Pick Six: Week 2

1. Let’s start with a couple of firsts: NT Vince Wilfork came away with his first career interception near the end of the first half. He returned the pick 36 yards and the offense converted the turnover into three points. Safety Sergio Brown got his first career pick as he stepped in front of San Diego TE Antonio Gates in the third quarter. According to Brown it is his first interception since high school. And according to ProFootballReference.com, it is the first time Gates was held without a reception.

2. Welcome to the NFL, RB Stevan Ridley. The rookie out of LSU got his first taste of regular season action when he got back-to-back carries in the second quarter. He gained nine yards.

3. He plays left tackle. He plays right tackle. You can add tight end to his list of abilities. Rookie Nate Solder came into the game a handful of times and lined up as a tackle eligible. In other words, a 6-8 319 pound tight end. The position isn’t foreign to Solder, as he began his college career as a blocking tight end for the University of Colorado.

4. If I’m long snapper Dan Aiken, I’m getting supplemental insurance. Last year kicker Stephen Gostkowski was on injured reserve for the second half of the season. Now punter Zoltan Mesko might be seriously hurt after teammate James Ihedigbo fell onto Mesko’s leg following a punt. Aiken shouldn’t have peace of mind to begin with. He’s New England’s third long snapper in less than three seasons. Aiken probably doesn’t want to follow in the footsteps of Jake Ingram (2009) and Matt Katula (2010).

5. Who in the world is number 90? A.J. Edds was viewed as a developmental linebacker when New England signed him before the season. The second year player out of Iowa made his first career tackle playing on defense.

6. At halftime, a small ceremony took place at midfield for the home crowd to congratulate the newest members of the Patriots Hall of Fame, center Jon Morris and quarterback Drew Bledsoe. They were inducted on Saturday, with Bledsoe delivering the best line. To paraphrase, Bledsoe called QB Tom Brady a terrible back-up because Brady didn’t understand what it meant to be a back-up. Pictured below is Morris being hugged by Patriots owner Robert Kraft:

And Bledsoe seated with former teammates. From left to right: Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, Bledsoe, Todd Rucci and Scott Zolak.

Extra Point: I’m happy to say I was at the game. If I remember correctly it was the first game I attended since the Patriots beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in the snow during their second Super Bowl season in 2003.