FOXBORO -- Losing Andre Carter and his 10 sacks is a blow for the Patriots defense. But Mark Anderson, one of the rushers who'll be called on since Carter ripped his quad on Sunday, has nine sacks this year.
In other words? Anderson as a replacement is not ideal. But better than if New England had nobody who could get to the quarterback. "If you lose somebody like Andre, that's a very key player to our defense," said Anderson. "But my role is not going to change. I'm still gonna go out there and play hard. Conditioning and preparation don't change. One of our soldiers went down but everyone has to step up."Andersonhit a career crossroads during the lockout. A fifth-round pick from Alabama in 2006, he rolled up 10 sacks as a rookie. But his production in Chicago dipped to the point he was an October release by Chicago last season. He spent the remainder of 2010 in Houston then was a free agent. He's had a bit of a rebirth here in New England. "This has been an opportunity for me to start fresh," he explained. "It was a great thing for Bill (Belichick) and Mr. Kraft to consider me during the lockout and when the season started. I just try to go out there and have fun and make the most of every opportunity."Since he's only signed through the end of the season,does he have a sense he's entering a new phase in his career?"Whenever you get the opportunity (you have to maximize)," he explained. "I got a great opportunity here with New England and I know I have to make the most of the opportunity because I'm blessed to even be put in this situation. I'm having fun. Fun is the only word to describe what's going on right now."