This Week
The New England Patriots visit the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover. MD on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Patriots (9-3) are 4-2 on the road, 2-1 against the NFC East and 2-1 vs. the NFC. The Redskins (4-8) are 2-4 at home, 0-3 vs. the AFC East and 0-3 against the AFC.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 9 1/2. They list the over under at 48.
My Prediction is Patriots 31, Redskins, 21. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 7-4-1 against the spread and 8 of 12 on calling the over/under in 2011.
Tickets
The Redskins are reporting the game as a sell out.
Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.
Getting to the Game
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Landover, MD make sure you check out the links.
Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Landover, MD.
Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and stadium information, parking map and a FedEx Field seating chart.
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.
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 You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS in televising the game regionally and Greg Gumbel will do play by play while Dan Dierdorf will provide the game analysis. You can look here for your local affiliate.
See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.
The DirecTV designation is Channel 704.
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. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 10 a.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
If you are outside the broadcast are of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass, which allows you to listen to any game live. You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.
All NFL Games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries all the NFL games under a special additional package. They usually only carry the home team feed.
The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 91 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 879.
The Redskins Radio network has Larry Michael calling play by play and former Redskins players Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff provide the color commentary via their flagship station WTEM. Their call is available on Sirius Channel 134, XM Channel 235 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 892.
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 Sunday 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.
To continue reading the New England Patriots @ Washington Redskins Week 14 preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week
The Patriots beat the Colts at home 31-24; while the Redskins lost to the Jets, 34-19 at home.
History
- The Redskins lead the all-time series 6-2.
- 6 of the 8 previous games in the series have been played in Foxboro.
- The previous two meetings in Washington were in 1981 and 2003.
- The two teams last met in 2007 when the Patriots beat the Redskins, 52-7 in Foxboro.
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Patriots Schedule/Results
The Patriots overall franchise record is 408-366-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.
The Patriots are the defending two-time AFC East Champions; they have won the division 8 times since 2000.
The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.
New England has never won in Washington. They are 0-1 at FedEx Field.
Washington is the only NFL city that New England has never won in.
This is the first of a two game road swing (they play at Denver Week 15) the second two game road swing of the season (at Buffalo Week 2 and at Oakland Week 3) for the Patriots.
New England has won four consecutive games after a two game losing streak. It is their longest win streak of the season.
New England is 37-5 in December games since 2001. That’s the best in the NFL in that time period.
Since 2002 the Patriots are 9-2 vs. the NFC East in the regular season. The losing at Washington in 2003 and to the New York Giants at home this year.
Overall the Patriots are 17-24 against NFC East teams including Super Bowls.
Since 2000 have the Patriots the best road record in the NFL at 61-33.
The Patriots defense has allowed opponents to convert 44.3% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 45.8%.
The New England defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 27 times in 12 games.
The Patriots are 3rd in the NFL in points per game with 30.2. While they allow 20.6 points per game good for 13th in the NFL.
New England is PLUS 8 in turnover differential, 4th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 10 INT and 5 fumbles, while the defense has 17 INT and 6 fumble recoveries.
The Patriots are being outscored by their opponents in the 4th quarter 108-104.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Redskins.
Bill Belichick is 1-2 vs. the Redskins in his career. He is 1-1 against them as the head coach in New England.
Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 171-97 in 16 NFL seasons. He is 134-53 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 186-103.
Belichick’s 186 wins are good for 9th all-time. Chuck Knox, who coached the Rams, Bills and Seahawks, is 8th all-time with 193.
He was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 3rd time in 2010.
Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are current 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).
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
LT: Light
LG: Mankins
C: McDonald
RG: Waters
RT: Solder
TE: R. Gronkowski
TE: Hernandez
WR: Branch
WR: Welker
QB: Brady
RB: Green-Ellis
Defense:
DE: Deaderick
DT: Wilfork
DT: Love
DE: Carter
LB: Ninkovich
LB: Mayo
LB: Koutouvides
LCB: McCourty
RCB: Arrington
S: Jones
S: Ihedigbo
Patriots Players Notes
This Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 1-1 vs. the Redskins in his career.
Washington is one of three teams that Brady has never beaten on the road. The others are New Orleans and San Francisco (never played there).
Overall Brady is 120-34 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 134-39. Brady is a 6 time Pro Bowl QB; 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.
In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.
Brady has thrown 30 TD’s and 10 INT’s while being sacked 20 times in 12 games.
Brady has 291 TD passes in his career he is now tied for 6th all-time with Hall of Famer Warren Moon.
Brady has 120 career wins he is 6th all-time. Fran Tarkenton is 5th with 124.
WR Wes Welker now has catches in 94 consecutive games including playoffs, 77 as a Patriot. The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.
TE Rob Gronkowski has 13 TD catches in 2011. He shares the NFL record for TD’s by a tight end in a season with Vernon Davis (San Francisco – 2009) and Antonio Gates (San Diego –2004).
DE Andre Carter leads the team with 9 sacks. DE Mark Anderson has 7 on the season, good for 2nd on the team.
Carter leads the defense with 19 quarterback hits, Anderson is 2nd with 9 hits.
Carter was a member of the Redskins having played in Washington for 5 seasons.
Anderson, Wilfork, Carter, WR/S Matthew Slater and LB Jerod Mayo have each forced a fumble this season while Ninkovich, DT Kyle Love, CB Kyle Arrington and DE Gerard Warren have each recovered an opponent’s fumble.
Arrington leads the team and the NFL with 7 INT’s.
Mayo leads the team in tackles with 67, CB Devin McCourty is 2nd with 65.
LB Tracy White leads the special teams in tackles with 13 and Slater is 2nd with 12.
On Wednesday RB Stevan Ridley (non-injury); LB Brandon Spikes (MCL) and T Sebastian Vollmer (foot) did not practice. The following players were limited in their participation: RB Danny Woodhead (abdomen); C Ryan Wendell (calf); WR Wes Welker (knee); RB Shane Vereen (hamstring); WR Matthew Slater (shoulder); CB Devin McCourty (shoulder); S James Ihedigbo (shoulder); LB Dane Fletcher (thumb); WR Julian Edelman (back); C Dan Connolly (groin); S Patrick Chung (foot) and CB Kyle Arrington (foot).
The only change in the injury/participation status for practice on Thursday was LB Brandon Spikes (MCL) was upgraded to limited participation. All others remained the same as Wednesday.
The Patriots have five New England natives on the roster they are: LB Niko Koutouvides (Plainville CT); TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven CT); S James Ihedigbo (Northampton MA) and DE Ron Brace (Worcester MA). They have 12 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member. They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); WR/TE Dorin Dickerson (Pitt); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); CB Nathan Jones (Rutgers); C Dan Koppen (Boston College – IR); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami), OL Donald Thomas (UConn); DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati – IR); DE Ron Brace (Boston College); WR Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers) and DE Alex Silvestro (Rutgers – Practice Squad).
The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.
Pro Bowl voting is open until December 19th, cast your votes for deserving players.
Redskins Team Notes
Here is the Redskins roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Redskins Schedule/Results
The Redskins all-time record is 551-524-27 and they are 23-17 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2007. They lost in the NFC Wild Card Game to Seattle, 35-14 on the road. They last played for a championship after the 1991 season when they beat Atlanta and Detroit to win the NFC Championship and then they beat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI, 37-24. Washington has won three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, XXVI) in five appearances. They also won two NFL Championships prior to the Super Bowl era in 1937 and 1942.
The Redskins were once the Boston Braves (1932) and the Boston Redskins (1933-36) before moving to Washington in 1937 and they played their home games at Braves Field (1932) and Fenway Park (1933-36).
In addition they have also called Griffith Stadium (1937-60); RFK Stadium aka D.C. Stadium (1961-96) and FedEx Field aka Jack Kent Cooke Stadium (1997-present) home.
FedEx Field sits a league high 91,665.
Washington is 2-0 all-time in series as the home team.
The Redskins are the Patriots second least frequent opponent as the teams are meeting for just the 9th time. Only Tampa Bay (7 times) has played New England less.
The Redskins defense has allowed opponents to convert 36.6% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 34.8%.
The Washington defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 33 times in 12 games.
The Redskins are 27th in the NFL in points per game with 16.8. While they allow 21.3 points per game good for 15th in the NFL.
Washington is MINUS 13 in turnover differential, 32nd best in the NFL. The offense has given up 19 INT and 9 fumbles, while the defense has 8 INT and 7 fumble recoveries.
The Redskins have a fight song “Hail to the Redskins”.
They were also the first NFL team to have its own marching band that started in 1937 and the all-volunteer ensemble continues today.
Redskins Staff Notes
Read what Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Overall in his NFL career Mike Shanahan is 156-116 in 18 NFL seasons. He is 10-18 with Washington, 138-86 with Denver and 8-12 with Oakland. He is 8-5 in the playoffs with two Super Bowl titles all as head coach of Denver. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 164-121.
Shanahan is 10-3 vs. New England in his career.
This is Shanahan’s first game against New England coaching a team other than Denver. The Raiders never played New England when he coached in Los Angeles.
Redskins Players Notes
Rex Grossman is 26-21 overall in his career including the playoffs. He is 19-12 and 2-2 in the playoffs with Chicago (2003-08), 0-0 with Houston (2009) and 5-7 with Washington (2010-present). Grossman was drafted in the 2003 NFL Draft in the 1st round out of University of Florida by the Bears. He was signed by the Redskins as a free agent prior to the 2010 season.
He is 0-1 in his career vs. New England with his lone start coming in 2006 with Chicago. He was 15 of 34 for 176 yards and 3 INT’s in the first game on Gillette Stadium’s new field turf.
The Washington team captains for 2011 are: WR Santana Moss, LB London Fletcher, CB DeAngelo Hall and RB Mike Sellers.
Former Patriots WR Jabar Gaffney and WR Donte Stallworth will play against their former team. Practice Squad players TE Rob Myers and QB Jonathan Crompton both spent time on the New England practice squad in the past.
The NFL suspended Redskins LT Trent Williams and TE Fred Davis on Tuesday for drug use. They have been suspended for four games without pay for failing multiple drug tests. This in effect ends their season, as Washington is not in the playoff hunt.
Washington has 2 New England natives on the roster they are: LB Rob Jackson (West Haven CT) and C Will Montgomery (Brunswick ME). There is 1 player on the Redskins roster from a Big East university. He is: NT Chris Neild (WVU).
On Wednesday the following players did not participate in practice: P Sav Rocca (ankle); NT Chris Neild (non-injury); S LaRon Landry (groin) and DL Chris Baker (quad). The following players were limited in their participation: WR Terrance Austin (hamstring); DE Stephen Bowen (knee); T Jamaal Brown (hip); LB London Fletcher (ankle); S DeJon Gomes (knee); CB DeAngelo Hall (back) and G Maurice Hurt (knee). QB Rex Grossman (shoulder) and RB Darrel Young (head) participated fully.
The only change in the Thursday practice/participation status was NT Chris Neild was removed from the list and participated fully.
Redskins retired numbers – 33 Sammy Baugh. Unofficially the following numbers have never been re-issued. 7 – Joe Theismann; 9 – Sonny Jurgensen; 28 – Darrell Green; 42 – Charley Taylor; 43 – Larry Brown; 44 – John Riggins; 49 –Bobby Mitchell; 65 – Dave Butz; 70 – Sam Huff and 81 – Art Monk.
Next Week
The Patriots visit the Denver Broncos next Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver CO. Kick off is at 4:15 p.m. on CBS.
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