Katzenmoyer Is a Hit

One reason for the Patriots’ 3-0 start? Linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, fresh from Ohio State, was forced into a starting role in the opener because of an injury to middle linebacker Ted Johnson. On Sunday, he tied for the team lead with six unassisted tackles.

“He had by far his best game,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “He was much more aggressive. He was much more assertive. He had some big hits. His number of plays when he was out of position were very few.”

Praise quarterback Drew Bledsoe all you want, but don’t forget Katzenmoyer.

The Bills are enjoying great quarterback depth this season with Doug Flutie and Rob Johnson, but the setup won’t last past this year. As it stands, Flutie and Johnson will take up $10.8 million of the Bills’ 2000 salary cap, or about 17%. The Bills have an escape hatch at the beginning of March, when Johnson is owed a $1.75-million roster bonus. They could cut Johnson then.