Patriots Eye Turkey, But Focus Is On Eagles
FOXBORO (CBS) - The New England Patriots are hoping to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving on Thursday, but business comes first.
Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles is just as important as the bird on their plates tomorrow.
"This is a very important game for us," quarterback Tom Brady said Wednesday. "Everything that we're putting into – we're putting it all into this week. We have a lot on the line. It's a very good team. They're skilled at every position. Going on the road and trying to win a really tough game on the road at the most important time of the year – that says a lot for what we're looking for as a team."
"Mentally we have to start preparing," special teams captain Matthew Slater said on Wednesday. "This team is capable of doing some damage. They have great players across the board and we can't focus on what's going against us; the holiday and the short week. We still have a job to do."
Read: Brady Feels 'Great,' Ready For Eagles
The Eagles are a disappointing 4-6, and will likely be without quarterback Michael Vick for the second straight week. Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid said Vick will not practice this week, and is day-to-day.
So the Patriots will be getting ready for both Vick and Vince Young, who went 23-for-36 for 258 yards and two touchdowns in Philly's 17-10 win over the Giants on Sunday. While they have similar styles, the problem comes with how they throw: Vick a southpaw and Young a righty.
But New England is not too worried about the ambidextrous practices that await.
"We're definitely preparing for both equally, and I think we should be well prepared," said corner Kyle Arrington.
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
While Brady did not give his Turkey day plans, Slater said he is spending the holiday with Danny Woodhead and his family. He is hoping they have sweet potato casserole.
Arrington, the NFL's interception leader, will be sitting around the table with his family, enjoying Turkey, Mac and Cheese and sweet potato pie.
Tune in to the Patriots-Eagles matchup Sunday afternoon at 4:15pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV. Pregame coverage begins on WBZ at 11:30am Sunday morning with Patriots Gameday, followed by 98.5′s coverage beginning at 1pm. Tune in after the game for all the postgame reaction and analysis on 98.5, and over on MY TV38 on Patriots Fifth Quarter.
