We're now officially into the month of December, which finds New England in the home stretch of the regular season with a big game looming against the Jets next Monday night here in Foxboro. If you think the hype is huge here, the New York media has the lead over everyone here in Boston by a landslide after what I've read this morning.
Gary Myers of the New York Daily News has the biggest prediction so far this morning, as he predicts a win Monday night and has already placed Rex Ryan in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For those who feel the need to really get irritated, be sure and read this one.
Back in Foxboro most of Ryan's comments appear to be getting back to head coach Bill Belichick, but he's not biting. Bob Glauber of NewsDay asked Ryan if he backed off of his comments from last year regarding Belichick, and Ryan once again gave the Patriots a bit more incentive for next week.
"I just told the truth,'' Ryan said. "I came here to win. As much as I respect and admire Bill Belichick, I came here to kick his ass, and that's the truth. That's just the way it is.''
Belichick responded yesterday, but as usual didn't offer up much to reporters when asked about it.
"Sure, that's understandable,'' said Belichick. "There's no love lost out there between these two teams. We both want to win. That's what we're here for. I mean, both teams are walking out onto the field to come out victorious. Is that a big news story? That something we didn't know?''
The Bart Hubboch of the New York Post has an article this morning on New England's defense, which he feels is playing "like a bunch of bafoons".
Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post says the Jets need to bring the blitz Monday night and "Pummle the Pretty Boy".
Here you go - ever remember Tom Brady pulling a no show at a charity event? Mark Sanchez did just that, leaving two of his offensive linemen in the lurch after he failed to show up for a fundraiser Monday night.
Enough of the New York media - you get the point.
Mark Farinella of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle has an article this morning on defensive back Kyle Arrington, who has been lining up with the "big boys" and got a much closer look at opposing offensive linemen while being used in a defensive wrinkle in recent weeks.
"Those guys are a lot bigger," the Patriots' cornerback said in reference to the new wrinkle that has been added to his repertoire in recent weeks. "I don't get that much of an up-close view as I have over the past two weeks, and they're a lot bigger up close."
Jeff Howe of NESN writes that the Patriots must prove they can beat the Jets before worrying about the postseason.
Here's an article reporting that UGG Australia announced that it is partnering with Brady to launch its first men's marketing initiative.
"I have worn and loved the UGG brand for a long time," added California native Tom Brady."This collaboration gives me an opportunity to work with a leading global brand with a great history and a true vision for the future of its men's collection.It's an exciting time to be part of the UGG Australia team."
Mike Reiss has an article this morning on Tedy Bruschi, who appreciates the fact the team is holding a ceremony for him next Monday night at Gillette Stadium.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has an article on Deion Branch, who while he was here from 2002-06 the Patriots won all six games that he was on the field and outscored them 158-60 over that time frame.
"Back then, we kind of ruled those guys," Branch said yesterday. "I think now, it's a little different."
Karen Guregian of the Herald has a good article on New England's secondary, which she writes we'll find out just how much they've grown when they face the Jets for the second time on Monday night.
And finally both Rapoport and Guregian combine for an article on Robert Kraft, who is excited about facing the Jets - and hopefully beating them.
"If we win," the Patriots owner said, "I love it."
That's it for this morning. We'll have more in a bit.
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