FOXBORO, Mass. — Brandon Lloyd's athleticism is a great asset for the Patriots' offense, but during the fourth quarter on Sunday, it nearly gave fans a collective heart attack.
But Lloyd, who appeared to injure his shoulder Sunday, cleared up all rumors Wednesday as he chatted with reporters and said his shoulder was "fine."
Lloyd has built up a reputation for making unbelievable catches throughout his career. On Sunday, he laid out along the sideline to haul in a pass from quarterback Tom Brady during the waning moments of the Patriots' loss. The play left Lloyd down on the sidelines for a few moments, although he eventually returned for the final few plays.
Lloyd doesn't seem to be feeling much of an effect from the injury. But, from what he's saying, he doesn't sound fazed by much at all — even
this Sunday's game against the Jets, who are supposed to be heated rivals.
"I don't. Do you want to enlighten me?" Lloyd responded to a reporter asking if he knew about the Pats-Jets rivalry.
Lloyd said he isn't getting caught up in the hubbub surrounding Sunday's game, and said he doesn't think the excitement is for the players, anyway.
"I think the best thing is to approach it like any game," he said. "The build-up and history is more so for the fans. These are current teams, current rosters. We're not playing against Joe Namath or anything like that. It's a game, and it's an important game."
Sunday will be Lloyd's first look at the "rivalry." And if last week's six-catch, 80-yard performance in Seattle is any indication of what's to come, then the Jets better get well acquainted with the athletic wideout, because he's dangerous when healthy.
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