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INDIANAPOLIS -- It's almost time for kickoff in Super Bowl XLVI. Therefore, the AFC East blog wants to leave some final thoughts on under-the-radar X factors for the New England Patriots who could make an impact in this game.

1. Aaron Hernandez, TE

Analysis: We're going to start with the easiest X factor. With Rob Gronkowski limited by a left ankle injury, Hernandez needs to step up his game in the event "Gronk" struggles. Hernandez is a top-10 tight end in the NFL, although many wouldn't know it because he plays second fiddle in New England. Hernandez also is nifty and has the ability to play some running back when called upon. The Giants will be watching Gronkowski. But they probably should keep their eye even more on Hernandez, who is healthy and has big-play ability.

2. Brandon Spikes, LB

Analysis: Spikes described the past two weeks as being "caged." The high-energy linebacker is psyched to get back on the football field and play in his first Super Bowl. Spikes is New England's home-run hitter on defense. In only his second season, Spikes may not be the most consistent Patriots defender, but he makes plenty of big plays, which is needed on the big stage. Spikes led the Patriots with nine tackles and a big fourth-quarter interception in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. He's a big hitter who stays around the football. Spikes will be key in stopping New York's running game, led by the dual threat of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB

Analysis: It's no secret the Patriots will attack the Giants' secondary with the arm of future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. But there will be times in this game when the Patriots have to run the ball to keep New York's pass rush honest. Green-Ellis has been the most consistent Patriots running back this season, and particularly in the playoffs. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry in the AFC Championship Game against a tough Ravens defense. New England needs similar production from Green-Ellis in the Super Bowl. Green-Ellis won't get a ton of opportunities, but he needs to make his carries count.

4. Sebastian Vollmer, OT

Analysis: Vollmer hasn't played a game since Nov. 27 due to back and foot injuries. But the Super Bowl against the Giants is the perfect time for Vollmer to return. New York will bring a giant pass rush. Vollmer is listed as questionable, but he is expected to play. He will pair with rookie Nate Solder as a solid one-two punch at right tackle. Sometimes the pair could play together on the right side to provide max-protection for Brady.

5. Stephen Gostkowski, K

Analysis: Remember Adam Vinatieri? Patriots fans had the utmost confidence in the playoffs when it was time for Vinatieri to make a clutch kick. The confidence was for good reason. Vinatieri was money during New England's three Super Bowl wins. But how do Patriots fans feel about Gostkowski? It's tough to say. There's no way of knowing how Gostkowski will respond until he's in these pressure situations. He's been good so far, but Gostkowski has never kicked in the Super Bowl. We saw in the conference title games how important field goal kicking is. Gostkowski needs to be ready if his number is called.

» Super Bowl XLVI Final Word: Patriots | Giants

Five nuggets of knowledge about Super Bowl XLVI:

Legacy builders: The New England Patriots and New York Giants didn't have much interest in talking about the big picture during Super Bowl week. Anything beyond Sunday's game was too much to comprehend. But this game is important for legacies on both teams. For the Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick can tie the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a quarterback and head coach with four. (Former Steelers coach Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls; quarterbacks Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw also have four rings.) For the Giants, a second championship would cement quarterback Eli Manning's status as an elite quarterback. New York coach Tom Coughlin also would have a stronger case for the Hall of Fame with his second ring as a head coach.

Setting the tempo: An area that hasn't been talked about much this week is New England's effective use of the no-huddle offense. The Patriots used it more and more late in the season, and it's helped set the tempo. New York likes to use plenty of substitutions, particularly on its talented and deep defensive line, to keep everyone fresh. But a no-huddle will disrupt New York's substitution packages. New England didn't use the no-huddle offense much at all in the previous loss against the Giants in Week 9. How will New York adjust to it in the Super Bowl?

Gronkowski's contribution: Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury. But he is expected to play. Gronkowski won't be 100 percent, but his presence already makes an impact in this game. New York has to account for him, and that will open things up for others, like receiver Wes Welker and tight end Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Giants in the regular season. Don't expect that type of production in the Super Bowl.

Don't forget the kickers: Gronkowski, Brady, Manning and New York's defensive line have dominated the discussion for two weeks, but do not forget the kicking game. This Super Bowl is expected to be close and could come down to Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes. Both have done a good job this season. But there is a big difference kicking in the Super Bowl. In the AFC Championship Game, Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff couldn't handle the pressure and missed a chip shot near the end of regulation. Gostkowski and Tynes could have opportunities to be heroes or goats.

New England's track record with revenge: The Patriots have downplayed the revenge factor all week. Regardless of whether it's on their minds, they have done a great job of avenging prior postseason losses. The Patriots entered the season 0-3 in their last three playoff games. The most recent postseason loss was against the AFC East rival New York Jets. A motivated New England team convincingly swept the Jets in two regular-season games. The revenge tour continued in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, who knocked New England out of the playoffs after the 2009 season. The Patriots returned the favor two weeks ago. Now, New England has a chance to avenge the Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants. Will the Patriots complete the trifecta?

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New England Patriots lead the New York Jets 13-9 at intermission.

Here are several notes from the first half:

• Receiver Chad Ochocinco already is having his best game as a Patriot. With Jets Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis spending a lot of time on Wes Welker, Ochocinco found early success against New York's secondary. Ochocinco has two receptions for 65 yards, including a big 53-yard catch against the blitz to set up a first-quarter field goal.
• New England's pass rush is playing well. The defensive line is getting off the line quickly and getting to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. New England defensive end Andre Carter has 2.5 sacks. Sanchez has been sacked three times total.
• The play of New England quarterback Tom Brady has been up and down. He's missed a few throws he normally makes — and also held the ball too long and was sacked for a safety. But Brady also has led the Patriots to three scoring drives -- including one just before the half that ended with a touchdown to tight end Rob Gronkowski. Brady has thrown for 194 yards and one touchdown.
• Jets kicker Nick Folk missed a chip shot of 24 yards to start the game. Folk started the year making 10 consecutive attempts. But he's missed one in each of the past two games. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed two field goals in the first quarter.
• On the injury front, Patriots starting cornerback Devin McCourty suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter. His return in questionable.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Now in his 37th season, Bill Belichick owns the distinction of having the most NFL experience among current head coaches. That gives him a unique perspective on the evolution of the NFL.

“It’s changed through the years, a lot of things are different from when I started coaching, on a lot of levels -- players, technology, the equipment we use," he said. "That’s the way it is for all of us. Bob Dylan talked about that 50 years ago."

For Belichick and his fellow coaches, Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is a perfect theme song for the 2011 season.

Coaches must adjust to new rules as part of the new collective bargaining agreement, which means there are no more two-a-day practices, fewer full-pad practices and expanded training-camp rosters. And when it comes to Belichick’s New England Patriots club, which he leads for a 12th season, another year has brought unexpected change.

Few saw the acquisitions of controversial defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and high-profile wide receiver Chad Ochocinco coming. Their arrivals made the start of 2011 training camp different from the norm in New England.

Usually the focus would be squarely on quarterback Tom Brady as camp opened, but in this unusual year, the NFL’s 2010 Most Valuable Player was on the back burner as he returned from January surgery on his right foot.

Indeed, things have changed.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How does Haynesworth fit in? All eyes were on Haynesworth when he took the field for the first time July 31, and he didn’t disappoint.

The crowd cheered his arrival, which he acknowledged with a wave (almost like a baseball pitcher tipping his cap). Then he dominated a running drill. On the first play, he exploded through the line to blow up the play, which led to an eruption from the crowd. Haynesworth had a few other disruptive plays.

“It's going to be awesome. It's a refresher, and it kind of revived me, playing football again,” said Haynesworth, who was acquired for a fifth-round draft choice after two tumultuous seasons with the Redskins.

Haynesworth’s arrival could change the way the Patriots, who used a 3-4 alignment about 40 percent of the time last season, play defense. There have been more traditional four-man lines used in training camp, with linemen attacking more rather than controlling two gaps. Haynesworth would line up at tackle next to Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork in that type of plan.

The Patriots have managed Haynesworth’s health closely in camp, keeping him out of practice since Aug. 3. Although the reason Haynesworth is not practicing is not clear -- speculation is it’s simply maintenance of his troublesome knee -- Belichick doesn’t sound concerned.

"I think Albert has been great since he's been here,” he told WEEI sports radio Aug. 15. “He's worked hard. He's done more than really what we've asked him to do. He's put in a lot of extra time and a lot of extra effort to get back on the field, to study, to catch up on things from a playbook standpoint that's he a little behind on."

As for Haynesworth’s off-field issues, owner Robert Kraft explained how the organization developed a comfort level in acquiring him.

“I met with him, and I like the guy,” Kraft said. “He didn't come here for the money. He came here to be part of a team and win [and] I think in some ways to improve his reputation. So it's like a lot of meetings I have with these guys, I found him to be genuine and sincere. Now I hope he gets out on the field and does his thing.”

Haynesworth agreed to restructure his contract to consummate the trade. His new deal calls for him to earn a base salary of $1.5 million this season (he can earn more in incentives) before the salary spikes to $6.7 million in 2012. There was no signing bonus as part of the pact, making it a low-risk acquisition for the Patriots.

2. Will Ochocinco conform to the Patriot Way? On his first day on the practice field, Ochocinco tweeted, “It’s 1 thing to jump and be able to land on 2 feet but I had no idea I was landing in Heaven.”
He has quickly integrated himself into the mix, lining up in two-receiver packages with Wes Welker. Veteran Deion Branch joined the mix in three-wide looks.

Although there has been a higher-than-expected total of dropped passes, things have otherwise been smooth as Ochocinco has made the transition from Cincinnati to New England. The biggest challenges have been adjusting to offensive terminology that isn’t numbers-based (like the Bengals) and on-field communication with Brady through various signals.

“Once we’re on the field, there is no talking. I just look in his eyes and that’s it and that’s how we communicate,” said Ochocinco, who restructured his contract and received a $4.5 million signing bonus and base salaries of $1 million in 2011, $3 million in 2012 and $3 million in 2013. “That’s what I like about it here. [It’s] really, really cool.”

Patriots coaches and players have cited Ochocinco’s work ethic and passion for football on a daily basis, with some players laughing at the fun he has had off the field, which included attending a Red Sox/Yankees game and sitting in the front row along the third-base line, requesting a group hug from reporters and announcing that he would be living with a fan who had an Internet connection and Xbox for the first few weeks of the season.

In a classy move, second-year tight end Aaron Hernandez gave up his No. 85 for Ochocinco when the trade was consummated, the Patriots giving up fifth- and sixth-round draft choices in the move. Hernandez didn’t receive anything in return for the jersey swap, which set a positive tone.

3. Can Patriots get over playoff hump? Few would argue the Patriots aren’t top contenders for the Super Bowl. But those who don’t put them atop the list can make a strong case by pointing to their last three playoff games.

• Feb. 3, 2008: Giants 17, Patriots 14. With the chance to close out their perfect season, the Patriots fall just short.
• Jan. 10, 2010: Ravens 33, Patriots 14. A stunning home blowout in the wild-card round of the playoffs in which the Ravens stomped all over the Pats.
• Jan. 16, 2011: Jets 28, Patriots 21. Having earned the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, the Patriots had a chance to bury the Jets early, but two first-quarter miscues halted the momentum. The Jets built confidence and stunned the Pats in the divisional round.

Simply put, the Patriots won’t be able to answer one of their biggest questions for at least five months.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Saying goodbye to veteran tight end Alge Crumpler. The Patriots were so pleased with the addition of Crumpler last season, and the role he played in mentoring 2010 draft picks Rob Gronkowski and Hernandez, they named him a captain a few weeks into the season.

Crumpler’s steadying presence in the locker room was considered key in righting one of the team’s trouble areas from 2009 -- a fractured locker room.

So it was surprising when the team released him a few days into training camp, turning the position over to Gronkowski (10 TDs in 2010), Hernandez and either rookie Lee Smith (fifth-round pick out of Marshall) or Will Yeatman (rookie free agent out of Maryland).

Crumpler played 53 percent of the offensive snaps last season, contributing mostly in the running game. Only three other offensive skill-position players were on the field more.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

It’s a tie between third-year defensive lineman Ron Brace and fifth-year safety Brandon Meriweather.

Brace is a 2009 second-round draft choice out of Boston College who is close to hitting a fork in the road of his NFL career.

For the second year in a row, he has opened camp on a reserve list, not ready to practice. With the team releasing longtime starter Ty Warren, the opportunity was there for Brace (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) to rise up the depth chart, but he hasn’t been able to seize the opportunity.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff seems to be sending a message to Meriweather, a two-time Pro Bowl safety. Meriweather played the entire first half of the preseason opener, even though the club’s other Pro Bowl players -- cornerback Devin McCourty, linebacker Jerod Mayo and Wilfork -- did not suit up for the game.

The team also offered free-agent safety Dashon Goldson a contract before Goldson re-signed with the 49ers, while Meriweather’s practice reps of late have been split with second-year player Sergio Brown.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Great competition at backup quarterback between third-year man Brian Hoyer and rookie Ryan Mallett (third round, 74th overall). Hoyer has been the No. 2 the last two seasons after making the club as a rookie free agent out of Michigan State, and he has solid command of the complex offense. Meanwhile, Mallett’s arm strength and work ethic are notable. He often stays late after practice, working with offensive assistant George Godsey on the finer points of the position (e.g., footwork).
• It has been a common occurrence to see Mallett carrying the shoulder pads of Tom Brady and Hoyer off the field after practice. Some humble pie for the highly touted signal-caller from Arkansas.
• Belichick gets involved in a drill in which the goal is for quarterbacks to maintain their concentration and perfect their footwork while under duress, and Belichick creates that duress by firing a blocking pad at them. Belichick has cranked Hoyer and Mallett in the head. No 15-yard penalties for that in practice.
• A lot of defensive linemen in camp. Counting hybrids, the Patriots have 20 in camp entering their second preseason game, and Belichick acknowledged to Sirius XM NFL radio that the team will probably keep more defensive linemen than linebackers this year.
• Second-round draft choices Ras-I Dowling (cornerback, 33rd overall) and Shane Vereen (running back, 56th overall) pulled up with hamstrings issues after just one practice, and they haven’t practiced since. Both signed contracts late -- this could be filed under the “lockout effect.” When Vereen was on the field, his speed stood out.
• Second-year receiver Taylor Price, whose chance to break through for a top spot at receiver was made more challenging by the acquisition of Ochocinco, is stating his case. He has had a solid camp and was the star of the preseason opener (5 catches, 105 yards and a TD). He said his next step is developing the trust of Brady that he’ll always be in the right spot. Right now, he looks like a solid No. 4 option.
• The Patriots struggled to generate a pass rush off the edge in 2010. Veteran defensive ends Mark Anderson and Andre Carter have been solid in that area to this point, providing what looks to be an upgrade over Tully Banta-Cain, who was released.
• First-round draft choice Nate Solder, the team’s left tackle of the future, has responded well to his crash course since joining the team a week into camp. He’s big (6-foot-8, 319 pounds) and sometimes struggles with an inside move, but the potential is easy to see.
• Veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden has turned in a solid camp as he returns after missing the entire 2010 season with a torn rotator cuff. A starter at right cornerback opposite McCourty, Bodden has worked in the slot in sub packages, a role he last played in 2007 with the Browns. Bodden’s size (6-foot-1, 193) is a good fit there from a run-support and jamming-receivers perspective.
• Don’t expect All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins to get too comfortable now that he has signed a six-year, $51 million contract extension. He looks like his typical nasty self on the field, and his early-camp battles with Haynesworth were a highlight.
• The Patriots had a minor scare when Gronkowski was helped off the field Aug. 8. But he returned a few days later and looks primed to build off his impressive rookie campaign.
• Sixth-year kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the last half of the 2010 season with a torn right quadriceps muscle, but his recovery is on track. The right-footed kicker is not yet taking kickoffs -- UMass product Chris Koepplin is in camp to handle those duties -- but he looks strong on field goals. Gostkowski has hit from a long of 53 yards in practice and was good from 43 and 46 yards in the preseason opener.

While working on a feature about Tom Modrak's draft record as Buffalo Bills vice president of college scouting, ESPN researcher John Fisher dug up some interesting data.

The Bills actually were the AFC East's most efficient club when it came to drafting starters since Modrak came aboard in 2002.

Several factors certainly play into that from team to team. Importance of the position, holes that allow for immediate contributions and reliance on free agents to fill out a roster all make a difference. So do the number of players drafted.

But, in general, I thought it was an interesting snapshot to share. Because the research was done to put Modrak's tenure in perspective, numbers are from 2002 through the present.

Buffalo Bills

First through third rounds: 28 players; 804 starts (15th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 45 players; 417 starts (eighth)

Analysis: Among AFC East teams, only the New England Patriots generated more starts within the first three rounds. No other division opponent found more starts from the fourth round and beyond. The Bills have whiffed badly on some early picks, as noted in Thursday's story about Modrak. But they have done well in locating solid help in the later rounds, namely 1,000-yard receiver Steve Johnson (seventh round), Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kyle Williams (fifth round) and top cornerback and Pro Bowl kick returner Terrence McGee (fourth round).

Miami Dolphins

First through third rounds: 25 players; 599 starts (31st)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 43 players; 333 starts (16th)

Analysis: The Dolphins have done well with their recent first-round picks. Although receiver Ted Ginn with the ninth pick in 2007 was controversial, they found keepers with tackles Jake Long and Vernon Carey and running back Ronnie Brown. But the second and third rounds have been a wasteland: quarterbacks John Beck and Pat White, running back Lorenzo Booker, receivers Patrick Turner and Derek Hagan, linebacker Eddie Moore. Miami's best later-round pickups since 2002 have been franchise-tagged nose tackle Paul Soliai (fourth round), Pro Bowl safety Yeremiah Bell (sixth round) and tight end Randy McMichael (fourth round).

New England Patriots

First through third rounds: 31 players; 823 starts (12th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 50 players; 379 starts (11th)

Analysis: The Patriots have found their share of gems in the later rounds, including four eventual Pro Bowlers. They picked up cornerback Asante Samuel and kicker Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth round, center Dan Koppen in the fifth and quarterback Matt Cassel in the seventh. They've also done incredibly well with their first-round selections. Five of their past six first-rounders have gone to the Pro Bowl. Where the Patriots have been shaky is in the second and third rounds. They've gotten receiver Deion Branch, tight end Rob Gronkowski, tackle Sebastian Vollmer and safety Patrick Chung there, for instance, but they've also misfired with quarterback Kevin O'Connell, receivers Chad Jackson and Bethel Johnson and cornerback Terrence Wheatley.

New York Jets

First through third rounds: 24 players; 766 starts (19th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 32 players; 314 starts (18th)

Analysis: The Jets' start totals look worse because they haven't drafted as many players as the other AFC East teams. Their early round players average 32 starts, about 5 1/2 more than the Patriots. But the team that accumulated the most starts here -- the Jacksonville Jaguars with 1,172 -- averaged an extraordinary 43 per player. The Jets obviously failed with 2008 sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston and 2003 fourth overall pick Dewayne Robertson, but they've generally identified quality players inside the first three rounds, including All-Pros Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis and franchise quarterback Mark Sanchez.

NEW ORLEANS -- A day after New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick condemned proposed new kickoff rules, he gave his blessing on a revamped version.

Belichick called the original proposal too confusing and radical. What passed Tuesday afternoon by a 26-6 vote was a minor tweak.

Kickoffs will be teed up at the 35-yard line instead of the 30, and coverage units will have only a 5-yard head start before the kick. They previously had 10- to 15-yard running head starts.

Other kickoff recommendations from the competition committee -- eliminating two-man wedges and spotting touchbacks at the 25-yard line -- were dropped.

"Well, we were getting rid of the wedge. We were doing a lot of other stuff," Belichick said about his change of heart. "I think this is a lot simpler. It's clean."

The NFL also adopted a new video review policy for touchdown plays. They will be initiated by the replay booth, not a coach's challenge. That passed 30-2.

The Patriots will benefit from the new kickoff rules because Stephen Gostkowski has a deep leg. He averaged 67.9 yards per kickoff last year, fifth in the NFL, before a thigh injury sidelined him in November. He generated a touchback 35.7 percent of the time, ranking second.

"We've got a good kicker," Belichick said with a shrug, "sorry."

Belichick noted touchbacks will be more plentiful early in the season, but as weather worsens down the homestretch and the playoffs come around, those deep kicks will be more returnable.

"Based on the numbers, you're still probably looking at at least two-thirds of the kicks being returned, maybe three-quarters," Belichick said. "At the end of the year it goes down anyway. There's a lot more touchbacks in the first part of the season than there are at the end. The ball just doesn't carry as far in the cold. I don't care. Just doesn't go as far."

Belichick also liked keeping touchback spots where they are.

"I think that's good for the game," he said. "We don't need too many new rules every year. It's hard for the coach to keep up with them, let alone the fans. I'm still working on some of the new rules from last year."

NEW ORLEANS -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is against the proposed rules to revamp kickoffs.

Belichick, speaking to a small group of reporters at the NFL owners meeting, expressed confusion and dismay over the competition committee's recommendation to move kickoffs up to the 35-yard line from the 30 and spot touchbacks at the 25-yard line instead of the 20.

The competition committee even considered removing kickoffs completely before coming up with this proposal.

"Pretty complicated proposal," Belichick said. "I don't like the idea of eliminating the kickoff from the game. I think it's one of the most exciting plays in football. It looks like the competition committee is trying to eliminate that play. I don't know that's really good for the game."

Safety is believed to be the chief concern, but after attending a presentation Sunday night about the kickoff proposals, Belichick didn't seem to know what the motivation was for change.

The proposal also calls for the ban of all wedge blocks, when multiple players assemble to clear a path for the return man. Wedge blocks result in violent collisions. The NFL adopted a rule that reduced the allowable number of players in a wedge from three to two in 1999.

"From the presentation last night, I don't know that it's because of head injuries," Belichick said. "And the ones they showed, there weren't very many of them. So I don't know. I think you should really talk to the competition committee. They're the ones, really, that proposed the rule.

"There's a lot of components to it, four different elements to it. It's kind of a complicated rule. ... It's pretty confusing. I mean, we're moving the kickoff up and the touchbacks out."

The rule also would help negate Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski as a weapon because he covers more distance than his peers. He averaged 67.9 yards per kickoff last year, fifth in the league, before a thigh injury sidelined him in November. He generated a touchback 35.7 percent of the time, second in the league behind Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff.

Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter was next in the AFC East with a 65.8-yard average and 20 percent touchback rate. Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell averaged 63.3 yards and 11.9 percent, and New York Jets kicker Nick Folk was at 62.0 yards and 8.6 percent.

The extra 5 yards will do them -- and their coverage units -- wonders.

ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton calculated how much the different spots would impact the game and figured the number of kickoffs last year that would have been touchbacks under the proposal would've risen from 416 to about 800.

New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who underwent November surgery for a torn right quad muscle, has experienced no setbacks in his rehabilitation.

"The leg is feeling good," Gostkowski said Wednesday at Boston's Children's Hospital, where he was visiting patients. "I'm feeling good and just doing what I can.

Click for Mike Reiss' full story at ESPNBoston.com.

Buffalo Bills

Bills defensive tackle Torell Troup goes the family route when training in the offseason.

Should the Bills make a move for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb, who might now be available for a cheaper price after Philadelphia put the franchise tag on Michael Vick?

Miami Dolphins

With a lockout looming, players are looking to alternative sites for their offseason training.

New England Patriots

Matt Light says he doesn't expect a new labor deal to be completed before the current agreement expires early next month.

Stephen Gostkowski is continuing to rehab from the torn quadriceps he suffered last season.

New York Jets

Rich Cimini explains why the Jets decided to put the franchise tag on linebacker David Harris.

In case you missed it, Trevor Pryce shares his thoughts on coach Rex Ryan's Super Bowl guarantee.

Wednesday was jammed with so much AFC East news, I wanted to compile a few items that might've gotten overshadowed by bigger stories.

Buffalo Bills

Head coach Chan Gailey classified the leg injury outside linebacker Shawne Merriman sustained as "minor." Gailey hasn't officially ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Lions, but the chances Merriman makes his Bills debut appear slim.

"You've got to realize he hasn't played a lot of football," Gailey said of Merriman. "He hasn't had pads on in a while, all that kind of stuff. You want him out there, but he's not quite ready. We're not going to put him out there till he's ready. That's the No. 1 thing."

Miami Dolphins

The NFL didn't find conclusive evidence to punish Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain for allegedly spitting in Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder's face.

"You can see it on film," Dolphins defensive tackle Tony McDaniel said in a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article. "For them not to take any action, it says it's all right for us to spit on each other. Maybe they'll start something by not fining him for that."

New England Patriots

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady missed Wednesday's practice with a sprained foot, but is expected to play Sunday against the Steelers.

The signing of kicker Shayne Graham isn't intended to be temporary. The Patriots placed Stephen Gostkowski on season-ending injured reserve with a torn quadriceps muscle. The switch is a bad one for New England. Gostkowski was an All-Pro two seasons ago. Graham was on the street after missing two field goals for the Bengals in a first-round playoff loss to the Jets.

New York Jets

Inside linebacker Bart Scott fired another shot at Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, who belittled Scott's claim the Lions are the NFL's dirtiest team. Schwartz said "consider the source."

"Listen, I don't have to play Detroit for another four years," Scott said. "I couldn't care less what that man has to say. Don't even exist to me anymore. Does it really matter? I don't have to see him ever again. Do I have to see him at the Super Bowl? Playoffs? Probably not. In the parking lot? ... We're playing the Browns. I'm not going to oblige him. He'll be watching TV in January."

The New England Patriots had competition in their search for an emergency kicker. The Detroit Lions also were in sudden need.

So the Patriots moved quickly. Ian R. Rapoport of the Boson Herald reports the Patriots will sign Shayne Graham (no relation) on Tuesday.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski injured his leg in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns, forcing receiver Wes Welker to kick an extra point.

Graham is most known for his seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 but wasn't welcomed back for this season. New York Jets fans will remember him for missing both field goal attempts -- from 35 yards and 28 yards -- in their first-round playoff game.

Graham signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but was cut before the season began. He kicked in one game for the New York Giants when Lawrence Tynes was hurt.

What a crazy Sunday for kicking in the AFC East.

A 300-pounder tried an extra point in one game. A receiver tried an extra point in another game.

Players who have been automatic couldn't convert.

Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell went into Sunday with 321 consecutive extra points, the NFL record to start a career. The Chicago Bears blocked one. The evaporated point made two-point conversions appropriate. The Bears converted one, but the Bills didn't in a 22-19 loss.

The NFL named Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter special teams player of the month a few days ago. Carpenter missed a 46-yard field goal attempt that would have pulled the Dolphins within a touchdown of the Baltimore Ravens early in the fourth quarter. Carpenter had made 13 in a row.

Nick Folk made a 36-yarder as the fourth quarter expired and a 30-yarder in sudden death to beat the Detroit Lions 23-20. Regular kicker Jason Hanson was hurt, and Lions rookie defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh was the emergency replacement. Suh hit the right upright on an extra point in the third quarter.

New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker made his extra point in a 34-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski had a thigh injury. Welker, who has played a lot of soccer, said he never has practiced that kind of situation and hasn't kicked a football in years.

"You don't really expect that to happen," Welker said, and then added sarcastically, "As you can see, it's an easy job."

The Elias Sports Bureau noted the last day two non-kickers (players whose listed position were not kicker or punter) attempted extra points was Sept. 9, 1979. San Diego Chargers quarterback Cliff Olander and New Orleans Saints running back Tony Galbreath took their cuts.

ESPNBoston.com reporter Mike Reiss mentioned the Patriots might look to Shane Graham or Shaun Suisham as a free-agent possibility if Gostkowski's injury is serious enough to warrant another leg.

CLEVELAND -- Rapid reaction from the Patriots’ 34-14 loss to the Browns:

What it means. After a week in which the Patriots could boast having the best record in the NFL at 6-1, they came crashing back to Earth. The Browns (3-5) outplayed them in every facet of the game, with Eric Mangini and his staff also getting the best of Bill Belichick and his staff. The Patriots were outplayed, outcoached, out-everythinged.

Gronkowski mistakes hurt the Patriots. Rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski made two mistakes that played a significant part in the final outcome. After the Browns went ahead 3-0, Gronkowski was set up in a wedge position on the kickoff and signaled for a fair catch on a short attempt. But he moved away from the ball, putting running back Sammy Morris in a tough spot. The Browns recovered and quickly went up 10-0. Then, with the Patriots looking to close to 17-14 at the half, Gronkowski fumbled at the 1, with the Browns recovering.

Brady and offense stuck in neutral. Quarterback Tom Brady was off his game as the Patriots’ offense continued its inconsistent ways. Brady looked visibly frustrated at times. There were times when the offensive struggles were simply a result of no one getting open. Other times, it was the Browns mixing their defensive looks and creating pressure. The Patriots didn’t help themselves with some drops.

Kicker situation important to monitor. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski left the game in the second quarter with a thigh injury and did not return. The Patriots will likely be looking at their emergency list this week for kicker options. Wes Welker had a successful point-after attempt and also a kickoff in the fourth quarter in Gostkowski’s absence.

Credit to Hillis, McCoy & Browns. As bad as the Patriots looked in this game, credit should also go to the Browns. They took it to the Patriots physically and Colt McCoy played with veteran-like poise. They deserved the win, with Peyton Hillis and the offensive line powering through what had been a solid New England run defense, and McCoy delivering in critical situations.

What’s next. The Patriots travel to Pittsburgh for a Sunday night game against the Steelers. After the way the Patriots were run over by Hillis (29 carries, 184 yards) and the Browns, they’ll have to prove that they can stand up to the physical Steelers. The Browns, who looked sharp coming off their bye, host the Jets.

Before we turn our full attention to Week 7, let's stop for a few moments and consider how great Sunday was for the AFC East's foot practitioners.

All three kickers made critical kicks, with two of them winning games in sudden death.

All three punters had nice afternoons, with two of them making influential overtime punts.

It should also be noted in each case the punter acts as his team's holder on field goals.

The Buffalo Bills were on their bye week, and they have one of the league's best kicker-punter combos in Rian Lindell and Brian Moorman.

New England Patriots

In overtime, Zoltan Mesko boomed a 65-yarder AdvancedNFLStats.com calls the punt of the year. The Patriots were on their own 16, but Mesko's leg flipped the field, putting the Baltimore Ravens on their own 19-yard line.

On the Patriots' next possession, Stephen Gostkowski ended the game with a 35-yard field goal. Gostkowski forced overtime with a 24-yard field goal inside the final two minutes of regulation.

Miami Dolphins

In overtime, Brandon Fields punted 50 yards, and the Green Bay Packers committed an illegal block on the return to pin them at their own 16.

On the Dolphins' next possession, Dan Carpenter won it with a 44-yard field goal. Carpenter made two field goals in regulation from a career-long 53 yards and 41 yards.

New York Jets

Nick Folk kicked a club-record 56-yard field goal in a victory over the Denver Broncos, who got a 59-yard field goal from Matt Prater. It was the first game in NFL history opposing kickers each made a field goal from at least 55 yards.

Jets punter Steve Weatherford posted a 48.6-yard average and skied one for a fair catch at the Broncos' 6-yard line early in the fourth quarter. After a three-and-out series for the Broncos, the Jets needed only five plays to score the tying touchdown on their next drive.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots outlasted the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in overtime Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

What it means: The Patriots had problems competing at home with an elite team, but they were resilient. Perhaps it's too soon to say what kind of difference the Randy Moss trade will make for the long-term, but Tom Brady couldn't find a rhythm until late in the game. He finished 27 of 44 for 292 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Some untimely drops didn't help him.

Hero: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was impeccable. He was 27 of 35 for 285 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. But the hero has to be Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who kicked a 24-yard field goal to force overtime and a 35-yarder to win the game.

Welcome back: Deion Branch scored a touchdown in his first game back in a Patriots uniform. He caught a 5-yard touchdown toss with 11:02 left in the game to draw the Patriots within a field goal. Branch finished with nine receptions for 98 yards. Moss made nine catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns in his four games with New England.

Cult figure: Patriots running back Danny Woodhead elicited loud cheers whenever he touched the ball. He was New England's leading rusher with 11 carries for 63 yards and made five catches for 52 yards.

Trending: The Patriots' defense entered the weekend as the NFL's most forgiving on third-down conversions. They started off poorly, but finished strong. The Ravens converted five of their 16 third downs. The Patriots made the stop on a crucial third-and-1 at the Ravens' 47-yard line with just under nine minutes to play and were tough to punch through in overtime.

Injuries of note: Patriots safety Jarrad Page suffered a calf injury in the third quarter. He hopped off the field and didn't return.

What's next: The Patriots travel cross-continent to play the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in Qualcomm Stadium.