You know that the New England Patriots (9-3) haven't had a big game in weeks since it seems like nobody is talking about them at the moment.
With the NBA's bumbling moves and the Bruins in full swing not to mention the holidays around the corner, it is totally understandable why people have mostly stopped paying attention to the Pats during the weeks between games.
This Sunday should be no different than the last few games because New England plays at the Washington Redskins (4-8). You remember who Washington's quarterback is right? None other than Rex Grossman and if he should get hurt or falter, John Beck is his backup. So yeah, that's why nobody should fear Mr. Tan himself Mike Shannon or his garbage team that is playing out the string as usual.
As far as injuries go, Washington's list is a short one. Defensive tackle Chris Baker (quad) and safety LaRon Landry (groin) have both been declared out. Everybody else on their injury report is probable and I don't bother to mention those. Let's also not forget two of their best players: left tackle Trent Williams and tight end Fred Davis, who will miss Sunday's game and the rest of the season due to failing a drug test (reportedly for marijuana).
The Patriots have declared offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) out. Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring), who you probably forgot still existed, is doubtful. Following the pattern of the last few weeks, Bill Belichick has listed a double-digit amount of Patriots players (12 this time) as questionable.
Cornerback Kyle Arrington (foot), safety Patrick Chung (foot), center Dan Connolly (groin), wide receiver/cornerback Julian Edelman (back), linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb), safety James Ihedigbo (shoulder), cornerback Devin McCourty (shoulder), wide receiver Matthew Slater (shoulder), linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee), running back Shane Vereen (hamstring), offensive lineman Ryan Wendell (calf) and running back Danny Woodhead (abdomen) are all theoretically 50/50 to play at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at FedEx Field.
The players I'll be keeping an eye on the most for New England that are questionable have to be Chung and Spikes. They've both missed big chunks of time and are two of the Patriots most talented defensive players. New England's playoff hopes will likely fall on their shaky defense to make a few plays/stops here and there. Those are guys that can get that done.
I'll update this tomorrow and/or Sunday when I hear who is going to be out as well for both teams.
Another note: Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo was fined $25,000 on Friday for his hit on Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Apparently, he hit him in the head or neck area but since there was no penalty on the play, I honestly don't remember it. This was the biggest fine received by a Patriot so far this season.
UPDATE 12/10: The Pats have resigned defensive lineman Eric Moore, who was on the team for a while last season, and placed Cunningham on IR. Moore was signed by New England at this time last season and even though he was completely unknown, he was a solid pass rusher (something they desperately needed).
He was cut in training camp so he's spent the season with Virginia's UFL team. Some thought rookie defensive end Markell Carter would be activated off the practice squad but apparently Belichick doesn't think the raw project is quite ready yet.
Cornerback Sterling Moore was released and cornerback Malcolm Williams was activated from the practice squad. Also, Chung (5th straight game), Connolly, Spikes and Vereen.
UPDATE 12/11: Third quarterback Ryan Mallett and defensive lineman Gerard Warren are the other Patriots who are inactive for today.
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