As the Patriots prepared for a rare Friday day of travel to Denver to take on the Broncos, New England made some news by claiming tight end Martellus Bennett off of waivers from the Packers.
The Boston Globe has the details of Bennett’s return to the Patriots, where mercurial veteran had a successful season a year ago on the way to a Super Bowl ring. The Globe looks at another New England newcomer, defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, and his business owning 30 Dunkin Donuts franchises. The Globe also observes that defensive end Trey Flowers has “blossomed” (see what they did there?) in a centerpiece of the Patriots defense.
Boston Herald *columnist Ron Borges says the NFL faces long term risks with the brewing feud between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and commissioner Roger Goodell. After a rocky start to the season, the *Herald has cornerback Malcolm Butler declaring that he’s back playing the way he should. The Herald writes about Bennett’s return to the New England tight end depth chart.
The Providence Journal breaks down Brock Osweiler’s return to the starting QB job in Denver. The ProJo also has the Bennett story, as well as a look at unique rookie tackle Andrew Jelks getting his chance these days on the practice fields of Foxborough.
ESPNBoston.com observes that Jean Francois is happy to be with the Patriots and in “Dunkin Donuts heaven.” ESPNBoston.com says that Bennett’s return should provide a boost in the red zone, where the Patriots have struggled at times this season. ESPNBoston.com passes along Bill Belichick praising swing tackle LaAdrian Waddle, who could get the start at right tackle Sunday night in Denver.
How big is Bennett's return? WEEI.com says Bennett could be key to the Patriots making another Super Bowl run. WEEI.com has Brandin Cooks saying he and Tom Brady still have a lot of work to do in order to play their best together. WEEI.com notes that the Patriots released defensive lineman and special teamer Geneo Grissom to make room for Bennett on the roster. WEEI.com has Rob Gronkowski detailing how his bye week as different than in the past.
NBC Sports Boston explains why the reunion between Bennett and the Patriots simply made too much sense. NBC Sports Boston breaks down exactly what the Broncos bring to Sunday night’s matchup in Denver. NBC Sports Boston also writes about Jean Francois.
The *New York Post *says Bennett could be the latest Patriots steal.
*USA Today *observes that the Patriots and Broncos are headed in different directions leading up to Sunday night's meeting.
The New York Times picks the Patriots to beat the Broncos.
NESN.com also looks at the “mystery man” Jelks, once considered the best player on the Vanderbilt football team.
The Denver Post details the Broncos preparing to deal with Gronkowski, who's had plenty of success over the years against the Denver defense.
