Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 17, 1995 TAG: 9508170041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The Boston Globe
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD, R.I. LENGTH: Medium
Ray Crittenden knows he is on the clock. He knows that each day he doesn't practice with the New England Patriots, doesn't perform, coach Bill Parcells' eyes will wander to someone else, someone who can do the job.
The former Virginia Tech standout also feels the heat of Parcells' stare as he continues his role as one ``of those guys riding bicycles.'' ``I know he's [upset] at me,'' said the third-year pro. ``I'm frustrated, too. I want to play.''
Crittenden, wide receiver, did not play in the first two preseason games. A sore right knee was the reason given, but two MRI tests revealed no tear, no major problems. Still, Crittenden said he wasn't ready.
It was after the second MRI last week that Parcells' tolerance tank overflowed. While Crittenden watched in street clothes, the Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings. And when rookie free agent Hason Graham caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Scott Zolak, giving the Patriots a come-from-behind 21-14 victory, Crittenden's value tumbled some more.
Just listen to Parcells talk about the wide receiver situation, particularly Graham: ``This guy's got my attention. You go out there, and all of a sudden, some guys just play football. They just do stuff. They are players. So after a while, they make enough plays and you notice them. That's what he's doing. That's how [David] Meggett was when I first got him.''
Graham will play in tonight's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium. Chances are he won't play much. Parcells says the regulars - at this time, they are Vincent Brisby and Will Moore - will get most of the work. But Graham will get another chance and Crittenden, who almost certainly will not play, won't.
Crittenden recognizes the danger. Regarded as one of the Patriots' special projects in training camp this summer after catching 47 passes the past two seasons, he knows cutdown dates are coming in rapid succession.
``I can't do anything about that,'' he said. ``Sure, it was frustrating not being able to play. I wanted to play more than he wanted me to. But I wasn't ready. The knee didn't feel right. At first, I thought there was something seriously wrong. But they did the tests and didn't find anything. Now it feels OK. I feel I'm ready to go.''
Graham also is aware of roster limits and cutdowns. ``I came here as a free agent (out of Georgia),'' he said. ``I knew it was a long shot, but I felt if I had a chance to prove myself to someone, I could make the team.''
Still, he had his doubts. Last week word spread among the players that Parcells might do some roster trimming. ``I called my mom,'' said Graham, ``and told her to sit tight. I didn't know what was going to happen. But I said I would call her to let her know if I had been cut.''
Graham didn't have to make the call. Instead, he has turned into one of those summer stories that has a chance of being continued into the fall. ``I want Coach Parcells to see what I can do,'' he said. ``He was one of the reasons I signed with the Patriots. I thought there was a great opportunity to play here, to prove to the teams that didn't draft me that they made a mistake.''
Crittenden also knows the obstacles he faces. Parcells has seen what he can do for two seasons. But the time line is moving quickly. ``If you don't play, they will find someone else who can,'' Crittenden said. ``I know that. I'm ready to go, anxious to get started again.''
The question he must answer, however, is whether it is too late.
by CNB