Undefeated New England Patriots
New England Patriots
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Television
The NFL Network holds the broadcast rights to the game, but it is being simulcasted on both the CBS and NBC television networks. Play-by-play will be handled by Bryant Gumbel with Cris Collinsworth doing game analysis.
It is the first time a NFL game has been broadcast on three major networks simultaneously. Super Bowl I on January 15, 1966 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers was broadcast by both NBC and CBS as both held rights to the game through their separate leagues prior to the merger.
Patriots sign CB Antwain Spann to active roster
The New England Patriots signed cornerback Antwain Spann to their active roster today. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Spann, who had been a member of the Patriots practice squad since Sept. 25, will wear number 28 for the Patriots.
Spann, 24, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on Jan. 19, 2006. Last season, he was signed from the Patriots practice squad to the active roster on three occasions and saw action in eight regular-season games. The 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback notched six special teams tackles in 2006. He also played in three playoff contests last season and recorded two special teams tackles in those games.
Starting Tackle Out Against Giants Defense
The Patriots will have to face the New York Giants, the NFL leaders in sacks with 52, without starting right tackle Nick Kaczur.
The team released its injury report and Kaczur (foot) was among three players not participating in practice. The others were tight end Kyle Brady, who missed last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, and fullback Kyle Eckel, who injured his stomach on kickoff coverage during the second quarter of the Patriots' 28-7 win over the Dolphins.
Tom Brady Jokes The Boston Globe Reports that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had joked on Wednesday that Giants coach Tom Coughlin should rest those players for the playoffs.
"I wouldn't mind that, either, to be quite honest with you," said Light, with a grin. "But I'm sure they're going to have to play those guys at some point, and I'm sure it's going to be a situation where they're going to be prepared to play our guys and we're going to be prepared to play those guys, and we'll see how it all unfolds."
Light said the Patriots' offensive line knows what it is up against.
"I think they're a really physical defense, and with the guys they have up front and the style in which they play, they like to get after you and blitz you a lot," he said. "They got guys up front that are very adept in their pass-rush skills. It's going to be a physical game, I'm sure."