FanHouse DavidThomas

Tampa Bay has traded tight end Alex Smith to New England for an undisclosed draft pick in the 2010 draft. The Bucs had reportedly been looking to unload Smith ever since acquiring Kellen Winslow from the Browns at the end of February.

The Patriots weren't exactly bare at the tight end position before this move either. The Pats return Benjamin Watson and David Thomas, their two starters from last year, and signed former Jet Chris Baker to a free-agent deal.

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A week after playing flawless football (at least according to the officials; Jim Haslett -- and the rest of the football-viewing public -- disagreed), the Patriots were penalized twice against the Colts. But it was the final flag that proved to be the difference in the game: a personal foul penalty on tight end David Thomas that stalled a decisive fourth quarter drive.

More frustrating for the Patriots, though, were the penalties not called. Wideout Randy Moss treaded lightly on the subject during the post-game press conference, and players were still talking around the issue a day later. That's hardly unusual -- it happens every week around the league -- but left tackle Matt Light's comments continue a theme we've heard at various point this season.

Namely: the NFL is over-legislating the game.

Each week in the NFL, there are players that impress and players that distress. One week a certain quarterback might toss four touchdowns and run around with his finger in the air while the next he's laying on his back, holding his facemask as the other team returns one of his three interceptions for the game-winning score. With that in mind, here's Studs and Duds.

Here's Week 9 at a glance, where we point out the horses destined for the Kentucky Derby and jeer those headed to the glue factory.

Studs

Tim Hightower, RB Arizona (22 rushes, 109 yards, 1 TD) -- Edgerrin James is a name that will be quickly forgotten in West Phoenix if Hightower continues these games. The rookie running back, in his first game as starter, averaged five yards per carry and made one of the worst rushing teams in the league relevant again on the ground. While James has pouted about his role in the offense, Hightower has quietly snagged carries, and Ken Whisenhunt took notice. Good news for Tim -- you have the 49ers and Seahawks the next two weeks. If Hightower is available in your fantasy league, you need to grab him and also get smarter friends.

New England Patriots:

Questionable - Safety Rashad Baker (hand), tight end David Thomas (foot) and defensive end Mike Wright (knee).

Probable - Quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder).

Could Brady's shoulder really be barking, or is that just another one of Bill Belichick's mind games? You'd think the media would be all over that story if it was anything significant, but the buzz around Brady's shoulder has been quiet.

New York Jets:

Questionable - Running back Thomas Jones (calf), cornerback Andre Dyson (foot), cornerback Justin Miller (thigh), guard Brandon Moore (shoulder) and safety Eric Smith (thigh).

Probable - Tight end Joe Kowalewski (finger), quarterback Chad Pennington (pelvis), defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson (knee), wide receiver Chansi Stuckey (knee) and running back Stacy Tutt (foot).

Although he's listed as questionable, Thomas Jones is expected to start against New England today. That's great news for the Jets, who will need a solid rushing attack this afternoon. Unfortunately, the news in the secondary isn't as promising. Even if Dyson, Miller and Smith play, they will not be 100%.