Rodney Harrison and Some Other Stuff

There was a lot of stuff I wanted to write about Rodney Harrison after he tore his EverythingCL against the bloodthirsy Pittsburgh Steelers.* Stuff like ...

... I knew his season was over when CBS showed that teary, red-eyed closeup of Harrison being carted off the field. Looked like he did too. He tried to give the fans an encouraging smile, but the pain prevented it. It wasn't the pain of the injury. It was the pain of knowing that he wouldn't be doing what he loves, that he wouldn't be with his teammates.
... When Tedy Bruschi announced his retirement, it was early enough that despite its devastating impact the Patriots had time to recover and plan for his absence. When Ted Johnson retired just days before the season, we rationalized, "OK, we still have Seymour's leadership up front and Harrison's in back." There are only a few players whose injuries would just be debiltating to this team. This is one of them.
... "Rodney Harrison was fined $10,000 by the NFL today for blocking a leg-whip with his knee in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers."
... Harrison is one of the toughest SOBs I've really enjoyed watching wear a Patriots uniform -- a real throwback player. I really hope we have the opportunity to enjoy that again. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how tough an SOB you are, at 39 years old, you just can't do what you body tells you it won't do.
... if there was one guy looking forward to that matchup with San Diego, it was Harrison, and it's a bitter, bitter shame that he didn't get to play. Ever more so that he might have made a difference in the outcome.

We, Patriots Nation, miss you, Rodney.

Good Signs Vs. Falcons
Running Game Gets Going

Corey Dillon had a few really nice runs last Sunday. The flashes we had seen in the previous five games became brilliant sparkling examples of why he is still one of the best in the game -- even if he is *gasp* 31.

Dillon rushed for more than 100 yards (106), and Patrick Pass added 34. Pass could become increasingly important for New England as Dillon has a tweaked ankle and Amos Zereoue yet to get his feet wet in a Pats uniform. Kevin Faulk, of course, is out indefinitely.

Defensive Secondary Bends; LBs = Look Better

Another good sign Sunday was New England's patchwork secondary bending, bending, bending, but not entirely breaking. Better days are ahead, barring any more injuries. I think they have the ability. They just need to work on communication.

The replacement Teds -- Monty Beisel and Chad Brown for Bruschi and Johnson -- are doing "better". At least Bill Belichick thinks so.

"I think they've improved. I think they started at a good level and I think they've improved with each game," Belichick said. "I think they're doing well and I think they can do better. There are some things that they need to work on. They're both instinctive football players, smart guys that when you tell them something, they understand it."

The Falcons ran for only 116 yards. Not their normal 209.

Roster Moves

The Patriots signed free agent safety Arturo Freeman to help shore up that defensive secondary. New England also brought back linebackers Wes Mallard and Erik Alexander, who was left off the 53-man roster. Chad Scott was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. His season is over.

Notre Dame vs. USC

Notre Dame made the mistake of scoring with too much time left. What happened from there remains questionable and, I'm sure, will be debated endlessly for the week. Funny seeing Pete Carroll and Charlie Weis square off was something to behold. Weis got screwed in the end.


* I bet that generates a couple comments. I hope it does.