Friday New England Patriots Links 11/12
James Walker of ESPN has an article on Tom Brady's history against Pittsburgh, and writes that Brady owns the Steelers.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette also looks at their history from the Steelers' standpoint, with Brady currently holding a 5-1 record against them.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald writes that the two teams have quite a history, and it's always a tough game as they're both typically among the NFL's elite.
“The games have all been good,” said Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. “It’s always a heated, competitive battle, so I’m sure this one will be, too.”
The Boston Globe takes a look at New England's offensive struggles, and this year's problem seems to be that instead of struggling in the second half, they need to get going sooner.
Mike Reiss takes a look at the number of snaps the defense has taken this season, with Ron Brace leading the pack in playing time so far this year.
Ian Rapoport writes that Patrick Chung is improving and his knee is doing a little better each day.
“It’s way better,” Chung said yesterday. “And it’s getting better every day. We’ll just keep practicing and go day by day.”
The Boston Globe reports that after dealing with a sprained foot that kept him out of practice Wednesday, Brady returned to practice yesterday.
Jeff Howe of NESN writes that newly acquired kicker Shayne Graham is excited to start kicking for the Patriots and is looking forward to Sunday's game.
"The fact that I haven’t been on a team every game this year makes me a little hungry," Graham said, "and makes me look forward to getting my career rolling on again, and do what I can to help this team win."
Christopher Price of WEEI.com writes that a member of the NFLPA was in Foxboro Thursday, and the Patriots representatives have voted to go ahead and decertify the union. Price outlines the reasoning behind the move in the article:
"The decertification process is a routine step in the process to prepare the union for collective bargaining, which is ongoing between the NFL and the NFLPA. Decertification would give the union a chance to sue under antitrust laws if there is a lockout. Without decertification, the union would have to wait six months to file a suit after the collective bargaining agreement expired."
Tony Massarotti has a look at Sunday's game and writes that their success is all about "Steely Resolve" and are looking to be taken seriously - and it starts on Sunday.
Steve Buckley of the Herald has a column on Bill Belichick this morning, and writes that Belichick has a selective memory and is trying to get his players to forget about their victories because they need to play better.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram looks at wide receiver Julian Edelman, who he writes has receded from the limelight so far this season.
Garven also has an article on Ben Roethlisberger, who he writes has been a large problem against them.
Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle has an article on Matt Light - who has mixed memories of playing in Pittsburgh.
Farinella also has an article on Fred Taylor, who has worked his way back from a nagging toe injury and appears poised to play on Sunday.
Linebacker Jerod Mayo joined WEEI this morning, and you can listen to the audio here if you want, as the transcription is not yet available.
