New England Patriots Blog: Brady Not At Practice
Tom Brady was not at practice today, this marks the second Wednesday in a row that Tom has been absent. He's being held out because of his hurt foot. Today, though, on Tom Brady's national conference call, number 12 seemed fine.
"I'm doing well, I'm doing well," he responded. "Looking forward to the game this weekend."
In addition to Brady, defensive lineman Myron Pryor (back) and safety Jarrad Page (calf) did not practice.
Guard Stephen Neal (shoulder), running back Fred Taylor (toe) and cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (hip) were limited in practice.
ROSTER MOVE FOR THE PATS
The Pats have made a roster move. They have resigned outside linebacker Pierre Woods. The team had an open roster spot after waiving Shawn Crable.
"We made a decision based on what we feel like is best for the football team, a lot of things went into it. We did what we feel like is best for right now," coach Bill Belichick said.
Woods' primary contributions have come on special teams, and he also adds depth at outside linebacker behind Jermaine Cunningham, Rob Ninkovich and Tully Banta-Cain.
"Based on the circumstances and the situation, all of those factors, we felt like he would be able to help our team this week," Belichick said of Woods. "Whether that is the way it is next week, or if it closer to the way it was last week ... We had been in contact with him, like a lot of players that we've had a long history with. I think we had a pretty good idea of where he is [physically]."
MANNING ON THE PATS
Peyton Manning used to take a beating in the Pats versus the Colts rivalry, but lately number 18 has won his share. The Colts have won the last five out of six contests. This will be his tenth meeting against the Patriots in the last seven seasons.
"I think we've done a pretty good job of just waiting until this week gets here and now just trying to prepare and get ready for the Patriots once this week arrived," Manning said. "I think you start looking at it a little too early, and you're probably going to slip-up and not take care of business the previous week."
The Patriots have turned over their roster. A lot of young players on defense and they are finally making noise. Manning says even though there has been some change, the intensity is still the same.
"They're playing excellent football right now," he said. "They have a lot of good players, there are some new faces, but you see a lot of the same resemblances of good, sound football, forcing other teams into mistakes, and that's why they're winning so many games right now."
The Pats are 7 and 2 and once again considered one of the league elite teams. Peyton Manning is ready to call this a measuring stick game.
"I certainly think the Patriots are one of the top teams right now. They seem to be playing at a high level," he said. "We're still just taking it week-to-week. It's definitely has been a different type of season because of the abnormal amount of injuries we've had, and different guys playing. Every week presents a new challenge and we're still trying to formulate an identity for our team each week depending on who we're playing."
BRADY ON MANNING
With the big game coming up between the Pats and the Colts, the Patriots locker room and media room was full of reporters. This is the game of the weekend. The Pats and the Colts always seem to give us games to remember. The headline is always the teams but the Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning is how a lot of people see this. Number 12 talked about that dynamic and more today.
Some general thoughts on the Colts and this weekend's game:
"It's not going to be a 7-3 game, I wouldn't think it would be. Just because you know they have offensive firepower and we've proven we can move the ball against these guys. They don't mind giving up yards, they don't want to give up points, they don't want to give up touchdowns. It's a little bit of a bend but don't break defense. They're just expecting you at some point to make a mistake. One of those ends fly around the corner and strip the ball or force you into making a bad throw where they intercept it. When you play the Colts you know you're going to have to be at your best. They're not going to give you anything. They make it hard on every play."
On the Patriots' rivalry with the Colts:
"It's been a great rivalry for a lot of reasons, we've played so many meaningful games against them. I'll tell you this one is pretty meaningful too. It's going to be a great test for us. They're real good in all phases. You can't afford to make a lot of mistakes against this team because they really capitalize."
On measuring themselves against the Colts and the challenges of the defense:
"You kind of look at them and say, OK, how do we measure up against a really good team? We've certainly played some other good teams this year, but they have their own style of defense that you really can't duplicate. You can't duplicate in practice, you can't simulate the speed of those two edge rushers [Freeney and Mathis], and the other great players they have on their defense, from [linebacker Gary] Brackett to [safety Antoine] Bethea, to some real young corners that are really good players. They've got a great group."
His thoughts on Manning:
"He's a great competitor, I love watching him. He's been a great quarterback for a long time. Whenever I'm watching film of other opponents that we're playing I'm always looking for Colt games because want to see how he's playing. There have been plenty of those games this year."
On meeting Manning before his first NFL start during the 2001 season:
"I remember meeting Peyton before the game. I'm surprised he knew me as a matter of fact. He said 'Hey Tom, I'm Peyton" when he was out there warming up, which I thought was pretty cool."
