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Dope of the week, Rex Grossman

Hey all --

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio was our first-ever dope of the week for his statement after the Jags' loss to New England that his players "should have speared" Tom Brady during a first-half belly slide. He did this in defense of Clint Ingram, who dove helmet-first into Brady in the second half.

Well, we kind of like this Dope of the Week thing. And this morning we learned who our newest winner would be: Rex Grossman. Grossman, who for our money is reason number one the Bears are not as good as their record says they are (that and the terrible NFC), was wretched (one of our favorite words) in Sunday's season-ending loss to Green Bay. Grossman was 2-for-12 for 33 yards and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

After the game, here was Grossman's excuse for his gross play:

"In this league, especially at this position, you have to bring it every single week, no matter what. And the situation was I felt like I was going to play about a half, and it was the last game, it was New Year's Eve -- there were so many other factors that brought my focus away from what is actually important, and that's something that I am never going to do again. There is too much I am responsible for to not give it 100 percent during the week and just the full attention. It's another lesson.''

"It was New Year's Eve?" Really, Rex? You poor baby, your sport's season interferes with the most trumped-up excuse for a party ever. Call me crazy, but if I had a base salary of $625,000, I'd treat any night I wanted like New Year's Eve.

Okay, rant over. Congrats on the honor, Rex.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Thursday injury report -- No Pats changes

The Patriots had no changes to their injury report today; Mike Vrabel (back) was once again listed to miss at least a portion of practice due to the injury he suffered yesterday in practice.

The Jets had no major changes, save that Matt Chatham, yesterday listed as probable for personal reasons, is now probable with a foot injury, but did not miss any portion of practice.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Practice peek

Hey all --

Just in from practice, which was held inside the stadium today. Once again, the only player not spotted during the print-media access portion of the session was Rodney Harrison.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

More from Miami -- a plea for Pioli

Hey all --

Last night, we told you about Dan LeBatard's scathing attack on departed Dolphins coach Nick Saban, and now another Miami Herald columnist is giving his opinion.

Following the advice of Miami owner Wayne Huizenga, who yesterday solicited the media for suggestions, Greg Cote has a column this morning telling Huizenga to go after New England's vice president of player personnel, Scott Pioli.

"Hire this man because he is more important than a head coach," Cote writes. "Pay him what you must and give him more power than you'd like because he is proven."

There have also been rumors out of New York that the Giants may be interesting in luring Pioli away from Foxboro as well. The 41-year old New York native is a two-time NFL Executive of the Year who has been with the Pats for seven seasons.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Warren AFC defensive player of the month

While we were in the locker room, the Patriots told us that Ty Warren was named defensive the AFC defensive player of the month for December.

In New England's four games last month, the fourth-year D-lineman had 43 tackles (27 solo), four sacks for 21 yards, and four quarterback hits. The four December sacks is more than Warren's previous best for a season; he recorded 3 1/2 takedowns in 2004.

For the season, he had 117 tackles (66 solo), 7 1/2 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Colts receiver (and former Syracuse standout) Marvin Harrison was the conference offensive player of the month (34 receptions for 545 yards and seven touchdowns in five games), and Jets kicker Mike Nugent was the special teams honoree (12 for 12 in December field goal attempts).

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Thursday morning at Gillette

Hey all --

Bill Belichick opened his press conference by saying he wishes his team "had more time" to prepare for the Jets because of the many things they do, but added that it's an advantage that the Patriots have faced them twice before this season.

The coach also once again touted Mike Wright, and noted that the second-year defensive lineman has made plays in every situation he's been put into, whether on the line or on special teams.

He insisted that he is confident in placekicker Stephen Gostkowski's ability to come through in the clutch, and that if he wasn't confident in his abilities, he wouldn't be on the team.

In the locker room, former Jets Vinny Testaverde and Ray Mickens drew large crowds.

shalise

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments 0