy?

 

No, he’s a pretty competitive player. Look for him to start and play out the game.

 

@HappyTexans — Are they expecting a different blitz package from Texans DC Wade Phillips? Are they still practicing with rackets?

 

We all know Wade Phillips isn’t afraid to bring pressure, so it is expected for this re-match. While Brady has shown that if you hit him, he can be shaken, he is exceptional if defenses bring 5 or more; this season Brady has thrown for a 67% completion percentage, 1,582 yards, 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

And yes, I am sure the rackets are out.

 

@Rottweiller2000 — How has the Patriots defense/team evolved with addition of CB Aqib Talib?
The addition of cornerback Aqib Talib has been critical to this Pats secondary. While his play has only been mediocre thus far, his presence created a domino theory for the rest of the defensive backs. With him lined up at CB, Alfonzo Dennard across from him, Steve Gregory and Devin McCourty at the safety positions, there is more stability for the back-end of the defense, something the unit desperately needed.

@texantakeover — How do you expect the patriots to use TE Rob Gronkowski against the ‪#Texans defense? On seam routes of mainly in the red zone?
Gronkowski back is huge for the Patriots offense. Similar to Talib’s presence, there is a big domino effect with Gronkowski in the game. Seam routes and redzone targets are where most of his damage is done. Along those lines, he should be able to clear out the middle of the field for WR Wes Welker and TE Aaron Hernandez as well as contributing in blocking Houston’s strong pass-rush.

 

@Joeeatstacos — J.J. Watt, had a below avg game last time, can NE repeat?
Tough question to answer, my guess is no. I don’t believe the Patriots will allow Watt to takeover the game, but I would be surprised if he was as irrelevant as he was in the last contest.

 

@TXBobbumman — How have the Pats fared when Belichick has had an extra week to prepare for a team? ‪
The Patriots have fared well under Belichick after the bye because of the extra time, but also because they have been a very good team for most of the past 12 years. No matter how much time they’ve had these last two weeks, it will certainly take a four-quarter effort to win Sunday.

 

@TXBobbumman — Will the Pats even bother going 3 WRs when they can abuse our ILBs with their TEs? ‪

 

I would expect to see the big four: Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Along with them, one of the Patriots running backs would line up and most likely be the offensive package most showcased.

 

@garciarafael65 — Has any opponent made Vince Wilfork a non-factor and how can the Texans do it?

 

Wilfork is one of the most dominant defensive players in the league and he has been slowed, but he makes his presence felt every game. He does not play in an attacking scheme, but he always ends up near the ball carrier.

 – Any players we should be on the lookout for who may not have had as big an impact in week 14?

Offense: Danny Woodhead, Rob Gronkowski

Defense: Chandler Jones, Brandon Spikes

And then, there were eight.

The “Elite Eight” NFL teams are set to showdown this weekend and there are some great match-ups. Evenly matched and quality teams are set to square off on Saturday and Sunday. Here are my predictions for this weekend’s games.

– Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos

Prediction: Broncos Win

I think the Ravens will come to play, but it’s hard for me to envision them coming out of Mile High with a victory. Less than a week after playing an emotional game, going on the road and facing a healthy Broncos team — just don’t see it. I will be curious to see how Peyton Manning performs in cold weather, in his first post-season start for Denver.

– Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

Prediction: Packers Win

This is a tough game and could be the best contest of the weekend. The 49ers are a tremendous team, but I have my reservations about QB Colin Kaepernick. Ever since Jim Harbaugh made the switch, I have been waiting for Kaepernick to make a mistake that makes everyone question that decision. I don’t see Justin Smith playing very close to healthy with torn triceps and the San Francisco defense has struggled when he does. Look for Green Bay to start fast and Kaepernick to make mistakes trying to catch up.

– Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons

Prediction: Falcons

I don’t feel great about this prediction, but I feel like Atlanta has to win this game. Seattle has played great this season, but I cannot imagine them winning back-to-back road games against a hungry Falcons team. Atlanta knows they need to prove themselves for people to take them seriously and I think they can get the job done in front of their home crowd.

– Houston Texans at New England Patriots

Prediction: Patriots

Including their week 14 match-up, the Texans stumbled into the playoffs losing three of their last four to close out the regular season. I also wasn’t impressed with their 19-13 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. The Patriots are very healthy and will be fired up in front of the Gillette faithful. It might not be the 28-point blowout it was in early December, but I expect the reloaded Pats to come out firing on all cylinders and I am not sure Houston has the mental make-up to recover if they are hit in the mouth early.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

The New England Patriots announced on Tuesday veteran wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. In addition to Stallworth, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has been released.

Stallworth’s last play was a 63-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter and now leaves the Patriots banged up receiving core even more short-handed. With Deion Branch’s locker still intact, I would expect him to re-sign with the team in the next 24-48 hours, if his hamstring is healthy.

Visanthe Shiancoe’s release makes his time with the Patriots very disappointing. (FILE:USPresswire)

Shiancoe’s release is not surprising after yet another poor performance on Monday night. Not only was the veteran tight end basically invisible during the game, he also tipped back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett’s pass in the air, which led to the patriots only turnover in the game late in the fourth quarter.

Shiancoe’s time with the Patriots was very disappointing for two main reasons. The first disappointing aspect of Shiancoe’s short-lived tenure with the team was his 1.2 million dollar signing bonus he received for almost zero production value.

The second and most disappointing part of Shiancoe’s release is how the Pats used their “IR with designation to return” tag on the veteran early on in the season. If the team had not used their designation on Shiancoe, perhaps they could have had Jeff Demps return and add a dynamic playmaking ability to the team.

Especially with Julian Edelman’s foot injury, Demps could have added value to the return game. Turns out the Shiancoe signing was a failure from the get go.

In other news, offensive lineman Tommie Draheim has been released from the practice squad.

With Stallworth going to IR, Shiancoe’s and Draheim’s release; the Patriots now have two open roster spots on the 53-man roster as well as an open spot on the practice squad.

Draheim was signed to the New England practice squad on Dec. 4. The 23-year-old originally was signed by the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent out of San Diego State in early May.

As I mentioned, expect Deion Branch to be re-signed this week. Branch was dealing with a hamstring issue that led to his release, but several reports indicate he is now healthy.

For whom the Patriots will fill the open roster spots on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad, expect corresponding moves in the next couple of days. Stay tuned.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

In preparation for Monday night’s Texans at Patriots showdown, I took a few minutes to talk with Claire Mullins of “State of The Texans”. Mullins is actually an official fan reporter of the Texans, and here is the interview with questions from Claire and other Houston fans on Twitter, along with my responses below.

To check out the interview and the rest of the site, click here.

1. With the depleted offensive line, what will be key to negating the Texans’ pass rush?

The Patriots offensive line is certainly one of the best groups in the NFL. Led by positional coach Dante Scarnecchia, the unit is fifth in the league in sacks allowed. Even though the group has faced injuries in recent weeks, time after time it seems no matter whom the team plugs in, QB Tom Brady has a clean pocket. New England’s ability to neutralize Houston’s pass rush and defensive player of the year candidate DE J.J. Watt, could ultimately be the key to the game.

I expect the Patriots to stay balanced offensively, running and use more quick passes to avoid any blitz. Keeping an extra tight end to chip or a running back to pass protect would probably benefit the team facing an aggressive Wade Phillips defense.

2. Why do you believe that the running game for the Patriots has been so effective opposed to previous seasons?

The Patriots running attack has really just come down to personnel. RB Stevan Ridley has emerged as the lead back and having a tremendous season eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark with four games left to play. Second-year running back Shane Vereen has shown the ability to score whenever he is given the opportunity. Rookie RB Brandon Bolden, expected to return this week after a four-game suspension, has flashed and even led the team in carries in game earlier this season. Even though he is not involved as much anymore, RB Danny Woodhead has come up with some of the biggest plays of the year. Overall, this is the most talented committee of backs the Pats have had in quite some time.

3. With TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Julian Edelman out do you think HC Bill Belichick leans more on Ridley and WR Wes Welker this game?

No question. Ridley, Welker and TE Aaron Hernandez will be the three main weapons for the Patriots Monday night. WR Brandon Lloyd has been quiet in his first year with the team, but has made big plays at times. In any case, look for the aforementioned three weapons to be the most targeted throughout the game.

4. With a defense ranked in the bottom quarter of the NFL, what do you envision the Patriots pass rush doing to get past a stout offensive line and to Texans QB Matt Schaub?

The ability to protect and get after the opposing quarterback will be the biggest key to the game in my opinion. The Patriots have been extremely successful when blitzing this season, but Belichick seems hesitant at times to put his often-burned in position to be victimized yet again. Rookie defensive end Chandler Jones has been impressive this season and his expected return Monday night should be a big boost for the unit. If the Pats can generate pressure on Schaub with four players, the Texans will be in trouble. On the flip side, if the Patriots roll the dice and cannot get to the QB in time, Houston could move down the field in a hurry.

5. How do you see the Patriots 9th ranked rushing defense stopping the Texans running attack?

With all due respect to Texans RB Arian Foster, I would actually be surprised if he ran well against New England. The Patriots run defense has been stout this season and Belichick has proven over the years he will take away what teams do best. I look for the Pats to try and make the Texans one-dimensional, while also forcing Schaub to step up in a congested pocket. The last thing the Patriots can afford is letting Houston set up a play action pass, which the Texans are so great at executing.  Linebackers Brandon Spikes, Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower are all very strong against the run and the Pats’ front seven has done a solid job “setting the edge” throughout the season. I expect limiting Foster will be priority one coming into the game.

6. Who are some lesser-known players on both offense and defense that we should keep an eye on for Thursday?

Offensively, you’ve heard of the bigger names. Gronkowski, Hernandez, Welker, Lloyd and Ridley. Julian Edelman would be a name to throw out as a playmaker, but he was placed on Injured-reserve this week after breaking his foot in Miami last Sunday. However, tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer are two of the league’s best. Vollmer will most likely be facing off with JJ. Watt throughout the game and will be an exciting match-up. Unfortunately, a concern for the Patriots would be Vollmer’s back injury that has bothered him throughout his career and seems to be back again — no pun intended. His health, or lack there of, could turn out to be a huge blow to New England if he is limited or unable to go Monday night.

Defensively, rookie Chandler Jones should be making his return after dealing with a brief ankle injury. His 6.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles has put his name in consideration for defensive rookie of the year, but he has also been outstanding versus the run. Also, middle linebacker Brandon Spikes is having his best season as a Patriots and brings a lot of power as well as intensity to the field. Texans players going over the middle will need to keep their heads on a swivel with no. 55 ready to make yet another impact play.

7. Who do you see on Texans WR Andre Johnson? Patriots CB Aqib Talib?

Andre Johnson is a tough match-up for the Patriots defense, or any defense in the league. The unit struggles against the pass, but has shown in recent weeks to be improving. Albeit facing quarterbacks such as Andrew Luck, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mark Sanchez and Ryan Tannehill.

I believe Talib will go against Johnson, but would expect him to be double covered or have safety help rolled to his side. The team will have to go in to the contest with a sound gameplan. After all, this is a Patriots defense that has given up a league-high 59 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season.

8. What are some matchups the Patriots can exploit versus the Texans?

I would say the middle of the Texans defense with a banged up linebacking core. Three step drops, quick passes and that should also help Brady stand tall in the pocket. Hernandez and Welker are tough for any defense to go against, so the middle of the field will be key.

9. And finally, with the top ranked offense in the NFL going up against one of the more exciting defenses, how do you see Monday playing out?

This is a game both teams have circled on their calendars for months now. This more than likely will not be the only time these teams face each other this year. So many times in the NFL, it’s timing that can hurt you just as much as the opposing team. The Texans are going on the road for a third straight week to face a very good Patriots squad. I believe the game will be close, but I believe the Patriots will pull out the victory by about a touchdown margin. Prediction: Patriots 31, Texans 23

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

For the past 28 seasons, Gino Cappalletti and Gil Santos have been on the call for he New England Patriots. Every play, every score, every historical moment in that time frame has been delivered by the two legendary broadcasters.

However, radio color analyst Cappelletti officially retired prior to the start of this season and Santos, 72, announced this will be his final year in the booth.

Santos battled a severe case of pneumonia and at one point lost feeling in his extremities, which caused him to be taken to the hospital by ambulance on Feb. 24. He left a rehab center on May 19 with the help of a walker and returned to the booth for the Patriots first preseason game on Aug. 9.

Former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who joined Patriots radio broadcasts in a sideline role last season, replaced Cappelletti’s place in the booth. The question remains, who will take over for Santos as the play-by-play man?

For me, the choice is simple, John Rooke.

For starters, let’s take a look at his background: 

- 16 years of Division I college football radio play-by-play experience, including six at the network level

- Two years of pro football experience for the USFL (United States Football League)

- ESPN, NBC Sports, WEEI talk show host experience

- Play-by-play for minor league baseball, MLB, Division 1 NCAA Football / basketball, MLS and NFL

- 20 years inside the Patriots organization

Of course, this is just some of Rooke’s extensive background in the business and most impressive is his 20 years of experience with the Patriots. I think that’s most important for anyone who would step in for Santos, having the right experience and knowing the team as well as the league.

In the Q & A below, I asked Rooke several questions in regards to his job qualifications and how his experience would help him succeed as Santos’ potential successor.

Q & A with the man himself, John Rooke:

What is your best trait that translates to the broadcast booth?

My best trait?  The ability to talk fast, I suppose!  I think I just have an ability to keep up with the play on the field, describe what is happening as a good reporter should do…but most importantly, create a visual picture for those who are trying or hoping to “see” the game through my eyes.  That’s my job, first and foremost.  The basics…and to paint the picture so the listener can see what we see.  If I do that, that’s what it’s all about…and I’m always striving to perfect this trait.

How long have you wanted this particular job?

I’ve always wanted to be an NFL guy.  Even when I was in the NBA!  From the very first time I heard a Dallas Cowboys’ broadcast as a kid.  To be there, describing the play on the field…it leaves me just about speechless.  If I’m fortunate to receive an opportunity, it will be the realization of an almost life-long ambition.

What separates you from other potential candidates for this position?

Good question.  I’m uniquely qualified, in that I’ve covered and worked for this team for more than 20 years.  I’m at the Stadium visiting, talking, covering, reporting 3-4 days per week…I know the organization, the personnel, the people better than most.  I know the ins and outs.  I’ve covered pro football for more than a quarter century.  In short, I’ve got experience.  I’d be surprised to find someone with more, or better, experience and opportunity than I have had.  Shoot, other than Dante Scarnecchia, I have more Patriots’ experience than just about every other person in that stadium.

Obviously you have a tremendous amount of experience, but do you think you are qualified to take over for Gil Santos?

I’m humbled just to be mentioned in the same sentence as Gil.  Gil has been a friend and a mentor to me, and has always been available to offer a kind word or a thought about my work in the college game, or on ESPN, or wherever I might have been working.  I think fans would want someone that knows the team and organization, but also someone who understands what it takes to do a professional job on the broadcast, how to present that broadcast with the proper energy and enthusiasm, and entertain as well as inform.  Gil does that now.  His shoes are very big, but I believe I’m uniquely qualified to fill them.  I would embrace the chance to step into those shoes, and if I’m fortunate enough to be called upon, Patriot fans can rest assured the legacy he has created will remain in place… and grow.

Overall, John Rooke is the most sensible option to take over for Gil Santos for the 2013 NFL season. He has all of the necessary traits, incomparable experience and would be the perfect voice of the New England Patriots franchise moving forward.

Not only is he a tremendous broadcaster, but he is also an incredible human being and I know he would make the most of this opportunity. These reasons and countless others make Rooke the obvious choice to take over for Santos.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven! or John Rooke: @JRooke0722

On Thursday I saw a video that aired on the NBC “Today Show,” about New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick McDonald and his journey to become an NFL player. The video provides a behind the scenes look into McDonald’s life and illustrates a touching story on a player who has seen more time on the field for the Pats lately as he is beginning to make a name for himself.

NBC’s Alax Flanagan reports in the 3:51 video. Take a look (link here):

 

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

The New England Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 59-24 on Sunday afternoon, but the victory seems to be a costly one.

Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski broke his forearm on an unfortunate play during the final P.A.T by former Patriots defensive back Sergio Brown. Gronkowski reportedly had surgery Monday morning.

When reports first surfaced post-game that Gronkowski had a broken forearm, the immediate timetable was four-to-six weeks recovery. During ESPN Boston’s weekly “Chat With Tedy”, Jason (Montpelier), asked Tedy the following question.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his forearm in Sunday’s 59-24 victory over the Colts. (FILE:USPresswire)

Jason: “My comment answers a previously posted question; why is Gronk in there? And I say he needs to be in there, this is a team that has struggled to close the door in games both offensively and defensively. The coaching staff can’t say play 60 minutes then start pulling people too early!”

I found Bruschi’s response interesting and enlightening, so I decided to pass it along. Here is what the former Patriots linebacker had to say:

Tedy: “Jason, you always leave your starters in on the P.A.T., even on the field-goal block team. When I was playing defense and we were blowing out an opponent, you were told, “You’re out of the game now, Tedy, but you’re still on the field goal block team.” It’s just the way it is in football. The forearm injury to Gronkowski is unfortunate. The projected time for him to miss is 4-to-6 weeks, per some reports. From my experience, it can be significantly less. Mike Vrabel broke his forearm one year. After surgery, they put in one plate and 11 screws. Vrabel missed two games. I know Gronkowski is tough, but Mike Vrabel’s toughness was legendary. So it all depends on the player. I would doubt that Gronkowski is out the full six weeks.”

 

The New England Patriots have activated tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

The New England Patriots have activated tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. (FILE:USPresswire)

Shiancoe, who was placed on injured reserve with designation to return on Sept. 5, had less than a week to be placed on the 53-man roster or he would be lost for the season.

The Patriots had an open roster spot after running back Brandon Bolden was suspended four games on Friday for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.

Analysis:

The addition of Shiancoe to the Patriots roster means the team now has five tight ends; Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui & now, Shiancoe.

New England loves the versatility of these players and having them on the field creates a tough match-up for any defense. Whether these players are by the offensive line, split out wide, or even in the fullback position, it gives the Pats a lot of options.

When Bolden returns, I would expect the team to release one of the tight ends, but they now have four weeks to make that decision. Shiancoe adds a veteran presence with experience blocking and catching. While I don’t think he’ll be targeted too often, he should add a lot of value and more importantly, insurance moving forward with the season.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden has been suspended four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

After a strong start to his rookie career, Brandon Bolden has had some setbacks in recent weeks. (FILE:USPresswire)

The NFL announced the undrafted rookie running back would be suspended, but the substance has not yet been released to the public. He will be available to return for the Dec. 10 primetime match-up against the Houston Texans.

Bolden most likely wouldn’t have played against the Buffalo Bills this weekend anyways, after missing his third straight practice Friday afternoon. The 22-year-old tailback has been dealing with a knee, lower leg injury since week six. While he is not on crutches anymore, he was still not ready to return.

Regardless of the injury, his suspension begins immediately and will have sometime off. After a strong start for the rookie, the feel good story has now become a big disappointment. I, however, do believe he will redeem himself and should add some fresh legs for New England towards the end of the season.

I would not expect the team to make a move at running back at this time, although that could change depending on injury. More details forthcoming.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

On Tuesday the New England Patriots signed former Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris to the practice squad, filling the last vacant spot.

The eight-man unit has been a revolving door the past couple of weeks and the team seems to be making a multitude of roster moves between PUP activations, trades as well as week-to-week injury insurance.

Here’s a look at the practice squad as it stands now:

FB James Develin

WR Jarred Fayson

DL Marcus Forston

OL Matt Kopa

CB Sterling Moore

WR Greg Salas

OL Jeremiah Warren

LB Jerrell Harris

Analysis:

Marcus Forston was a darkhorse to make the 53-man roster in pre-season and flashed several times during training camp. The 23-year-old out of Miami could very easily find himself on the roster in 2013 if he continues to progress.

Sterling Moore, from playoff hero to practice squad player in a matter of months. Truth is, as well as Moore played in the playoffs last season, he has struggled mightily thus far and needed to waived. Luckily for the coaching staff, he was not claimed and the team brought him back. He provides decent depth for a secondary that has had many issues in the past few seasons.

Greg Salas is an intriguing player. The 24-year-old was acquired by New England in a trade with St. Louis on Sept. 1 in exchange for an undisclosed future draft choice. He was drafted by the Rams in the fifth-round of the 2011 draft out of Hawaii. He could certainly be in the mix at wide receiver next season.

Jerrell Harris, 23, started five games last season for Alabama, playing alongside Patriots first-round draft choice Dont’a Hightower. While Harris was undrafted, he has spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons so far this season.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!