Eagles' Mitchell stirs trouble with Patriots

Yoda · January 30, 2005

By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer

January 29, 2005

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Freddie Mitchell made fewer enemies when he just boasted about himself.

Known more for his big mouth than making big plays, the Philadelphia Eagles' other loquacious receiver -- the one without the Pro Bowl pedigree and ankle injury -- offended some Patriots when he dissed their secondary in a television interview.

Mitchell, starting only because All-Pro Terrell Owens is hurt, said he just knew the numbers -- not the names -- of New England's cornerbacks. He singled out Rodney Harrison, saying he ``has something'' for the veteran strong safety.

``If he doesn't (know the names), he will,'' Patriots tight end Christian Fauria said Friday, responding to Mitchell's comments from a day earlier.

The Patriots' defensive backs will see Mitchell up close when the defending champions meet the Eagles in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

``It just shows he doesn't have respect for us,'' Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel said.

Harrison called Mitchell ``immature.''

``You have so many young guys nowadays, so many young guys that don't have respect for the game,'' Harrison said.

Mitchell shrugged off the Patriots' reaction.

``I was joking. I don't care. It'll all be solved on Sunday,'' he said.

The Patriots have a patchwork secondary that includes a rookie free agent (Randall Gay), a converted wide receiver (Troy Brown) and a guy (Hank Poteat) who was taking college courses before the playoffs started.

Starters Tyrone Poole and Ty Law have been sidelined with injuries most of the season, but the fill-ins shutdown Peyton Manning and the Colts in a second-round playoff game, and intercepted Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger three times in the AFC championship game.