The Facts: SS Brian Dawkins (neck) and WR Eric Decker (knee) missed a third straight practice and will likely be out for Saturday night's game. Long-snapper Lonie Paxton was excused for a second straight day due to personal reasons, but there are no indications that he'll need to miss the game.
Diehards Line:No real surprise on either Dawkins or Decker. Eddie Royal will start opposite Demaryius Thomas in Decker's absence with Matt Willis moving up to the No. 3 spot. There is some talk that the TEs will play a greater role in the passing attack with Decker out, but don't seel Willis short. With the Patriots all but certain to focus their attention on slowing Thomas, who has not only emerged as Tim Tebow's favorite target, but who has averaged 22.5 yards per catch since Dec. 1. His 108.7 yards per game are second in the NFL behind only Lions star Calvin Johnson. "He'll draw some attention definitely," OC Mike McCoy said of Thomas. "but the other thing they have to be careful of is they have to defend the entire field. ..." We'll go ahead and remind you the Patriots finished the regular season ranked 31st in the league in pass defense.