31.   His chances at Florida State were limited as he moved from linebacker to nose tackle and then defensive end.

32.   His friends, like Seattle nose tackle Chad Eaton, know his value.

33.   Howard was a one-time Pro Bowl nose tackle.

34.   Howard, the starting nose tackle, and Alexander, the starting center, are gone for the season.

35.   In an average game, the nose tackle might play a big role on six or seven plays.

36.   In general terms, it put end Andre Wadsworth at nose tackle, linebackers Jamir Miller and Patrick Sapp out wide and safety Pat Tillman at middle linebacker.

37.   In silhouette, the pair could be mistaken for the wide receiver Jerry Rice and the nose tackle Jerry Ball.

38.   Jason Ferguson, who was the nose tackle last season and re-signed after Groh left, has lost weight and appears to be motivated again.

39.   Johnson, who at one point was the starting nose tackle, was supplanted by rookie Jace Sayler.

40.   Johnson has been used primarily as a nose tackle, but lately the Patriots have experimented with him at end.