Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

January 18

Backs have Patriots heading to forefront

Stevan Ridley has stood out all season, and Shane Vereen came through Sunday when needed.

By Mike Lowe mlowe@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

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"It was kind of devastating and heartbreaking to not be out there with the team in a big game," he said. "This year I'm able to contribute and I hope to help the team in the best way that I can."

Brady spoke the other day about the "lowlight film" that Belichick breaks out occasionally to point out players' mistakes in practice.

"You don't want to be on that film," said Vereen. "I've been exposed many times."

But he said it's been very helpful.

"It's a learning tool we use," he said. "It's coaching. You've got to take it to heart, and you've got to learn from it and you've got to get better."

It's that type of coaching, he said, that has helped him stay focused even when he wasn't playing.

"They push us," he said. "Starting back in the (offseason team activities) they push every one of us, expecting us to be good players for them."

That, said Ridley, is what playing for the Patriots is all about.

"That's what I've said about this room all year," he said. "It's a bunch of young guys who love to play ball and are waiting for their opportunity. (Vereen) got his opportunity and he went out and made the most of it. That's what you do. That's the only way you stay around New England, you produce."

Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at:

mlowe@pressherald.com

Twitter: MikeLowePPH

 

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