First the usually mild-mannered LaDainian Tomlinson goes ballistic after Patriots players classlessly celebrated last on the Chargers’ midfield logo, and now the Patriots are blaming yesterday’s loss to the Colts on officiating and illness, as well as being uncourteous with the media. My respect for the Patriots is diminishing by the minute.
Cornerback Ellis Hobbs was incensed at a pass interference penalty in the end zone that preceded the Colts’ tying touchdown in the third quarter, while Tully Banta-Cain [stats] didn’t even realize he’d been flagged for roughing the passer on the winning drive in the fourth quarter. Start with Hobbs, who was called for face-guarding Reggie Wayne. “I’ll say it publicly – that wasn’t pass interference,” Hobbs said. “I didn’t touch the guy. The ball hit me in the back of the arm. He put his hands up and I’m just trying to play through his hands. I didn’t look back, but I didn’t touch him. You make the call. Watch that replay, and tell me if it’s pass interference.” As for Banta-Cain, the linebacker hit Peyton Manning around the head after a 14-yard completion to Wayne. The 12-yard penalty put the Colts in business at the Patriots 11. “They called that? Really? I didn’t even know that,” Banta-Cain said. “I didn’t even notice that. It’s so loud, I didn’t hear it or see the flag. It’s one of those things where they try to protect the quarterback, especially one like Peyton Manning.”
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Asked what coach Bill Belichick said to the team following the loss, Tom Brady wasn’t forthcoming.
“I don’t remember,” he said. “I was just trying to take my crap off.”
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Bruschi and linebacker Rosevelt Colvin suggested the flu that ran through the team took its toll. A number of players cramped up during the game, the result of dehydration associated with the illness.
“A lot of us had some type of thing going on this week,” Bruschi said. “I skipped a couple of press conferences, but you get over it and come out here today.”