Cox Puts Fault on Lineman

New England linebacker Bryan Cox vowed revenge on Denver offensive lineman Dan Neil after Neil broke Cox’s leg in the third quarter of Sunday’s 31-20 loss to the Broncos.

On the play, Cox came across the field in motion, and Neil followed soon after. As Cox went after the ballcarrier, Neil dove, apparently landing on Cox’s left foot and pulling his body down with his right leg at an awkward angle.

While trainers attended to him, Cox was looking around the field for Neil. As he walked off the field, Cox was screaming.

On Monday, the 11-year veteran arrived in the Patriot locker room on crutches, with his right leg in a cast and his temper no less inflamed.

“I had a couple of experiences with that guy before,” Cox said. “I’m going to get him. I don’t care how long it takes. I’m going to get him.”

In comments Sunday, Cox said, “If I ever play football again and I play against that guy, he’s going to have a blown-out knee.... He had the audacity to ask me if I am OK. I am not OK.”

No penalty was called on the play.

“It was a clip. There’s no doubt about it,” said Patriot Coach Bill Belichick, who said he wanted the league to review the tape for a possible fine against Neil.

Last week, Bronco offensive tackle Matt Lepsis was fined $15,000 for a low block that broke the left ankle of San Diego defensive lineman Maa Tanuvasa.

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Carolina Coach George Seifert is sticking by Chris Weinke, insisting the rookie quarterback is doing a fair job despite the Panthers’ six-game losing streak. Weinke hit the lowest point of his rocky season Sunday, throwing for only 76 yards and failing to move Carolina’s offense in a 13-12 loss to the New York Jets.

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Denver offensive guard Lennie Friedman tore a ligament in his right knee against New England and is considered questionable for Sunday’s game at Oakland....The New York Jets released former USC receiver Windrell Hayes. Hayes did not catch a pass this season....Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and former quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Jim McMahon are among 71 people eligible for induction into the Pro Football hall of fame in 2002, the league said.