Projo Pats Blog

BY SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- The New England offense had a short field to work with for much of the day, thanks in large part to Ellis Hobbs, but wasn't able to do a whole lot with it, making Hobbs' efforts an afterthought.

The cornerback racked up 237 yards on six kickoff returns (39.5 yards per effort), setting a single-game franchise record. Kevin Faulk held the old mark of 220 yards against the Jets on Dec. 22, 2002.

Hobbs had returns of 50, 22, 30, 23, 81 and 31 yards, twice allowing the offense to start its drives in Miami territory. The Pats went three-and-out on the first such occasion, which came on its opening possession.

On the 81-yarder, which put New England just 23 yards from the end zone, the team was able to score its only touchdown of the afternoon.

Hobbs admitted that the effort wore him out.

"I am exhausted," he said when asked if all the running made him tired. "But that is the business. You're not going to sit here and mope and complain -- trust me, I could be doing something else (and) making a lot less for running around."

Though Bill Belichick pointed out that the return game was the only area where New England had some positives against Miami, Hobbs can't take too much pride in the record because it came in a losing effort.

"It's bittersweet. I always say, 'if you have a good day at the office individually, please let's win so you can enjoy it.' It didn't happen," he said. "You take it for what it is and understand that it is a plus, but as a team it's not going to win ball games doing things out here by yourself. We all have to play as a team."

Hobbs was credited with four tackles (three solo) yesterday.

 Tags  Ellis Hobbs

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