Video: UConn Football Coach Bob Diaco On UCF

UConn head coach Bob Diaco talks with #22 Andrew Adams during at timeout against Boise State at Rentschler Field on September 13, 2014.

UConn head coach Bob Diaco talks with #22 Andrew Adams during at timeout against Boise State at Rentschler Field on September 13, 2014.

The Central Florida Knights enter Saturday’s game against the UConn Huskies at Rentschler Field not having lost an American Athletic Conference game (11-0) in the year plus the league has been in existence.

Over that same period of time, the Huskies are 3-9 and on their third coach in Bob Diaco.

Last year, UCF had their way with the Huskies winning 62-17 in Orlando. What the result this year holds is anyone’s guess.

Watch below as Diaco talks about what the Central Florida defense has done. I also asked him what worried him the most about the UCF offense.

photo credit: ian bethune

Video: UConn’s Young Secondary Needs To Step Up

UConn CB #6 Jhavon Williams celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Temple WR #84 Romond Deloatch on September 27, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.

UConn CB #6 Jhavon Williams celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Temple WR #84 Romond Deloatch on September 27, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.

With the loss of senior captain Byron Jones, the secondary of the UConn Huskies football team just got a lot younger and less experienced.

True freshman Jamar Summers will step in Jones’ spot while sophomore’s Javon Hadley and John Green, a converted wide receiver. The elder statesman of the corners is now Jhavon Williams, who is a redshirt sophomore who will be backed up by a true freshman in Brice McAllister who came to UConn as a running back recruit.

They’ll have their work cut out for themselves again as the Central Florida Knights have big, tall physical wide receivers. We saw at times during the loss to East Carolina last time out, the young guys getting out-manned and taken advantage of. You can expect the same against UCF.

The good thing about this is that all of these corners will play the rest of the way. And that only bodes well for the future.

Watch below as head coach Bob Diaco talks about the youth of his secondary with safety Andrew Adams and Green adding their insight as well.

photo credit: ian bethune

Video: UConn’s Offensive Line Continues To Improve

UConn RB #26 Joshua Marriner looks for a gap created by the offensive line in the fourth quarter against Boise State.

UConn RB #26 Joshua Marriner looks for a gap created by the offensive line in the fourth quarter against Boise State on September 13, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.

One of the things you may have noticed during the UConn Huskies 31-21 loss to the East Carolina Pirates last week was the improvement of the offensive line.

Head coach Bob Diaco had talked about how he was using the bye week to improve things, one of them being the offensive line. You could the fruits of the labor as the offensive line gave QB Chandler Whitmer plenty of time to pass.

With the extra time to pass, Whitmer was able to pass for 303 yards and two touchdowns. He also wasn’t sacked for the first time this season. They did give up a sack when Tim Boyle was in.

Watch below as Diaco and Whitmer talk about the improvements of the offensive line.

photo credit: ian bethune

Red Sox Decline Option On Craig Breslow

Craig Breslow #32 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates their victory with Christian Vazquez #55 during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 25, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Craig Breslow #32 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates their victory with Christian Vazquez #55 during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 25, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

From the Red Sox:

The Boston Red Sox today declined the 2015 contract option on left-handed pitcher Craig Breslow.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.

Breslow, 34, went 2-4 with a 5.96 ERA (36 ER/54.1 IP) in 60 relief appearances for Boston this season. For his major league career, he has gone 22-23 with a 3.20 ERA (162 ER/456.1 IP) in 479 games, all in relief, for the Padres (2005), Red Sox (2006; 2012-14), Indians (2008), Twins (2008-09), Athletics (2009-11), and Diamondbacks (2012). Since 2009, Breslow has made 403 appearances which rank fifth among all major league relievers, and second among left-handers.

ADDITIONAL TRANSACTION: Additionally, outfielder Shane Victorino (lumbar disectomy surgery) today was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list.

The Red Sox 40-man roster is now at 38.

photo credit: getty images

2014-15 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – AP Preseason Poll

Just like the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Kentucky Wildcats are the preseason No. 1 team in the Associated Press Preseason Men’s Basketball Poll that was released on Friday.

ap-pollJoining the Wildcats in the top five are the Arizona Wildcats, Wisconsin Badgers, Duke Blue Devils and Kansas Jayhawks.

The defending national champions, the UConn Huskies, are ranked No. 17 to start the season and are the highest ranked American Athletic Conference team. They are joined in the top 25 by the No. 22 SMU Mustangs.

The Memphis Tigers and Cincinnati Bearcats are the only teams from the American among the others receiving votes.

During the season, as we have in the past, we will be posting both polls together when they come out on Mondays.

AP Top 25
RK TEAM REC PTS
1 Kentucky (52) 29-11 1,604
2 Arizona (5) 33-5 1,518
3 Wisconsin (8) 30-8 1,483
4 Duke 26-9 1,415
5 Kansas 25-10 1,346
6 North Carolina 24-10 1,274
7 Florida 36-3 1,153
8 Louisville 31-6 1,114
9 Virginia 30-7 1,090
10 Texas 24-11 1,061
11 Wichita St 35-1 1,027
12 Villanova 29-5 885
13 Gonzaga 29-7 840
14 Iowa State 28-8 781
15 Virginia Commonwealth 26-9 574
16 San Diego St 31-5 560
17 Connecticut 32-8 552
18 Michigan St 29-9 521
19 Oklahoma 23-10 426
20 Ohio State 25-10 340
21 Nebraska 19-13 309
22 SMU 27-10 285
23 Syracuse 28-6 178
24 Michigan 28-9 167
25 Harvard 27-5 98
25 Utah 21-12 98
Dropped from rankings:
Cincinnati 15, Creighton 16, New Mexico 17, UCLA 20, Baylor 23, Saint Louis 25
Others receiving votes:
Stanford 71, Iowa 58, Colorado 57, UCLA 35, Minnesota 34, Kansas St 27, Arkansas 21, Pittsburgh 20, Memphis 15, NC State 14, Louisiana Tech 9, Cincinnati 8, LSU 8, George Washington 7, Notre Dame 6, Oklahoma St 6, Dayton 6, Georgetown 5, Florida St 5, Maryland 3, Illinois 3, UNLV 2, BYU 2, West Virginia 1, Baylor 1, Stephen F. Austin 1, UTEP 1

Paw Prints – Central Florida Knights @ UConn Huskies Preview

UConn Huskies football

This week:

Central Florida Knights @ UConn Huskies

The UConn Huskies are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they’ll host the Central Florida Knights in their Homecoming Game at Rentschler Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.

UConn is 1-6 (0-4 American). UCF is 5-2 (3-0 American).

The Line:

According to Rivals.com odds, UCF is favored by 10.5 points. The over/under is 39.5 points.

Tickets:

According to UConn Huskies ticket office, there are still tickets available to Saturday’s game.

Getting To The Game:

Here is link for the weather report. Here is all the parking info you will need for the game, this link includes directions to Rentschler Field. Here is a Rentschler Field seating chart and here is some general information for Rentschler Field.

The parking lots will open up 4 hours before kickoff. Here is a list of the tailgating rules at the Rent.

There is a new route for the Husky Walk as the team arrives for games at Rentschler Field this year and fans get a chance to greet the team as they get off their buses and make their way to the stadium. The Husky walk, which takes place approximately, two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff, will now start in the Gray Parking Lots and the team will makes its way to the large tunnel near Gate B.

The UConn team will now do its pregame warmup in front of the UConn student section on the South End of the stadium – a change from previous seasons. The Huskies will enter the stadium for pregame warmups on the concourse of Rentschler Field and go through the student section.

Once again, FanFest takes place starting four hours before kickoff up until 30 minutes before the game between Gates A and B outside the stadium gates. The offerings change each game, but activities typically include inflatable games for children, live bands, promotional vehicles and UConn student-athletes from various teams signing autographs.

The break between the third and fourth quarter will feature “Coach D’s Playlist” as fans during the game will get to select a song to play based on a list they saw earlier in the game.

Once again this season at the end of home games, the UConn team will sing the “UConn Husky” fight song in front of the student section at Rentschler Field.

JASPER HOWARD MEMORIAL

A memorial in honor of Jasper Howard, the UConn football student-athlete who tragically lost his life five years ago, will be officially dedicated on Saturday at halftime. Funds for the statue were raised in a grassroots fashion with the efforts spearheaded by UConn supporters Dan and Lisa Lowry of Prospect, Conn. The lead gift for the memorial came from former UConn head football coach Randy Edsall, who was Howard’s coach with the Huskies. Donations also came from former Husky student-athletes and fans from around the country.

Howard lost his life on October 18, 2009 – hours after UConn had defeated Louisville at Rentschler Field on Homecoming. Howard recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the contest and a fumble recovery.

Funds will continue to be raised for the Jasper T. Howard Endowed Scholarship Fund at UConn, which is presented annually to a cornerback on the Husky football team who best embodies the qualities of Howard.

For information on how to contribute to that fund, please visit http://s.uconn.edu/howardscholarship.

The statue is made of barre grey granite quarried in Barre, Vt. It is a three-piece memorial that has an overall height of seven feet and weighs 3.25 tons. The top piece of granite is carved into mirror 6’s so whether viewing from the front or back it is a 6 and is colored to replicate the home jersey Howard wore.

The pedestal which the 6 sits on top of is lettered on the East and West facing sides. The east side has a quote from Jasper and is accented by 23kt gold leafed letters. The west side contains a narrative of Jasper’s life and a porcelain picture of Jasper. K. G. Keena Memorials of East Hartford, Manchester Monument Company of Manchester and Wethersfield Monument of Wethersfield designed, created and installed the piece.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television:

Saturday’s game will be televised nationally by the CBS Sports Network. Dave Ryan is on play-by-play with Corey Chavous on color and Dana Jacobson on the sideline.

Radio:

The UConn IMG Sports Network is the home of Husky football on the radio. WTIC NewsTalk 1080 in Hartford serves as the flagship station and is the state’s only 50,000 watt signal and can be heard in 23 states and parts of Canada.

Veteran UConn announcers Joe D’Ambrosio (play-by-play) and Wayne Norman (color commentary) return to call the action with Kevin Nathan on the sidelines.

UConn football on home noon Saturday dates gets going early with “Breakfast At The Rent” with Ray Dunaway beginning at 5:30 a.m. For noon games, the UConn Tailgate Show airs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m with Bob Joyce and Nathan. “UConn Football Magazine” begins at 10:30 a.m. as the network pregame show.

Here is a full list of stations on the UConn IMG Radio Network.

UCF Knights Radio:

WYGM 940-AM serves as the flagship station of the UCF IMG Sports Network. Marc Daniels handles the play-by-play while Pat O’Hara (color commentary) and Jerry O’Neill (sideline) join Daniels.

The UCF game will also be available on Sirius Radio Channel 137 and XM Channel 206.

Last Week:

UConn fell to East Carolina 31-21. UCF beat Temple 34-14.

History:

Saturday’s game will be the second meeting between the two schools with UCF taking a 62-17 win over the Huskies on October 26, 2013 at Bright House Networks Field in Orlando.

Connections:

There are 10 Florida natives on the UConn roster – Fr. OL Ryan Crozier (Plantation), RSo. CB John Green (Miami), So. CB Javon Hadley(Miami), Fr. RB Ron Johnson (Naples), RSo. DB Ellis Marder (Windermere), Fr. OL Daniel Oak (Fort Myers), RSo. K Bobby Puyol (North Palm Beach), RFr. OL Kyle Schafenacker (Cooper City), RSr. LB Brandon Steg (Coral Springs) and RFr. CB Jhavon Williams (Wellington).

The UCF roster does not have any Connecticut natives on it.

High school connections:
Lake Highland – UCF RSo. WR Hayden Jones. UConn RSo. DB Ellis Marder.
Fort Myers – UCF RFr. OL Tate Hernly. UConn Fr. OL Daniel Oak.
McEachern (Ga.) – UCF RSr. OL Tarik Milner. UConn RJr. LB Jefferson Ashiru.

UConn Notes:

Here is the video from UConn head coach Bob Diaco’s press conference. Here is a transcript of some his remarks from the press conference.

UConn head coach Bob Diaco made his UConn and collegiate head coaching debut on August 29th vs. BYU. Diaco served on the Notre Dame coaching staff as the defensive coordinator for the past four years and the assistant head coach for the past two. He was the 2012 winner of the Frank Broyles Award, given to the top assistant college football coach in the country and was the first Irish assistant to receive the prestigious award.

Here is UConn’s roster and 2014 schedule.

Here is UConn’s depth chart for the game.

The captains of the 2014 UConn Huskies football team are Geremy Davis, Byron Jones, Alex Mateas and Marquise Vann.

Despite UConn having virtually an entire new staff this year, seven of the Huskies’ full-time coaches have previously worked games at Rentschler Field. Head coach Bob Diaco, defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter and assistant coach Wayne Lineburg were on the Virginia staff for a 45-10 Husky win on Sept. 13, 2008; Assistant head coach Don Patterson was on the Buffalo staff for a 24-17 UConn win on Sept. 29, 2012; Offensive coordinator Mike Cummings was on the Western Michigan staff for a 41-27 UConn win on Nov. 1, 2003; Assistant coach Kevin Wolthausen was on the Louisville staff for a 30-20 UConn loss on Dec. 3, 2005. UConn assistant coach Mike Foley is the lone holdover on the staff and is entering his ninth season.

UConn has an all-time record of 49-27 at Rentschler Field and a 27-13 mark in non-conference games.

The Huskies were picked to finish 9th in the American in 2014.

Head coach Bob Diaco and his staff have seen a large number of players get into games this season – many of them first time college performers. Diaco played 57 players against BYU, 55 against Stony Brook, 56 vs. Boise State, 55 vs. USF, 57 vs. Temple, 54 vs. Tulane and 54 vs. East Carolina.

According to a survey conducted by Arizona State, UConn has the 12th most freshman and sophomores on its two-deep (26), the seventh-fewest seniors on the two-deep (8), and the fourth-fewest total seniors on the roster (12).

Here is a breakdown by class of Husky players who have seen their first collegiate action during the first four games of the 2014 season – a total of 23 players.

True Freshmen (9)
TE Alec Bloom, LB Luke Carrezola, OL Ryan Crozier, LB Vontae Diggs, TE Steve Hashemi, TB Ron Johnson, RB Arkeel Newsome, OL Trey Rutherford, CB Jamar Summers.

Redshirt Freshmen (10)
H Blake Feagles, DL Folorunso Fatukasi, OL Thomas Hopkins, LB Junior Joseph, WR Thomas Lucas, RB Joshua Marriner, TE Tommy Myers, LB Cole Ormsby, LB Cameron Stapleton, LB Jalen Stevens

Redshirt Sophomores (4)
C Kyle Bockeloh, OT Andreas Knappe, DL Sean Marinan, P Justin Wain

After throwing for 303 yards at East Carolina on Oct. 23, Chandler Whitmer became one of 11 quarterbacks in the FBS to eclipse 300 in a game in each of the past three seasons.

The list is:

Geremy Davis has made a reception in 33-straight games, dating back to the 2011 season, the 12th-longest such streak in the country.

Deshon Foxx had an 88-yard TD pass reception from Whitmer in last Thursday’s game vs. East Carolina. The play was the fourth-longest pass in school history and the longest since a 90-yarder from Dan Orlovsky to Jason Williams against Temple in 2004.

Senior cornerback Byron Jones (New Britain, Conn.), who saw his UConn career end against East Carolina, had a 70-yard interception return for a TD late in the first half of the USF game on Sept. 19. Jones also has a career fumble return for a touchdown and became just the third Husky player to have a fumble return for a TD and an interception TD in a career. Jones fumble return for a TD also came against USF – in a 16-10 UConn win in 2011.

The UConn defense is ranked fourth in The American and 45th in the country in total defense at 361.4 yards per game. UConn is also ranked 28th nationally and third in the league in rushing defense (123.1 ypg) and is 64th in scoring defense (26.4 ppg). UConn is 23rd in the country and second in the conference in punt returns at 13.00 yards per return.

In individual leaders, redshirt junior Marquise Vann (Cincinnati, Ohio) is 33rd in the country in tackles with 9.4 per game – which is tied for fourth in the conference.

Preseason Award Watch Lists:

Geremy Davis

Casey Cochran

Central Florida Knights vs UConn Huskies stat matchup

Notes from this week’s opponent UCF:

Here is some video from UCF coach George O’Leary’s weekly pregame press conference. Here is the full audio of O’Leary’s press conference. Here are some selected quotes from his press conference.

George O’Leary is in his 11th season in charge of the UCF program and has guided the team to six bowl appearances during his tenure there, including a 52-42 win in last year’s Fiesta Bowl over Baylor. During UCF’s time in Conference USA, he led the Knights to two conference championships and four division titles. O’Leary enters Saturday’s game with an overall head coaching record of 129-91 and a 77-58 mark at Central Florida. He also served as head coach at Georgia Tech with a 52-33 record from 1994-2001.

Here is UCF’s depth chart for the game.

Here are UCF’s 2014 roster and 2014 schedule.

The Knights are 11-0 all-time in the American Athletic Conference.

UCF carries a 6-2 record vs. schools from New England, and a 3-1 mark against teams from Connecticut.

UConn has faced three common opponents already with UCF (BYU, Temple, Tulane).

Besides the trip to Ireland to begin 2014, this Saturday will be the farthest north UCF will have traveled for a game since 2010 when it visited Buffalo.

The Black and Gold rank 10th in the FBS in total defense, 11th in interceptions and 14th in scoring defense.

Jacoby Glenn has five interceptions, and ranks third in the FBS in picks this year.

UCF stats

Friday UConn Football Links:

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Despite winless record in AAC, UConn believes it’s making strides [ct post]

Jasper Howard Memorial To Be Unveiled Saturday At Halftime [hartford courant]

Memorial A Joyful Moment For Jasper Howard’s Fiancee [hartford courant]

Next Week:

UConn heads out on the road next week as they’ll take on the Army Black Knights at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Huskies Roundup – 10/31/14

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a DAILY basis.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

Today’s UConn Football links can be found in the Friday links section of the UCF vs UConn preview.

UConn Women’s Basketball links

2015 American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll & Honors [sox & dawgs]

2015 NCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings – AP Preseason Poll [sox & dawgs]

Geno Auriemma Remembers His Days As General Patton [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Stewart Dealing With Pain In Her Left Foot [rich elliott – ct post]

According to Auriemma, Chong Has Been The Best [rich elliott – ct post]

UConn’s Chong, Temple’s Atkinson opening eyes [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn’s game at Colgate was news to Breanna Stewart [jim fuller – new haven register]

Is UConn’s dominance a blessing or curse for rest of AAC [jim fuller – new haven register]

AAC Women’s Basketball Media Day with UConn [uconn huskies youtube]

UConn needs South Florida, AAC to do better [ct post]

South Florida Best Of Rest At AAC Women’s Basketball Media Day [hartford courant]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Video: Kemba Walker Hits Two Big Shots in Hornets Opening Night Win [sox & dawgs]

Other UConn related links

W. Cross Country. Women’s Cross Country Gears Up for The American Championship on Friday [uconn huskies]

W. Cross Country. Bunnell grad, UConn senior Lauren Sara striding twoard AAC cross country crown [new haven register]

M. Cross Country. Men’s Cross Country Heads to the 2014 American Athletic Conference Championship [uconn huskies]

W. Soccer. UConn Hosts Tulsa In American Athletic Conference Quarterfinal On Sunday [uconn huskies]

Field Hockey. No. 4 Field Hockey Rounds Out Regular Season at Temple on Saturday [uconn huskies]

M. Soccer. UConn Goes For Conference Regular Season Title Saturday Against No. 25 USF [uconn huskies]

M. Ice Hockey. Huskies To Get Another Shot At Merrimack [hartford courant]

In the Red Zone: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots Preview Week 9

In the Red Zone

This Week

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA on Sunday at 4:25 p.m.

At half time, the Patriots will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their 3rd Super Bowl win. 17 of the 22 players who earned all three rings will be on the field.

The Broncos The Patriots
Overall Record 6-1 Overall Record 6-2
Road Record 1-1 Home Record 4-0
AFC East 1-0 AFC West 1-1
AFC Conf 4-0 AFC Conf 4-2

Walt Anderson is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at PLUS 3. The over/under is 54.5.

My Prediction is Broncos 33, Patriots, 31.

Take the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 5-3 against the spread and 4 of 8 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 223rd consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including Gillette Stadium directions, parking information, seating chart and map.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game nationally, Jim Nantz will do play by play, former NFL QB Phil Simms will provide the game analysis and Tracy Wolfson works the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

The DirecTV Sunday Ticket channel is 713.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 1 p.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 132, XM Channel 232 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Broncos Radio Network has former Broncos players Dave Logan calling the play by play and Ed McCaffrey does the color via their flagship station 850 KOA AM and KRFX 103.5 FM.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 809.

The game will be carried nationally by Sports USA with Larry Kahn doing play by play, Doug Plank has the game analysis and Troy West is the sideline reporter.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots routed the Bears at home, 51-23.

The Broncos at home handled the Chargers on TNF, 35-21.

History

  • This is the 49th meeting between the two teams.
  • Denver leads the regular season series 25-19.
  • Broncos also hold the post season series lead, 3-1 for an overall record vs. New England of 28-20.
  • This is the sixth meeting since December 2011 and the Patriots have won those three of the previous four games.
  • Patriots and Broncos met twice in 2013. Patriots won the regular season meeting in Foxboro, 34-31 and lost in the AFC Championship Game in Denver, 26-16.

Patriots Team Notes

New England PatriotsHere is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 444-375-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.
  • They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.
  • The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 13 seasons (2001-2013).
  • They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.
  • They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 13-season span.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 223.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 244.
  • Have the most conference titles, 6.
  • Have the most division titles, 13.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 21
  • Have played the most playoff games, 33.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 144-40.
  • Since Gillette Stadium opened they are 85-15 at home in the regular season.
  • Since October 2003 the Patriots are a NFL best 41-9 in October games including a home record of 25-1.
  • They have won 32 of their last 36 October games.

Against the Broncos and the AFC:

  • New England is 11-9 vs Denver as the home team.
  • Patriots are 4-2 at Gillette Stadium against the Broncos.
  • Last November Patriots came back to win 34-31 in OT after being down 24-0 at half time. It was the largest comeback in team history.
  • Have won the last four meetings at home including playoffs.
  • Twice in wins at Denver Bill Belichick took intentional safeties to secure a win.
  • Have 33 consecutive regular season home wins over AFC opponents.

Last Week vs. the Bears:

  • Brady was 30 of 35 for 354 yards, 5 TD’s and 0 INT.
  • Scored three TD’s in 57 seconds in late in the first half.
  • 38 points scored were the most ever against a Chicago team in one half of football.
  • For 34th time in time in team history had two receivers both with 100-yard games in Gronkowski and LaFell.
  • Gronkowski (11), LaFell (9) and Wright (7) were targeted 27 times and caught all 27 passes five for TD’s.
  • DE Zach Moore had his first career forced fumble Week 8 vs. Chicago that was returned for a TD by DE Rob Ninkovich.
  • Ninkovich’s return TD was the second defensive TD of the season for New England. Kyle Arrington also returned a fumble for a TD.
  • Defense had 3 sacks (Ayers 1, Hightower 0.5, Easley 0.5, Moore 0.5 and Wilfork 0.5).
  • Had 32 first downs to the Bears 27 first downs.
  • Bears had 384 total yards to Patriots 487 total yards.
  • One week after giving up points in first five defensive drives (4 field goals, 1 TD) the Patriots reversed the tide and scored the first 6 times (5 TD’s, 1 field goal) the offense had the ball.
  • Patriots had the ball 9 times and scored on 8 drives (5 TD’s and 3 FG’s) and added a defensive touchdown on a fumble return.
  • Offensive line played very well, only allowed one sack and was really good when running ball.
  • Patriots continue to get penalized at a high rate, had 7 penalties vs. the Bears and are averaging over 8 penalties per game.
  • The Bears top 4 yardage plays allowed by the defense were all passing plays the longest being 34 yards. Their longest rush against the defense was 19 yards.
  • Four of the top five yardage plays for the offense were pass plays the longest being the 46-yard TD pass to Gronkowski. The longest rush was by Gray for 19-yards.

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have a bye next week before traveling to Indianapolis for a Sunday night game.
  • Have won 13 games in a row at Gillette including playoffs since losing to Baltimore in the 2012 AFC Championship Game. It is the longest current home win streak in the NFL.
  • Have won 4 games in a row after a 2-2 start. Beat Cincinnati, at Buffalo, NY Jets and Chicago since a miserable loss in Kansas City Week 4.
  • New England has 70 penalties this season in 8 weeks and has been penalized 628 yards.
  • Patriots have had multiple turnovers on both losses this season while having no turnovers in 5 of their 6 wins.
  • New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 1st in the NFL. They have 8 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 2 INT’s and lost 3 fumbles.
  • The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 29.8 points per game and are 14th in points allowed with 22.1 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Broncos.

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 7-11 vs. the Broncos overall in his career. He is 7-7 as the head coach in New England including 1-2 in the playoffs.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 205-106 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 168-62 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 224-115.
  • Belichick’s 224 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.
  • He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.
  • Belichick spent one season in Denver as an assistant special teams coach in 1978 under Red Miller.

Other Personnel/Coaches:

  • Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was the Broncos head coach in 2009 and 2010 and compiled an 11-17 record.
  • Special teams coach Scott O’Brien was the Denver Special Teams Coordinator in 2007 and 2008.
  • Strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera had the same position at the University of Colorado in 2010.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • WR: Tyms
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Gray

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Chr. Jones
  • DE: Easley
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Hightower
  • LB: Ayers
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 5-7 vs. the Broncos in his career including 1-2 in the playoffs. He is 81-13 at home in the regular season.
  • Was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.
  • Makes his 200th NFL start this week against Denver.
  • Overall he is 154-45 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 172-53. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Had back-to-back-to-back-to-back multiple TD pass games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3) and Week 8 vs. Chicago (5).
  • 377 TD passes in his career makes him tied for 4th in NFL history with Drew Brees.
  • 154 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
  • He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 119 games; the team’s record is 102-17.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Has caught a pass in 58 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak all-time for a tight end. Heath Miller is 3rd with a catch in 89 consecutive games.
  • Leads team in TD’s with 7 and receiving yards with 558.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • It was his 14th 100+ receiving yard games in his career. Most ever for a Patriots tight end.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.
  • Is tied for 2nd in team history with 50 touchdowns (49 rec, 1 rush) with Ben Coates (50 rec) and Randy Moss (50 rec).
  • He is 4th in team history with 49 TD catches. He is 1 behind Randy Moss and Ben Coates for 2nd place.

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Held to 1 catch for 14 yards Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Has 4 career games with 10 or more catches after a 10-catch game Week 3 vs. Oakland.
  • Leads team in receiving with 45 catches.
  • Had a 34-yard punt return at Minnesota Week 2 it was the 11th punt return of 30 yards or more in his career. That ranks third in team history.
  • Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Tim Wright notes:

  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 3 of the last 4 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati,Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.
  • Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

Jonas Gray notes:

  • Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Has converted 32 consecutive 4th quarter field goals.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.
  • Has scored at least 1 point in 115 consecutive games a franchise record.
  • He is 3rd in team history in points with 1,110 trailing only Gino Cappelletti (1,130) and Adam Vinatieri (1,158).
  • Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Leads team with 2 INT’s.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • In 6 seasons with New England has only missed one game.
  • Second on team with 4 sacks.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.
  • Third on team with 3.5 sacks.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo).
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Second on team with 49 tackles (34 solo).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.
  • Has also forced and recovered a fumble in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

  • Had a sack in his first game as a Patriot Week 8 vs. Chicago. Also had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss.
  • Has 10 career sacks, 2 career INT’s and 3 forced fumbles.

Alan Branch notes:

  • Was a 2nd round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Michigan.
  • Played for Arizona, Seattle and Buffalo.
  • Was released in August by the Bills after a DUI arrest.
  • Has 170 career tackles, 8 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

Jonathan Casillas notes:

  • Played at Wisconsin and signed as a UDFA with New Orleans in 2009-12 also played with Tampa Bay from 2013-14.
  • Acquired along with a 6th round pick in 2015 NFL draft for a 5th round pick in 2015 from the Buccaneers.
  • Played in Super Bowl XLIV with Saints and recovered the onside kick to start the second half.
  • Has 129 career tackles and 3 sacks.

General Team news:

Roster moves this week:

  • Signed DE Alan Branch
  • Released LB Deontae Skinner
  • Acquired LB Jonathan Casillas in trade with Tampa Bay

Patriots team captains for 2014:

Former Broncos on the Patriots:

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with Colorado roots:

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

Players from Colorado based colleges and universities:

  • T Nate Solder – Colorado

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

  • 20 – Gino Cappelletti
  • 40 – Mike Haynes
  • 73 – John Hannah
  • 78 – Bruce Armstrong
  • 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
  • 89 – Bob Dee

Broncos Team Notes

Denver BroncosHere is the Broncos roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Broncos Schedule/Results

Franchise Notes:

  • The Broncos all-time record is 438-379-10 and they are 20-18 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2013. That season the Broncos won at home against San Diego 24-17 in the AFC Divisional Game and beat New England 26-26 at home in the AFC Championship Game before losing to Seattle in the Super Bowl.
  • Denver has won two Super Bowls (XXXII and XXXIII) in 7 appearances.
  • The Broncos last appeared in a Super Bowl following the 2013 season and lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, 43-8.

In the Bowlen Family Era:

  • This is their 31st year of team ownership.
  • Under the Bowlen’s ownership the Broncos have won their two Super Bowls and have been to the big game six times.
  • Since 1984 the Broncos are 3rd in overall wins in the NFL with 313 behind New England (314) and San Francisco (323).
  • Won 18 playoff games and 11 division titles.
  • Since 1984 Denver has the most seasons at .500 or better with 26.
  • Denver has 13 AFC West Division titles one more than Oakland.
  • One of just three franchises to record 90+ wins in three decades since 1960 and only one to do it in last three decades.
  • Denver has not been shutout since 1992 a streak that has gone 335 games.

Against the Patriots:

  • This is Denver’s 4th trip to Gillette Stadium in the last 5 meetings.
  • Broncos are 9-11 as the road team in the series and are 2-4 in Gillette Stadium. Both marks include the playoffs.
  • Denver was the second visiting team to win in Gillette Stadium when they beat the Patriots 24-16 on October 27, 2002 just two weeks after the Green Bay Packers became the first visiting team to win in Gillette Stadium.
  • Broncos won their first two games at Gillette before dropping the last four.

Last Week vs. Chargers:

  • Peyton Manning extended his TD pass record with 3 more TD passes all to Emmanuel Sanders.
  • Emmanuel Sanders had 9 catches for 120-yards and 3 TD’s.
  • Had no turnovers for 5th game this season.
  • Juwan Thompson had a pair rushing TD’s in limited duty (7 carries/24 yards).

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have won their last four in a row vs. Arizona, at NY Jets, San Francisco and San Diego.
  • After five home games in their first 7, they now head on the road for 3 consecutive weeks (at New England, at Oakland and at St. Louis) and 4 out of the next 5 and 6 of their last 9 are on the road.
  • They haven’t had a turnover in 3 consecutive games.
  • They have been penalized 57 times for 482 yards.
  • Denver is PLUS 4 in turnover differential tied for 6th in the NFL. They have 7 INT and have recovered 1 fumble while they have thrown 3 INT’s and lost 1 fumble.
  • The Broncos are 1st in points scored averaging 32.0 points per game and are 6th in fewest points allowed with 20.3 points per game.

Broncos Staff Notes

Read what Denver Broncos head coach John Fox had to say to the New England media about the match up.

John Fox notes:

  • This is Fox’s 4th season as the head coach in Denver he is 40-15 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs for an overall record of 43-18. Prior to that Fox was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers for 9 seasons and had a record of 73-71 in the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs. Combined between Denver and Carolina he is 113-86 in the regular season and 8-6 in the playoffs for an overall mark of 121-92.
  • Fox is 2-7 vs. New England as a head coach including 1-2 in the post season combined between Denver and Carolina.
  • He is the 15th head coach in Denver history.
  • He is third in team history in coaching wins behind Mike Shanahan (146) and Dan Reeves (117).

Other Staff/Personnel:

  • Offensive Coordinator is Adam Gase it’s his second year in the position after serving as quarterbacks coach (2011-12) under Fox and wide receivers coach (2009-10) under Josh McDaniels.
  • Jack Del Rio is the defensive coordinator in his 3rd year with Denver. Prior to that he was head coach in Jacksonville from 2003-11. Was interim head coach for a period last season when Fox was out with health issues.
  • Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell served as a pro scout for the Patriots from 2000-01 and an area scout from 2003-2005, winning three Super Bowls during his time in New England in 2001, 2003 and 2004.
  • Defensive Backs coach Cory Undin was a Patriots defensive assistant in 2004.
  • Offensive Line Coach Dave Magazu is a native of Taunton MA and attended Taunton High School before graduating from Springfield College, where he was a four-year starter as a defensive tackle on the football team. Magazu also served as the offensive line coach at Boston College from 1999-2002.

Broncos Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Clady
  • LG: Franklin
  • C: Ramirez
  • RG: Vasquez
  • RT: Cornick
  • TE: J. Thomas
  • WR: D. Thomas
  • WR: Welker
  • WR: Sanders
  • QB: Manning
  • RB: Hillman

Defense:

  • DE: Wolfe
  • DT: Williams
  • DT: Knighton
  • DE: Ware
  • LB: Miller
  • LB: Irving
  • LB: Marshall
  • LCB: Talib
  • RCB: Harris Jr
  • S: Ward
  • S: Moore

Broncos Players Notes

Peyton Manning notes:

  • Was first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts out of Tennessee.
  • In his career he is 8-14 vs. New England including 2-2 in the playoffs.
  • 13 time Pro Bowl selection and named to 7 All-Pro teams.
  • He is a 5-time NFL MVP and has won one Super Bowl MVP Award.
  • In his 3rd season in Denver he is 32-7 and 2-2 in the post season for an overall record of 34-9.
  • In 14 years in Indianapolis was 141-67 in the regular season and 9-10 in the post season for an overall record of 150-77.
  • For his career he is 173-74 in the regular season and 11-12 in the post season for an overall record of 184-86. He has won one Super Bowl (XLI) in three appearances.
  • Is 78-44 in his career on the road.
  • Wears number 18 after Frank Tripucka made the gesture to let him wear the retired number.
  • Son of former NFL QB Archie Manning and brother of New York Giants QB Eli Manning.
  • Set NFL record for TD passes in Week 7 vs. San Francisco and now has 513 TD passes in his career.
  • Threw for record 55 TD’s and 5,477 passing yards in 2013.
  • Only he and Brett Favre have a career win vs. all 32 NFL teams.
  • Second all-time in passing attempts, completions, yards and QB wins.
  • Along with Brady and Hall of Famer Joe Montana are considered the Holy Trinity among NFL quarterbacks.
  • Has thrown a TD pass in 46 consecutive games fourth longest streak in the NFL. With 1 TD pass will tie Johnny Unitas for 3rd longest streak (47). Brady is second with 52 games and Drew Brees holds the record with 54 games.

Wes Welker notes:

  • Has 19 catches for 181 yards and 1 TD this season.
  • Played six seasons in New England (2007-12).
  • Has most catches in NFL history by an undrafted player (860).
  • One of two players in NFL History with 5 100-catch seasons.
  • Had a five year streak with 100+ catches snapped in 2013.
  • In his 6 years in New England had the most prolific 6-year period for any NFL receiver with 672 regular season catches.
  • Patriots all-time receptions leader with 725 catches.
  • Made five Pro Bowls as a Patriot.
  • Has 49 career TD’s.

Demaryius Thomas notes:

  • Has four consecutive 100-yard receiving games.
  • Set Broncos record with 226 yards receiving and 2 TD’s on 8 catches Week 5 vs. Arizona.
  • Leads team in catches (47) and receiving yards (767).
  • Second on team in TD catches (6).
  • Has back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons.
  • Had a career high 1,434 receiving yards in 2012.
  • Made his first Pro Bowl in 2012.

Julius Thomas notes:

  • Has 3 career 100-yard, 2 TD games only Shannon Sharpe has more (4).
  • Has 9 TD’s this season to lead the team after having 12 TD’s in 2013.
  • Tied for most receiving TD’s in NFL in 2014.
  • Made his first Pro Bowl in 2013.

Von Miller notes:

  • Has a sack in 6 consecutive games.
  • Leads team with 9 sacks.
  • Only player in Broncos history to make the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

Demarcus Ware notes:

  • Has 7 sacks on the season, second on the team.
  • 15th on NFL All-Time sack list with 124 career sacks.
  • Has 29 multi-sack games.

Aqib Talib notes:

  • Signed with Denver after 1.5 years with New England.
  • Has 2 INT’s in 2014 one returned for a TD Week 6 at NY Jets.
  • Has 25 career INT’s third most for a corner back since 2008.

General Team notes:

Former Patriots with the Broncos:

Players with New England ties:

Players who attended New England based colleges or universities:

  • none

Denver team captains for 2014 are:

  • QB Peyton Manning
  • WR Demaryius Thomas
  • DT Terrance Knighton
  • DE Demarcus Ware
  • S David Bruton

Denver has 3 retired numbers:

  • 7 – John Elway
  • 18 – Frank Tripucka
  • 44 – Floyd Little

Next Game

Indianapolis ColtsUp next: Indianapolis Colts – AFC South

Location: Indianapolis IN

Date/Time: Sunday November 2 at 8:15 p.m.

TV Network: NBC

High Five City Returns; Red Sox Re-Sign Koji Uehara For Two Years

Koji Uehara #19 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates following his save in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Fenway Park on September 25, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Koji Uehara #19 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates following his save in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Fenway Park on September 25, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts.

With Thursday the first official day players can file for free agency, the Boston Red Sox saw four players do so in Koji Uehara, Burke Badenhop, David Ross and Ryan Dempster.

The Red Sox will have until Tuesday November 4 at 12:00 AM to talk with any of them about re-signing. We already know that Dempster has retired. At 12:01 AM on the 4th, the free agent frenzy begins.

The Red Sox didn’t waste anytime though in finding their closer for 2015 as they’ve brought back High Five City (Uehara) for another two years. According to published media reports, Uehara will receive $18 million over the two seasons.

Here’s the full release from the Red Sox:

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today signed right-handed pitcher Koji Uehara to a two-year contract through the 2016 season.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.

A first-time All-Star in 2014, Uehara, 39, went 6-5 with 26 saves and a 2.52 ERA (18 ER/64.1 IP) in 64 games for the Red Sox. He finished the year with 80 strikeouts compared to just eight walks for a 10-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio which ranked second among all American League relievers on the season.

Uehara, who did not allow runs in 53 of his 64 appearances this past year, posted a team season-best 21.0-inning scoreless streak from May 3 to June 16. He converted each of his first 15 save chances of the season to run his streak of consecutive saves converted to 31, which is the second-longest in Red Sox history.

In 2013, his first year with Boston, he had a 1.09 ERA and recorded 21 saves in 24 chances during the regular season, setting an AL record with 44 perfect outings out of 73 total appearances. His 0.57 WHIP was the best single-season mark in major league history among pitchers with at least 40.0 innings.

He pitched in 13 of Boston’s 16 postseason games en route to the 2013 World Series championship, and secured the title by striking out the Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter for the final out of Game 6 at Fenway Park exactly one year ago today.

Overall in the 2013 postseason, he gave up just one run in 13.2 innings (0.66 ERA), converted all seven save chances, and was named MVP of the American League Championship Series.

Uehara’s 1.75 ERA as a Red Sox is the best mark in club history (min. 75.0 IP) and ranks second among major league relievers since the start of 2013 (min. 85.0 IP) behind only Kansas City’s Wade Davis (0.99). His 181 strikeouts out of the bullpen in that time rank second in the American League to the Royals’ Greg Holland.

Over the last two seasons, he posted the lowest WHIP (0.73) and walk ratio (1.1 walks per nine innings pitched), and the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.7) among all big league relievers.

Over six major league seasons with the Orioles (2009-11), Rangers (2011-12), and Red Sox (2013-14), Uehara has gone 15-15 with 61 saves and a 2.44 ERA (95 ER/350.1 IP) in 294 outings, including 12 starts in his debut campaign. With just 46 walks and 250 hits allowed and 412 strikeouts, he owns the best career strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.0 SO/BB) and WHIP (0.84) in major league history among pitchers with at least 100.0 lifetime innings.

In his 10 seasons (1999-2008) for the Yomiuri Giants in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Central League, Uehara compiled a 112-62 record with 33 saves, a 3.01 ERA (518 ER/1,549.0 IP), and 1,376 strikeouts. He led the NPB in wins in 1999 and 2002, ERA in 1999 and 2004, and strikeouts in 1999 and 2003.

An eight-time NPB All-Star (1999-2005, 2007), he was named the Central League Rookie of the Year in 1999, along with winning the Sawamura Award as the NPB’s top pitcher, the Golden Glove Award, and being named to the Top Nine Award as NPB’s best all-around starting pitcher in both 1999 and 2002. He led the Giants to the Japan Series championship in 2000 and 2002. He also participated in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games for Team Japan, and helped lead his country to the gold medal at the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006.

photo credit:  getty images