On his contractually obligated appearance on WEEI, quarterback Tom Brady talked about losing Koppen and how Dan Connolly filled in.
“I’ve taken so many snaps from [Koppen] over the years and we have such great communication between the two of us and he’s one of my best friends on the team,’’ Brady said. “Dan [Connolly] stepped in and really played very well. It’s always tough to do and that center-quarterback exchange is something that you have no play if you can’t get that.’’
Koppen appeared to be taken out while making a block with five minutes left in the half. The team announced he had a knee injury and his return was questionable. He did not return.
Koppen is in his seventh year with the Patriots, drafted in the fifth round in 2003. Entering this season, he had started 87 of his 88 games.
Connolly also received praise from Belichick.
“I thought Dan Connolly did a real good job of playing when he’s had an opportunity,’’ Belichick said. “I said after the game, I think Dan’s a pretty fast healer and hopefully he’ll be back out there soon.’’
Connolly is in his fourth season and second with the Patriots. He was a member of the practice squad in 2007 and was signed to the active roster last season. In 2008, he played in one game on special teams in the season finale against Buffalo, having been signed to the active roster two weeks before.
Against the Dolphins, the 6-foot-4-inch, 313-pound lineman out of Southeast Missouri State returned a low and short kickoff for 16 yards in Sunday’s 27-17 win.
“I think he did a great job,’’ offensive lineman Nick Kaczur said. “Dan’s been around here for a while. He can step in. It went real well.’’
Brady described Connolly as a dependable and consistent player who benefits from strength and his athletic ability to be versatile.
Belichick said he has seen the biggest improvement out of Connolly in the last few months.
