Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Blount on bye week: 'We're not getting any days off'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

As the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the New England Patriots have been afforded a spectator's view of the first round of the playoffs.

That doesn't mean they'll be kicking back until the second round, though.

In a game where the majority of key offensive starters sat, running back LeGarrette Blount took the lion's share of the hand-offs for the Pats in their final regular season matchup against the Bills. No one will be resting this week, however, proven by the team's full speed, split-squad scrimmage Wednesday.

"We've been preparing just like we have another game this week," Blount said via WEEI.com. "We're not getting any days off. We go out there and practice as hard as we can every day.

"You're going to have to be prepared in every aspect of the game. Like I said, it's a one-game elimination season. We're just trying not to be that team that gets eliminated. So we're going to have to come and be strong with the mental aspect and the physical aspect of the game."

Blount has fallen right back into place with New England since his acquisition, averaging 56 yards per game in the Pats' crowded backfield, along with three touchdowns. The 28-year-old is excited to contribute any way he can to get the team back to the Super Bowl, as long as the end result is a ring.

"I don't even care as long as we win. That't the plan," he said. "If it's running the ball, if it's throwing the ball, as long as we win, I'm good with it."

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