Before Tom Brady was actually exiled to his four-game Deflategate suspension, many wondered how the quarterback would get his throwing work in while away from the Patriots.
After social media posts recently with Brady throwing in his backyard with supermodel wife Gisele, the quarterback is apparently going to have a bit more experienced pass-catcher to work with this coming weekend.
The Boston Globe passes along former Patriots receiver Wes Welker talking about a plan to get a workout in with Brady when the receiver makes a trip to New England this weekend. “He’s going to have me running like 2-minute drill in his backyard or something,” Welker joked on a Miami radio station.
The Globe says that Stephen Gostkowski's kickoffs were “shorter and sweeter” on opening night as the Patriots took advantage of the NFL's new kickoff rules regarding touchbacks. The Globe also reports that signs are not good for Rob Gronkowski to play this week against Miami after missing the opener with a hamstring injury. The *Globe *passes along word that Julian Edelman was fined by the NFL for a block on a defenseless player in the opener, though the receiver will apparently appeal the $23,000 fine.
Given the All-Pro tight end's injury history, Boston Herald *columnist Steve Buckley tells Patriots fans to enjoy Gronkowski while they can. With Welker reportedly heading back into town for a visit, the *Herald says new Patriots receiver Chris Hogan is using the former New England slot machine as a model for his own evolving game. The Herald has defensive lineman Anthony Johnson looking forward to Sunday’s battle with his former team the Dolphins.
The Providence Journal says that good things have come to the Patriots defensive ends. The ProJo describes Gronkowski's status as shuffling his feet.
ESPNBoston.com looks at the connections to Nick Saban’s Michigan State staff for coaches on both sides of this week’s matchup between the Dolphins and Patriots. ESPNBoston.com also notes the Edelman fine and appeal.
WEEI.com has Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill saying Brady’s has faced a “tough situation” with Deflategate. WEEI.com also notes Welker’s plans to play catch with his former quarterback and buddy.
CSNNE.com has Gronkowski declaring of his health status, “If I could play, I would play.” CSNNE.com also passes along Brady's thoughts on the ever-growing National Anthem protest issue, “I always choose to stand.”
For the very little that it's worth, NFL.com says the Patriots will win 23-17 on Sunday, going as far as predicting that Gronkowski will have four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. Of course another part of NFL.com has the Patriots winning 28-20.
USA Today has a nice little preview of Sunday's AFC East battle.
Former Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan tells the Sporting News that he likes what he sees from Jimmy Garoppolo. “I like what I saw, he seemed poised and confident with the offense,” Grogan told Sporting News this week. “The guys seemed to rally around him, so I think he’s going to be OK. He’s got great running ability. The game has changed to where they don’t want quarterbacks to run that much anymore. But he does have that option if he gets into trouble, to either get rid of the ball or take it for a first down. For me, it is kind of fun to watch.”
