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Tom Brady Speaks

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Tom Brady Speaks to the Media

Via Chat Sports

Tom Brady finally spoke to the media yesterday. According to him, nothing has changed with his relationship with the team and Belichick. He’s having fun and feels appreciated, so the things he said about pleading the fifth to Jim Gray a month ago mean nothing. When Bill Belichick spoke earlier in the week, he also said he’s always had a good relationship with Brady. All this drama and gossip since last October has been blown out of proportion and there’s nothing to see here. Really, however, they are trying not to let it get in the way of their football operation on the field. So saying the right thing would be pushing the drama aside and focusing on what’s more important.

Now with Edelman possibly facing suspension, will Brady show up for next week’s optional throwing camps? Brady said yesterday, “we’re not even through today yet”. Brady also wouldn’t talk about his contract: “I’ve never talked about my contract, I’ve never brought up money for a lot of reasons that I’ve said over the years. Those things are very personal.”

Is Brady Lying?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycvNVxhxgRU

The keyword is personal. Everything about Brady is personal. It’s weird though he’ll tell Jim Gray he pleads the fifth if he feels appreciated by Belichick and Kraft. Then with the local media, he says he has a good relationship with Belichick. Which one is it, Tom? Do you not feel appreciated enough by your coach? Or do you not feel appreciated by your coach? Tom Brady has accomplished a lot in his 18 years here and has won five Super Bowls. Now he’s starting to take this diva lifestyle behind the scenes. Like complaining about Garoppolo being there and his trainer not being allowed in the locker room. Then in front of the camera, he’s acting like everything is good because he doesn’t want the distraction to be talked about on the field.

Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady Had Their Annual Physicals Today

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Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady Had Their Annual Physicals Today

Rob Gronkowski was not only spotted at Gillette Stadium today, but he was also spotted at the Brigham and Women’s Health Center. Gronkowski was there for his physical before mandatory minicamp. Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan both drove themselves to the medical center this afternoon. This comes before the first day of minicamp tomorrow. Tom Brady also had his physical today at the Brigham and Women’s Health Center.

It seems Brady and Gronkowski are all in on this season, even though they skipped the voluntary team workouts. Usually, Gronkowski goes into the Health Center often in the offseason. However,  today was his first appearance there. Both Gronkowski and Brady have been getting treatment with Alex Guerrero. They’ve been at TB12 at Patriot Place all offseason. Tom Brady’s approach to this offseason has been different than years past, putting himself and the family first before the team. Same with Gronkowski, who is rumored to have a new contract soon after complaining he wasn’t getting paid enough indirectly.

Is Everything Back to Normal in New England?

Tom Brady hasn’t spoken to any local media yet about why he skipped the offseason workouts.  It will be interesting to see if he speaks tomorrow. Brady, Gronkowski, and Hogan passed their physicals with no issues. Tomorrow, we’ll see Brady probably with the first team throwing to Gronkowski, Hogan, and Edelman. Danny Etling for the first time will get to see how Brady runs the offense. Etling will probably learn a lot from Brady like Jimmy Garoppolo did.

Bill Belichick will probably speak to the media and say nothing about Brady being there. He’ll just snort and grunt and say the same things he always says. Everyone expected that Brady would be back for mandatory minicamp this week. There are still some questions though that need to be answered by Brady himself. For Brady, Gronkowski, and Hogan to have their physicals today is a good sign that they’ll be ready to go.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Are Back

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Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Are in the Building

(Foxborough, MA, 01/13/16) Wide receiver #11, tight end #87 Rob Gronkowski, and quarterback #12 Tom Brady warm up for Patriots practice at Gillette. Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Staff photo by John Wilcox.Relax people- Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have arrived ahead of mandatory minicamp tomorrow. At a charity event yesterday, Gronk said he was going to be attending mandatory minicamp this week. With Brady and Gronkowski missing OTAs, it will be interesting to see how Belichick approaches minicamp this year. Both Brady and Gronkowski attended Fantasy Camp today at Gillette Stadium with the rest of their teammates.

Both Gronkowski and Brady have been getting treatment all offseason long at TB12. The drama between Brady and Belichick really shouldn’t stop them from winning because the AFC is so bad. Josh McDaniels’s return helps, because Brady would rather listen to Josh more than Belichick. Tom Brady will probably be with the first team with the start of minicamp tomorrow.

The Voluntary Workouts Are Over

Teammates didn’t have a problem with Brady missing OTAs last week. They were stressing all along that it was voluntary. Dont’a Hightower said last week, “12 (Brady) is a big part of this team and he means a lot to us in the locker room, but as far as the culture goes, it’s always been next man up. Whether it’s 12, or Gronk, or me missing, or whenever (Jerod) Mayo went down, or (Vince) Wilfork or whatever, it’s always been next man up. That’s the kind of way Bill has built this culture. Whenever the next guy is up, they’re just looking for that next chance and opportunity.
We’re not going to work harder just because 12’s not here or because Gronk’s not here. Dwayne Allen’s doing a great job. Tye’s doing a great job. Niklas is doing a great job. All of these guys are getting those extra reps and getting better and wanting to contribute to this team.”

We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. There are still some questions about how Brady will approach Danny Etling at camp? Will Brady give him the cold shoulder like he did with Jimmy Garoppolo? Or will Brady just realize that his time is coming to an end anyway, and give Etling the reps he needs? Minicamp is a big part of the off-season program. Believe it or not, training camp starts in late July.

Robert Kraft : ‘Everything Is Normal’

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Kraft: ‘Nothing to See Here’

Patriots owner Robert Kraft isn’t worried about Tom Brady skipping out on OTAs this year. Kraft according to NFL Network said: “These are voluntary workouts… I think he’s in great shape. I think he’s at an age where he’s blessed to have 3 children, has responsibilities. It’s hard to fulfill those during the season.” Also, Kraft confirmed Rob Gronkowski will be at minicamp in June.” On Brady’s relationship with Bill Belichick, Kraft said, “nothing has changed.” Overall, sportsbooks tend to agree.  Many of them, including NetBet, still have the Patriots as the odds on favorite to win Super Bowl LIII.

Bill Belichick at Tuesday’s Press Conference

However, yesterday Bill Belichick said that he won’t talk about the players that aren’t participating in the OTAs. Belichicks quote on Monday was, “The guys who are here are improving, they’re working hard. Those are the guys we’re going to focus on.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHRZr4T4bR8

Brady’s Comments in 2013 on How the OTAs Are Important

Back in 2013, Tom Brady spoke about how the OTAs are important for preparation. Brady said, “[Bill Belichick] talks about, you think it’s just an OTA in the springtime and it’s not that important and all those things that probably could enter your mind. The truth is, this lays the foundation for the start of training camp and if you have a good training camp, it usually means a good start to the season. A good start to the season leads to good position entering the second half of the season. Everything ends up having some significance to it. You’re not just out here running plays and going through different things that aren’t going to mean anything.

We’re out here trying to get a lot of things accomplished. I think we have done that, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s really never ending, especially when you play for Coach Belichick. Especially in practices when the offense goes against the defense because if the offense makes a play then the defense sucked and if the defense makes a play then the offense sucked so someone is really going to get yelled at on every play. There’s always lowlights when we come in on the next day.

Even if it was a great offensive play, he’s going to yell at someone on the defense. We’ve become a bit used to that now and that’s part of the learning process and also learning how to play for the Patriots and understand the criticism that you’re getting and hopefully use it constructively so you can improve as a player.”

Robert Kraft Is in the Middle

Kraft is sticking up for his player, while also trying to appease Belichick with granting Guerrero limited access to the stadium. Guerrero is not happy about it, which could also be the reason for Brady to not be going to the OTAs. Kraft is basically in the middle of this whole mess.

Cassius Marsh: ‘No Fun in New England’

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Cassius Marsh Didn’t like the Drama in New England

Via Niners NationSan Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh hated being with the New England Patriots last season. Marsh didn’t even enjoy his time just a little bit with the Patriots. Bill Belichick is known for running a tight ship in New England, and some players like it and others don’t. Even with the recent drama with the team, Belichick is still trying to run a tight and strict operation.

Marsh told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, “They don’t have fun there. There’s nothing fun about it. There’s nothing happy about it. I didn’t enjoy any of my time there, you know what I’m saying? It made me for the first time in my life think about not playing football because I hated it that much.” Marsh also added that he requested to be cut by the Patriots last November.

“I confronted [Bill Belichick] about all the things that were going on. I won’t get into detail, but it was B.S. things they were doing… And so I, basically, without asking to get cut, I kind of asked to get cut… I had confidence that I would have an opportunity elsewhere and I would take advantage of it.”

The Strict Lifestyle in New England Wins Championships

Cassius Marsh, also told Branch, “They asked me to do a bunch of stuff that I had never done: Covering running backs and receivers and basically almost never rushing the passer, which is what I did in playing defensive line.”

After the Patriots released him in November, the 49ers picked him up on waivers. Marsh was upset with the whole Patriots’ operation. Marsh didn’t want to get into the detail of what was going on because it’s already been released. At the end of the day, though, if you don’t like the strict lifestyle of the Patriots, then it’s not the right team for you.

Early 2018 NFL Awards Predictions

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The draft is over. OTAs just started, and the NFL Opening Kickoff is lingering close by. Last year was a surprise. Teams, who weren’t expected to win, outshone all our expectations. A major part of this was key additions or breakout years from their players. This helped the likes of Todd Gurley and Marshon Lattimore win awards. Although it is way too early to really say, let’s make predictions on who can win the awards this year.

Most Valuable Player – Jared Goff, QB

Jared Goff Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Would I love for this to be Brady? Of course. Will Brady win even if he has a better year than last year? Probably not, because that is just how the NFL is. Instead, I go with Jared Goff, a quarterback with all the right tools and the perfect team at his disposal. Carson Wentz could also be picked here, but his injury status could lower the number of games he will play this season.

Offensive Player of the Year – Alvin Kamara, RB

Divisional Round - New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Kamara will get even more touches with Mark Ingram serving a four-game suspension, and his talent is just so great. His numbers will be even better than last year.

Defensive Player of the Year – Casey Hayward, CB

Buffalo Bills v Los Angeles Chargers

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Hayward is one of the most underrated corners in my opinion. I have the feeling that he will ball out this year, leading the league in interceptions and passes defended, and thus winning him the award of DPOY.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Ronald Jones, RB

Ronald Jones II Goodyear Cotton Bowl - USC v Ohio State

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Barkley will be the obvious choice here, but I also want to take a look at another offensive player who is in the best place to have a great year. Jones can easily win the starting job in Tampa Bay and get a lot of carries. He has the chance to be this year’s Alvin Kamara.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Camping World Independence Bowl - Tulsa v Virginia Tech

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Edmunds will be immediately thrust into a starting role and has the capability to fulfill and outshine what Preston Brown brought to the team.

Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel, Tennesee Titans

Mike Vrabel Photos - 9 of 56

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mike Vrabel comes into a playoff team that got even better over the offseason. The additions of Dion Lewis, Malcolm Butler, Rashaan Evans, and Harold Landry can help the Titans win their division and go far in the playoffs.

Comeback Player of the Year – Julian Edelman, WR

Julian Edelman New England Patriots v Detroit Lions

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Julian Edelman has been training hard and nonstop to get back on the field. The chemistry between him and Brady is undeniable and will be triumphant enough for him breakout after missing 2017.

Alex Guerrero Has Meeting at Brigham and Women’s Health Center

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Alex Guerrero Holds Meeting at Pats Health Center

(Foxboro, MA, 08/07/17) New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his nutritionist Alex Guerrero during Patriots Training Camp Joint Practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on Monday, August 07, 2017. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Last week Alex Guerrero had a meeting at the Health Center at Patriot Place. The purpose of the meeting is unknown, but according to an insider at the facility, the meeting was about the Dana Farber Facility being built. Also, the Brigham and Women’s Health Care Center will expand into the new building. The speculation is that Guerrero is upset about the new healthcare center going up. There’s a physical therapy department going into the new facility too, which could take business away from TB12. The new Health Care Center along with the Dana Farber Center is going up right across from TB12.

Via Steve Atkinson

If that’s true, it’s no wonder why Belichick can’t stand Guerrero and kicked him out of the locker room. TB12 has enjoyed success. Guerrero seems like the kind of guy that knows what he’s doing better than everybody else. It probably has to do with Tom Brady, who at 40 is still playing at a high level.  Brady has established his brand so well that I really doubt they will lose business with another health center going up. Players currently go to the Brigham and Women’s Health Center for their x-rays and treatment.

Will Business Decline at TB12?

The treatment Brady and other players on the team get from TB12 seems to work wonders. However, that doesn’t sit well with Belichick, who wants the players to use the team’s medical staff for treatment. Belichick is sick of the Brady drama with Guerrero, a cause for some of the rift between Brady and Belichick. Guerrero’s meeting the other day raises questions about his integrity. Does Guerrero go too far? Is that what he did when he was treating Brady in the Patriots locker room and telling him not to listen to the team trainers?

If that meeting was about taking business away from TB12, that’s short-sighted on his part.  If the health center is expanding into the new building and it takes away business from TB12 because of the new physical therapy department, then Brady should come up with new treatments. I wonder if Brady had any part of Guerrero setting up the meeting. If not, he needs to remember it’s TB12, not AG12.

Why Did Josh McDaniels Come Back?

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The Future Is Now for the Patriots

Let’s go back in time to after the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Josh McDaniels was on the verge of taking the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job. He was about to step away from the Patriots organization. But after the Super Bowl, Belichick, Kraft, and McDaniels got together and had a meeting. During that meeting, there’s speculation that Belichick announced his upcoming retirement at the end of the season. Josh McDaniels would become the head coach following this season. I’ve said this before, but the more I see how they are planning for the future it could be true.

Belichick had McDaniels in the draft room in April, along with Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio. They stacked up for the 2019 NFL Draft so Josh and Nick can really build a team for the future. While they are trying to do that, the drama between Brady and Belichick has taken a toll on this off-season, and with good reason. However, some Patriots fans think this is all part of Belichick’s plan to fool the media, but if that was the case Brady would be at OTAs.

Josh McDaniels Had to Know What His Future in New England Was Going to Be Like

McDaniels had to know what his future was going to be like before he made his decision to come back. Once he found out that he would be the next head coach, he really had no choice to come back. It hasn’t been released because they don’t want it to become a distraction. There’s enough drama going on in Foxborough. If it is true the only people who know are Belichick, Kraft, McDaniels, and possibly Nick Caserio. Tom Brady or any other player wouldn’t know. It’s a fact that Brady had a say in bringing McDaniels back. Just like how he went over Belichick’s head to get rid of Jimmy Garoppolo.

Belichick is still mad about Brady going over his head, while Brady is still upset that Belichick won’t let his trainer in the locker room. The answer to why did Josh McDaniels come back? It’s pretty simple, because the future is now for this team, like it or not. Josh is part of the future along with Danny Etling who just signed a four-year contract. He may not be Brady, but it helps that he was working with Brady’s throwing coaches.

Bill Belichick Is Annoyed with Brady

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Bill Belichick Is in Midseason Form

(Foxborough, MA 07/27/17) Coach Bill Belichick walks up to the practice field for the start of Patriots training camp at Gillette. Thursday, July 27, 2017. Staff photo by John Wilcox.

The one topic Bill Belichick will talk about? His players that are participating in OTAs. The first question earlier this week from the media about Tom Brady’s absence was quickly shut down by Belichick.  The coach is also showing signs he’s done at the end of the season. He wouldn’t even touch on the 2018 draft picks, replying that Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio took care of that. Bill Belichick is sick of the drama with Brady and Guerrero, and Gronkowski’s salary demands.

Belichick Won’t Discuss Draft Picks

Belichick seemed very bitter earlier this week — in mid-season form at his press conference. Julian Edelman is participating in the workouts and he also goes to TB12 for treatments. It is a big deal Brady isn’t participating in OTAs.  Some are saying he’s a fraud. Garoppolo used to talk about giving up his life for football. When Garoppolo got traded, Brady all of a sudden needs to have more family time.

Patriots fans need to be realistic.  Belichick is on his way out. Brady doesn’t feel appreciated and is holding out because he wants to spend more time with his family. He realizes Danny Etling could be the next quarterback for this team. They have loads of draft picks for the 2019 NFL Draft. Belichick doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve done. If you aren’t participating he’s only going to talk about the players that are. According to NFL Network, Brady will be at mandatory minicamp in the first week in June along with Rob Gronkowski.

The Importance of Devin McCourty

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The Importance Of Devin McCourty

Via BET.com

Devin McCourty had an MRI last week and a follow-up today according to an insider at Patriot Place.  McCourty is a leader on that team and really is the voice of the locker room.  He brings that leadership quality and it really shows. I’m not sure why he had the MRI.  I just know that he had one and it doesn’t seem serious.

Devin’s Leadership Is Needed

McCourty is also happy about having his brother on the team, telling Mike Reiss last Tuesday, “He brings leadership that I think we don’t have on this team; he knows how to deal with adversity,”Sometimes we get in a routine — we’ve won a lot of football games — and it’s always good to hear a different perspective of what it takes so you’re not kind of getting worn down or thinking this is too much. You get a perspective from him going 0-16. He always tells me, ‘Last year, worst year ever.’ I think hearing that motivates you and lets you know you’re doing the right things that push you.”

Jason McCourty will replace Malcolm Butler at cornerback. Jason is excited to be a Patriot, and to be on the same team as his brother. He also told Reiss last week, “There were times when you thought ‘maybe,’ but kind of towards the end it was just, ‘I don’t know if it’s going to happen. Mostly for our family, this has been really exciting and cool for them just to have the opportunity; our mom, older brother who’s kind of watched our careers our whole lives. So to see us come together at this level is just kind of a special thing.”

Devin McCourty getting checked out by the Patriots medical staff and attending the workouts is a great sign. He doesn’t let the outside noise get to him, and makes sure he does what’s in the best interest of not just for himself: he knows the Patriot Way centers on the team.