Ostend Awards (Game Balls)

	Ostend's Awards!
	Jealous of Modi for his part in diagnosing the game play (Modi's Doghouse), Ostend is getting in on the act from the more positive perspective! Each game 'I' will denote the Patriot player or players that contributed in a manner that earned my recognition. There's a five bone rating with five being the best!

Player of the Week:
Ty Law - The Veteran Corner was part of a spectacular secondary. His game ending interception preserved the shut-out but his other interception and a marvelous tip away earlier in the game did much to ensure the win. Having more catches than Terry Glenn may have been a good reward, beating Parcells and the Cowboys was a great reward but what can compare with the first "Ostend's Awards" (tm) Player of the Week to earn the honor with one fewer Bone than the Honorable Mention. The reason? He should have taken the knee and ended the game with class and style and that cost him one bone but didn't alter his performance and effort.

Honorable Mention:
The 2003 New England Patriot Defense - When you shut out an NFL offense, any NFL offense you've accomplished a significant task. With the Offense struggling to put many points on the board it became more critical and the Patriots stuffed the run and confounded the passing game as they kept Quincy Carter on the move and unable to score. It was done with great schemes, a superb effort on the secondary and hard work throughout many members of the line and linebacker corps. A well earned Five Bone rating for the entire defense and their coaches.

Tyrone Poole - Hard Hat Patriot fans found him to be the most surprising performance of the day but it might apply to his season. After pondering retirement in the training camp days, Poole has become a seeming shut-down corner for the Patriots. There was only one catch even in his region and he had passed a receiver to Rodney Harrison and a well thrown ball split the transition.

Eugene Wilson - Following in the footsteps of Rodney Harrison, Wilson is becoming an impressive hitter. He also has sustained his great speed and adds a free safety element which has been lacking in the past for New England. He was outstanding again and the rookie of the year candidate is making a steadily better and better case but for today he has Ostend's three bone praise.

Romeo Crennell - The Defensive coordinator had a gem of an effort. He seamlessly fused the return of the Teds (Washington and Johnson) while shutting out a Division Leading Dallas Cowboys. Their potent running game never got off the ground and an array of pressure schemes kept the coverages strong while moving Quincy Carter all over the field. Romeo is likely to have several Head Coaching options in the off-season but for today he has a quartet of Ostend appreciation.

Willie McGinest - The vet is quietly having an excellent season. Some of the silence was out as he was the primary pressure on Carter and a team high six solo tackles. All out effort and a tenacity on the line earned Willie a trio of Ostend's prized possessions.

Tedy Bruschi - The Full Tilt Full Time linebacker had a solid day with 7 tackles and a pass defense. At a crucial moment of the game, he turned a 4th and 1 into a two yard loss as he surged the gap and made the sure tackle even as his linemates dominated the line of scrimmage. For the timely play and solid base Tedy gets the last of Ostend's bones.

Player of the Week:
Tom Brady - The 20 of 35 for 350 yards and a trio of touchdowns was impressive but it was the pocket awareness and steady evasion of tremendous pressure while continually coming through in the clutch which earns the Comeback Kid top honors this week. He threw the long ball with tremendous accuracy while reading the right options continually to disrupt a talented pass defense. His interception was a well thrown ball off a deep route covered receivers hands. His 'fumble' was the center's error and he had recovery if the officials properly managed the game.

Honorable Mention:
David Givens - His trio of catches were a major factor in the win with nobody in the country failing to note the great rotation adjustment to catch the game winner in a fashion which gave Dealtha O'Neil no means to even attempt a break-up. Givens nearly had another spectacular catch were not a bogus rule involved in sideline to out of bounds receptions. His first grab provided the distance to tie the game and his last won it...worthy indeed!

Eugene Wilson - The youth movement is earning notoriety and potential Rookie of the Year honors. He demonstrated sure tackling, Harrison-esque hits (as Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe will now attest) and sustained the coverage and range which may be the best in the league. He's got the safety position well notched and is a big factor in the defensive success!

Rodney Harrison - Well documented for his run stuffing ability, renowned for his hard hitting message sending style, it was Harrison's coverage which earned him this week's accolades. He deflected a pair of key passes and had solid coverage all day to play a major role in the defense providing a strong showing.

Deion Branch - He led the game with his better than 100 yard receiving day. His 66 yard catch tied a game in which the Patriots were quickly getting into trouble but more importantly changed the defensive game plan for the secondary as the deep threat was demonstrated.

Kevin Faulk - Faulk was the workhorse on the drive which won the game. He accounted for 40 of 58 yards and a necessary pair of first downs. He led the game in receptions and uses his elusiveness and sure receiving hands to lift New England's hurry-up offense to a higher level.

Adam Vinatieri - He's Baa-aack! Adamatic has restored confidence in New England with a perfect day on a rough field, from range and with considerable game significant pressure. The Clutch kicker is back in business and the Patriots have an essential weapon seemingly restored!

Tully Banta-Cain - He's emerged late on the team and provided a spark on Special Teams. He led that unit in tackles with a ferocious trio of hard hits which set the tone on the first and last plays of their game. Although just scraps of the award table this week, there is much promise to come for the noted rookie.

Player of the Week:
Mike Vrabel - The warrior returns to tie Law for the lead in solo tackles but added 3 sacks and a fourth was recalled (correctly) by the Tuck rule or he'd have added a sack, forced fumble and recovery! He also batted a ball down to complete his disruptive day which led the defense to winning this game!

Honorable Mention:
Daniel Graham - Although his 7 receptions for 110 yards was a personal best, it was the yards after the catch in which he was reminiscent of a number 87 at the Tight End position. An excellent game to emerge as Cleveland's tough secondary clamped down on the receivers.

Ken Walter - Much Maligned, Walter was perhaps the biggest key to this battle of field position. Four of his five punts were downed inside the 20 and the other barely became a touchback. One of which was downed at the 1 in the final frame and Walter can earn a measure of respect for a performance akin to the 2001 season.

Ty Law - The finisher was challenged again late in the game and rose to the occasion as he fought off a hand battle with Kevin Johnson to pull down the interception. He also led the team in solo tackles with six. A solid game for the veteran.

Richard Seymour - The big man is rapidly rising on the charts as perhaps the top lineman in the league. He steadily uses his speed, athleticism, size and intelligence to become a disruptive force despite frequent double teams. The game was statistically average but the subtle small points keep Seymour at the top of Ostend's list.

Rodney Harrison - Rejuvenated in New England, he continually leads in total tackles while punishing the opposition over the middle. Another day leading the team in tackles is nearly expected but worthy of at least a bone!

Kevin Faulk - Just lacking finish he led all players in yards with 96 on the ground and 58 through the air. He played tough and found the holes to get first downs when holes were present. A good game by the all purpose back.

Player of the Week:
Richard Seymour - The defensive Tackle is the backbone of this defense. His blocked Field Goal was certainly a major play of the game but his constant threat to bat down a pass, pressure a passer and pursue both sides of the field from his line position are the elements which make him this week's surprising player of the week.

Honorable Mention:
Teamwork - Although Seymour did earn the top notion, it was teamwork and trust of each other which again made the difference in this game. They trust their coaches and their system and made a miraculous fall day in Miami. Ricky Williams managed only 70 yards in four quarters of work. Tom Brady only endured a single sack and that required overtime. Adam Vinatieri did not miss a field goal in his two attempts and Tom Brady fired the most important pass of the game in a graceful and perfect shot to the longest standing member of the Patriots. Capturing the essence of team made this team the biggest winner on the day for the victory and for the results they will take from it for future games!

Romeo Crennell - His unit is undermanned and yet continually finds big plays by managing to exploit the appropriate strengths of his team and weakness points of the opposition. Belichick does get much of the credit for defensive genius and deservedly so even though Crenell is the mastermind of the 2003 New England Patriot Defense which is a stunning success story.

Rodney Harrison - He led the team in tackles as well as providing a major force in the intimidation of receivers who managed only 7 receptions combined, one of which was undeserved. Add his forced fumble and fumble recovery and it's clear to see why Harrison is capturing the respect and admiration of coaches, teammates and fans!

Roman Phifer - Once again an impressive outing but for a near opposite reason. Last week the versatile Phifer was the tackling force in the middle. This week he drew the duty of man coverage on a speedy and talented tight end, frequently with little or no support. Though McMichael notched a career day in yards and receptions, Phifer always had great coverage and was only beaten by excellent play exploiting the formation. Despite this Roman never allowed a game-breaking play and thus earned more than his check on the day. He earned a full share of bones as well.

Troy Brown - A game high 131 yards was vastly due to the play of the game which was 82 yards of game winning touchdown. His other 5 catches tied him for team lead in receptions on the day against an excellent secondary and without the benefit of a strong running game. For 11 years number 80 has been a Patriot and still he manages to delight Patriot Nation with performance gems such as this day.

Tyrone Poole - Continually improving Poole has continually accounted for a diving pass defense. Today in Law's absence he drew man duties on the talented Chris Chambers who could only manage 3 catches on the isolated and successful corner. His interception ended the final Dolphin possession and demonstrated his excellent positioning once again.

Bobby Hamilton - That should read Mr. Bobby Hamilton. The most under-rated Patriot continued to make the steady play, the disciplined play and corner-stoned the foundation of the line as they halted Ricky Williams again and again. Though opponents hopefully continue to miss the value of Mr. Hamilton, Ostend will not!

Matt Light - Today he had help to ensure Jason Taylor played as small a role as possible. The talented Taylor not only lost to the double but he fell repeatedly to Matt Light's skillful manipulations of those schemes. The winning play of the game depended on Light sealing Taylor inside as Brady would roll to his side. The confidence to call such a play was a testament to Light's excellent day.

Asante Samuels - Samuel had a single tackle in which he stepped up for a solo on Ricky Williams. Not a single pass was completed to his coverage responsibility.

Tom Ashworth - Facing the Dolphin's surprising sack leader, Ogunleye, he did not give up a sack and only a single pressure of note which took place in the overtime frame. He performed double duty with several tackle eligible formations but it was his stalward pass blocking which earned him a single bone on the day.

There are other deserving names which would read much like a roster which lacked only running backs and a punter. The consistent play of role-players such as Matt Chatham, Eugene Wilson, Dan Koppen and the rest of New England's blue collar team is precisely why the Patriots now lead the AFC-East with healthy bodies beginning to loom in the short distance.

Player of the Week:
Roman Phifer - The ageless Gladiator had an astounding work-horse day amassing 19 tackles and punishing Tiki Barber all day long. Phifer didn't seem as much the 35 year old linebacker as the enforcer of the Patriot defense. He fell one marquee stat short of the full arsenal of bones but his lunch-box effort was certainly a major highlight of the day. Nineteen TACKLES!

Honorable Mention:
Matt Chatham - He had the play of the game with his fumble return and added solid tackle play and most of a sack to rise up as the Hard-Hat Patriot Fan's Surprising player of the week. He's stepped up to the starting role and done an admirable job but none better than this week's performance.

Richard Seymour - Tedy Bruschi was impressed with the Tenacity of Seymour all game long. The Patriots held a 3-4 more times than not and Seymour made it work. His sack of Collins to start the fourth quarter likely saved a touchdown which could have turned the game. His two tipped passes which resulted in interceptions were immense. Is the big man in the middle rising back up as he did in 2001?

Tedy Bruschi - The 'slacker' only managed 16 tackles this game. A pair of defensed passes were key but both should have been interceptions. Tedy flying all over the field is typical of his style but it is becoming increasingly clear he is a major part of the glue holding this ailing defense together.

Kevin Faulk - Unleashed in the second half, Faulk was the spark the offense needed for a pair of scores to start the second half. He accumulated 87 yards on just 14 carries as his speed and vision changed up the Giant's with great success.

Rodney Harrison - It isn't often a player with nine tackles and two interceptions can fall so low in the Awards ranks. Harrison continues to punish receivers with his hard hitting style but also is showing better coverage than many expected at the position. He's a solid part of this team and when he reduces the foolish penalty he'll constantly be in the running for the Player of the Week honors.

Player of the Week:
Joe Andruzzi - Are you serious Ostend? Joe not only epitomized the tough and punishing run blocking done on the line, he made several of the key blocks to spring players and recovered a fumble which very well might have cost he Patriots the game without him. The Warrior has been maligned on these pages but he exemplified the entire rushing offense and earned the nod this week to the surprise of all Patriot Nation.

Honorable Mention:
The Entire Rushing Offense - It wasn't just Joe, it was Woody, Koppen, Light, Ashworth, Smith and Cloud who all made this game with their pounding delivery of a game controlling running game which amassed 161 yards and a 6 yard per carry average!

Ty Law - No doubt deserving of significant consideration for the player of the week. Law remains a shut down corner despite his injury and when the game was on the line he came in and made the play of the game with his interception and touchdown return. A tough warrior with top tier talent and willing to constantly remind us all of that detail!

Antowain Smith - He deserves to be called out separately as well since he hit the holes with a force and put his shoulder into would-be tacklers while amassing 80 yards on 16 carries. This included a one yard touchdown plunge to cap off an excellent and needed power game.

Mike Cloud - Following the lead set by Smith, Cloud burst on the game with speed and quickness some might not have expected. He made all the right reads as is evidenced by his 10.4 yard per carry average. He accounted for two second half scores the last which would ensure the margin of victory. Welcome back to Football, New England and winning!

Bethel Johnson - His returns were inspirational especially the 71 yard timely return to set up the go ahead touchdown with 4:40 remaining. He averaged 37.6 yards per return and his field position edge made a big impact in the game.

Rodney Harrison - He is clearly the hardest hitter our secondary has seen in some time which is indeed high praise. He might excercise a bit more control but his coverage, heart and tenacity are routinely on display. He led the team with 11 tackles and earned Ostend's praise.

Deion Branch - Led all Patriots with 5 catches and with his 68 yards. Most notable was a key play in which he caught a pivotal pass. Faced with 3rd and 18 at the 3:25 mark of the fourth and the Patriots trailing Tennessee by 3 points, Branch caught a four yard pass, broke a tackle and earned a first down with his 23 yard run which set up the go ahead touchdown!

Player of the Week:
David Givens - He was given his chance and made the most of it. His Touchdown catch was spectacular and his 4 catches for 57 yards were noteworthy. Unfortunately is a week of few highlights as nobody stood tall enough in this battle which needed just a bit more.

Honorable Mention:
The Entire Secondary - A talented group of receivers were very nearly shut down by excellent coverage all day. Only 147 yards is remarkable and thus Poole, Samuels, Wilson, Law and Harrison deserve a large amount of credit for this effort. Had they managed an interception it would likely have changed the final results.

Player of the Week:
Asante Samuels - The Rookie was solid on his corner and his interception for a touchdown was the margin of victory.

Honorable Mention:
Tedy Bruschi - Once again he led the team in tackles and was the fiery leader on the field. Tedy will not let this team quit and despite the many excuses this team halted the Jets ground game and managed to keep the receiving threats under enough control to secure a win on a day when the offense was vastly inept.

Kevin Faulk - His inspired running kept the control of the game tilted to New England in the first quarter and the second half.

Ken Walter - Although he did have one potentially poor punt with a very fortuitous bounce, he provided steady high and deep kicks which were very necessary with the dangerous Santanna Moss returning them. He seemed to answer the call from last week but can he raise the consistency a bit more?

Dan Koppen - In truth the run blocking by all was noteworthy but the rookie especially stood out as it was his block which also got Brady into the endzone. A solid and encouraging start by the young behemoth.

Player of the Week:
Tedy Bruschi - AFC Defensive Player of the Week as well. Bruschi led the team to overcome the shock of the prior weeks and lay it all out on the field. Five solo tackles, one sack and an interception complete with a touchdown only tell part of the story. He was instrumental on special teams as well ensuring the recovery of another fumble and well earning Ostend's Player of the Week!

Honorable Mention:
Deion Branch - Catching 6 passes for 89 yards including a touchdown was noteworthy of the second year player. He exploited the injured secondary and was instrumental in the offense for the first time since early last season!

Tom Brady - Although his overall performance was not stellar, his efficiency was precisely the need for this game. Some late fortune prevented his numbers from turning around and play action in the red zone was his strength as he amassed 255 yards on 30 of 44 passing attempts. Add a trio of touchdowns and he earned his bones this week.

Ted Washington - Mount Washington did his job more than effectively and put notoriety into a hidden position. He collapsed the pocket while holding the nose and was a frequent problem for the vaunted Eagle Offensive line. Four tackles and a sack made even more room for the rest of the Patriot Defensive surge.

Player of the Week:
Kevin Faulk - Under advisement from nephew Chris and a host of confirmations, Faulk stands out as one of very few players putting enough heart and soul into the game. His numbers supported the claim as his 10 carries produced 62 yards

Honorable Mention:
Larry Centers - He followed Faulk in rushing yards (36) on just 5 carries while matching Faulk for the team league in receptions (4). Each of these players showed inspiration and heart which was a bit lacking from the rest of their counterparts.

Rodney Harrison - Although none of the defensive unit deserves much credit, Harrison did notch 11 tackles which is worthy of a very minor note. A very minor note...

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Ostend's Awards!