FOXBORO -- Russ Hochstein took the high road yesterday after getting verbally blindsided by Tampa Bay defensive lineman Warren Sapp on Wednesday's Pardon the Interruption show on ESPN.
"I have nothing to say (about Sapp's comments)," Hochstein said with a smirk. "All I'm worried about is Carolina."
Sapp, whose Buccaneers missed the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl last year, said, "I've seen Russ Hochstein block and he couldn't block either of you two fellas."
Sapp was referring to hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, a pair of middle-aged sportswriters.
Sapp also said Carolina would win because, "I think this defensive line will dominate the front five of New England. I don't even think it's a fair matchup. I don't see how they're getting it done."
Hochstein started Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in place of injured right guard Damien Woody. The Patriots didn't allow a sack for the second consecutive game and running back Antowain Smith ran for 100 yards on 22 carries.
Left tackle Matt Light declined to enter the fray, saying, "I'm dealing with Carolina, man. (Sapp is) not even a factor in that."
Center Dan Koppen pursed his lips and shook his head no when asked about Sapp.
Clearly, the players already knew about the comments. And, judging by what head coach Bill Belichick had to say, they got their lead from him.
"I'm more concerned about what our preparation is for our team and what state we're in playing the game," said Belichick. "I think that has more impact on how we perform than anything else. That's where I'll focus my attention."
The only player who went back at Sapp was quarterback Tom Brady who said, "I hope he enjoys the game from where he's sitting."
Bruschi recovering
According to Belichick, injured linebacker Tedy Bruschi is doing much better than he was immediately after injuring his right calf at the end of the AFC Championship.
If he can't play or is limited, Bruschi's absence should hurt the Patriots. One potential problem is that the Panthers are a team that utilizes the run. That means that linebacker Ted Johnson, a solid run-stopper, will be in demand against the Panthers' ground attack.
Praising the 'system'
Injured linebacker Rosevelt Colvin's respect for his coaching staff seems to know no bounds.
"I've been in the system and can see what this man's all about," Colvin said yesterday about Belichick. "And I've seen (defensive coordinator) Romeo Crennel, (linebackers coach) Rob Ryan and (defensive backs coach Eric) Mangini and the work they put in.
The difference between where I've been (Chicago) and where I am now is tremendous. The ideas and schemes and the freedom they give the players. And the maturity of the players. It all works in one direction and that's the big thing. Everyone talks about teamwork. Some people talk about it but it doesn't happen. It's happening here.
I felt it when I got here and I said, "This is what teamwork is all about. Guys doing what they have to do at any given time." When I think about Belichick I think about one of the best football coaches I've been around. I'm just happy to be in his presence and have him come over and say, 'Hey, Rosie. Hopefully he'll remember me 20 years from now."
