bringbackmarty
09-04-2008, 09:07 AM
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/09/03/left_tackle_light_is_at_end_of_tunnel/
Left tackle Light is at end of tunnel
Limited in preseason, he seems set to play
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / September 3, 2008
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FOXBOROUGH - Left tackle Matt Light wasn't sad to see the preseason end, and he probably had some company in his offensive linemates.
Light was limited throughout the preseason by an undisclosed injury and was out of practice from July 27 until Aug. 25. His preseason play consisted of two series against the New York Giants last Thursday.
Light, who looks to be ready to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, may have lost a lot of playing time but not his sense of humor.
"I spent most of my time with the trainers, and they're great people," he said. "I really got to know them, and we had a good time.
"I was able to get back out there for the last preseason game and knocked a little bit of rust off. I feel all right where I'm at right now, so we'll see how it goes."
Injuries to Light and centers/guards Russ Hochstein and Billy Yates forced shuffling on the offensive line and contributed to its lack of consistency and continuity in the preseason. The line allowed 12 sacks and the Patriots averaged just 3.4 yards per rush.
However, with Hochstein, who was hurt in the first preseason game, returning to practice Monday, and Yates (pinched nerve in his neck/shoulder) coming back for the final preseason game against the Giants, the Patriots should start the season with familiar faces up front, even with right guard Stephen Neal relegated to the physically unable to perform list.
"I think we've had a lot of guys in and out, a few guys banged up and bruised, but we have a good group," said Light. "We have a good core group of guys, and we have some good backups. I feel pretty confident where we're at. Obviously, we have to build on a lot of things from last year, but so far, so good."
Light did not seem very concerned that the likely starters had not had a lot of preseason snaps together.
"I think it comes back fairly quickly," said Light. "We have a lot of smart guys, guys who know what to do out there. I think, as far as working with each other, we've all been around each other for a long time now."
Left tackle Light is at end of tunnel
Limited in preseason, he seems set to play
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / September 3, 2008
Email|Print|Single Page|Yahoo! Buzz|ShareThis Text size – +
FOXBOROUGH - Left tackle Matt Light wasn't sad to see the preseason end, and he probably had some company in his offensive linemates.
Light was limited throughout the preseason by an undisclosed injury and was out of practice from July 27 until Aug. 25. His preseason play consisted of two series against the New York Giants last Thursday.
Light, who looks to be ready to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, may have lost a lot of playing time but not his sense of humor.
"I spent most of my time with the trainers, and they're great people," he said. "I really got to know them, and we had a good time.
"I was able to get back out there for the last preseason game and knocked a little bit of rust off. I feel all right where I'm at right now, so we'll see how it goes."
Injuries to Light and centers/guards Russ Hochstein and Billy Yates forced shuffling on the offensive line and contributed to its lack of consistency and continuity in the preseason. The line allowed 12 sacks and the Patriots averaged just 3.4 yards per rush.
However, with Hochstein, who was hurt in the first preseason game, returning to practice Monday, and Yates (pinched nerve in his neck/shoulder) coming back for the final preseason game against the Giants, the Patriots should start the season with familiar faces up front, even with right guard Stephen Neal relegated to the physically unable to perform list.
"I think we've had a lot of guys in and out, a few guys banged up and bruised, but we have a good group," said Light. "We have a good core group of guys, and we have some good backups. I feel pretty confident where we're at. Obviously, we have to build on a lot of things from last year, but so far, so good."
Light did not seem very concerned that the likely starters had not had a lot of preseason snaps together.
"I think it comes back fairly quickly," said Light. "We have a lot of smart guys, guys who know what to do out there. I think, as far as working with each other, we've all been around each other for a long time now."