Former Patriots and Jets offensive lineman Damien Woody, now an ESPN analyst, checked in with Dennis & Callahan on Wednesday to discuss Thursday's Pats-Jets game.
Asked which team has more dislike for the other, Woody said it's the Jets, although he noted: "This time around it's been quiet here in New York from the Jets' perspective."
Said Woody: "I'm saying the Jets hate the Patriots more. I think No. 1, part of it is because of the success. When I was with the Patriots, we always looked at the Jets like a little brother, to be honest with you. We had a lot of success against the Jets. I think part of it has to do with being envious of the Patriots' success and trying to ascend to the level that the Patriots are on within the division.
"And a little part of it is what coach [Bill] Belichick did when he had that one-day deal with the napkin [when he wrote his resignation note on a napkin as he was about to be introduced as Jets coach]. I think that's so far removed that it's really not too relevant any more. I think the bigger picture is the success that the Patriots have had within the division."
Looking at the game, Woody said the Jets should not be overlooked.
"I do give the Jets a chance," Woody said. "The only reason I say that is that history tells us, if you look at the series since Rex Ryan has been here, this series has been really competitive. I think this game has more so to do with Mark Sanchez than anyone. If Mark Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over, then they have a shot. Because the Jets defense has been playing pretty good the past few weeks. If Mark Sanchez turns the ball over, it could be a blowout."
The Patriots will be without standout tight end Rob Gronkowski, but Woody said the linemen are the ones who make the offense go.
"Those two tackles in New England, [Sebastian] Vollmer and [Nate] Solder, I think they're playing really good football," Woody said. "I think that's really the key for that offense and Tom Brady. If the tackles can really set that pocket, allow Tom Brady to step up, he's almost impossible to beat."
Although the Jets are 4-6 and three games behind the Patriots in the AFC East, Woody said there still is hope for a postseason berth no matter the outcome Thursday.
Said Woody: "Even if they lose tomorrow, I still don't think they're out of it. … You just never know in a week AFC like it is this year -- 8-8 might get you in. I don't know. Who knows? There's a lot of teams floating around at 4-6, 5-5 that are fighting for that last wild cased spot. This thing is going to come down to the end."
To hear the interview, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page. For more Patriots news, visit the team page at weei.com/patriots.
In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.
Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.
One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.
We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.
Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.
Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.
Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.
John Farrell postgame press conference
Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.
Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.
Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.
Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.
Steve joined the show to discuss the Rangers and their coach John Tortorella. Steve said that the Bruins have been the far better team thus far in the series.
Kirk and Gerry talked about game three tonight at Madison Square Garden between the Bruins and Rangers. Gerry and Kirk are not very confident in the ability of the Rangers to make this a series.
Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.
Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.
Find out which WEEI host came out victorious in the latest Salk Vs. Mut battle.
We talk to #54 about his career and well deserved induction to the Patriots Hall of Fame.
We tackle four off-topic topics! Today including RGIII's wedding registry, Tiger Woods, new putters in golf and more.
We check in with ESPN's great hockey analyst and former NHL coach Barry Melrose to get his take on this Bruins-Rangers series. We also ask the coach in him how he'd deal with the great play of the rookie defensemen when the vets get healthy... and his answer might surprise you.
The Bruins look to take a 3-0 series lead, Jon Lester gets his first loss, Dwight Howard has options in free agency.
Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins have a 2-0 lead over the New york Rangers, the Red Sox are back on the winning sde of things, and the noteable birthdays of the day.
The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.
They're like a ray of morning sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day.
....uhhhh.....a bunch of bombs over there....
Sounds like a prostate exam to me!
Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.
More from this showJeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.
More from this showShawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.
More from this showBy and large, the focus of development in the minor leagues is on players. Still, there is a developmental path for coaches and managers in the farm system, as is evident from the fact that the previous two managers of the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket -- Torey Lovullo (2010) and Arnie Beyeler (2011-12) are now both on the Red Sox' big league coaching staff. They share their insights about the differences between player and coaching expectations in Triple-A vs. the majors, while discussing professional development from the perspective of former minor league managers who aspire to similar positions in the big leagues.
More from this showBuster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.
More from this show