Patriots put end to turf battle

The Patriots resodded their field last week, yielding to the unease that has built up among players (home team and visitors alike). The Patriots tried out their overhauled surface Thursday, to mostly improved reviews.

"I would love to go out there and cut it one day, see what they go through," said Colvin, the Patriot outside linebacker. "They have the same equipment that I have because I try to get the top-notch stuff. I think they're doing a great job. They don't need my assistance. But I do take pride in my lawn. And I think they take pride in their job.

"They've resodded the field, I think, every year since I've been here. It's no different. Now it's not necessarily just straight sand. You've got some grass out there, you've got a little bit of traction. You know, the surface is the same for everybody. Everybody has to go out there and play. If it's wet and rainy, we're not running around with umbrellas on, so we've got to get the job done."

It's an opinion not quite shared by all of the Patriots.

"Our field is horrible, but both teams have to play on it," said tight end Daniel Graham, who has been injured since Oct. 1. "I don't think that's going to make a difference, putting new grass in, in the middle of the season. It's a bad field, but both teams have to play on it. It's not an advantage for anybody."

Not on cuts, where traction is a necessity, and not on kicks, where a secure plant foot can make the difference between 3 points and boos.

Though, as most of the players reaffirmed after seeing the new surface, both teams had to cope with the old one, and both teams get to benefit from the new. Of course, not having to shuffle through sand should help out Stephen Gostkowski and his fledgling kicking career.

"Obviously, when I'm touching the ball, it's stuck in the dirt," long snapper Lonie Paxton said. "When [we're] kicking the ball, it's stuck in the dirt. That footing, the plant foot, my two feet, everyone's kind of playing in the same situation, but [Gostkowski's] scoring points for us and that has to be a solid footing."