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http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/01-06/01-14-06/c01sp896.htm
It's just as much about the little things as it is about the big picture for the New England Patriots.
Do the little things with the same gusto and verve that they've been doing them, and it's bound to have a positive effect.
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Take for example the heads-up play on the part of backup wide receiver Andre Davis last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild-card playoff game.
It was Davis who was there in perfect position to recover a third quarter fumble by tight end Ben Watson.
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While Davis' recovery was a pretty obvious key moment, there were two significant ones in the first quarter by longsnapper Lonie Paxton.
Paxton's job description has just one line on it: "Snap it straight -- that's my job."
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It was Paxton who was the first guy down the field after the Patriots opening drive sputtered at their own 23. Paxton, who hasn't practiced tackling on a regular basis since his high school years, slipped through a crease and dropped his shoulder into Jaguars returner Alvin Pearman.
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Paxton was again the first player down the field after the Pats second drive conked out at the Jags' 28. Those deceptive souls dressed in red, white and blue had set up for a field goal, but opted to have kicker Adam Vinatieri pooch it. Just before it appeared that the ball was about to roll into the end zone for a touchback, a diving Paxton batted the ball out of the air with his right hand to pin the Jags at their four-yard line. It was three-and-out for the Jags after that.
"Lonie was the best coverage guy we had on the field," said linebacker and special team leader Matt Chatham.
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...even though they may be preoccupied with just doing their primary job exactly the way the coach wants it done, they don't need to be reminded that it's the little things that are ultimately the difference between winning and losing.
