New England Patriots News 5-17 and Notes Around the AFC East
 Tom Brady's appeal of his four-game suspension will be heard by Commissioner Roger Goodell which will probably end up the courts. (USA TODAY Images) |
Hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather here are Sunday’s Patriots news notes and what’s happening around the division:
Deflate-gate Going to Goodell for the Appeal: With Tom Brady retaining Jeffrey Kessler and having the backing of the NFLPA, the four-game suspension is heading to the appeal process, with Commissioner Roger Goodell presiding.
Goodell, far from an independent arbitrator and Troy Vincent were included in the NFLPA’s appeal letter, stating that Vincent, according to the 2011 CBA doesn’t have the authority to hand out Brady’s punishment, that the NFLPA was seeking to have Brady’s suspension rescinded not reduced and that the Wells Report contained insufficient evidence to find Brady of any wrongdoing.
The NFLPA asked for Goodell to recuse himself and appoint a truly independent arbitrator and stated that they planned to call both as witnesses. ESPN reported that it was “very unlikely” that Goodell steps aside. And with Brady unlikely to accept any reduction in suspension, even if one is forth coming, this case appears headed for court which will be a lose-lose for everyone involved.
PatsFans.com Sits Down With Duron Harmon: Make sure to tune in on Monday to PatsFans.com and listen in to an interview with Patriots safety Duron Harmon. On Thursday this week both Russ Goldman of PatsFans.com and myself had a chance to chat with Harmon in a telephone interview.
Some things we chatted about were his game sealing interception in the AFC Divisional Round against the Ravens, the dramatic ending of the Super Bowl, some of the community activities he’s involved with and a special showdown he had with fellow safety Pat Chung. So check back Monday…
NFL.com - “Patriots Running Back Situation Worst Since 2009”: Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com projected the AFC East’s Week 1 starters and said the Patriots running back depth is the worst since 2009.
“This is the worst running back depth chart we've seen in New England since Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan led the team in 2009. LeGarrette Blount will return in Week 2, but the Patriots will need a surprise to emerge from guys like James White, Tyler Gaffney or Travaris Cadet,” Rosenthal said.
Among the corner backs, Rosenthal had Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler as the Week 1 starters. He also has Jonas Gray leading the way for the running backs.
Patriots Release Arrington, Another CB Gone: The Patriots released 7th year CB Kyle Arrington who was due to earn $3 million in 2015 and counted $4.6 million in the salary cap. Arrington worked his way up from the practice squad in 2009 to become the starting slot corner for the past several years.
Arrington was quickly scooped up by the Baltimore Ravens, signing a three-year $7 million dollar deal where the first season, ($2 million signing bonus, $800K salary) is fully guaranteed. Arrington will man the slot for the Ravens between Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith.
Patriots Add TE Davis, LB Watson: In somewhat of a surprising move the Patriots added Fred Davis to the roster on Monday, signing the tight end to a one-year deal. Davis was just re-instated into the NFL just four days before signing with New England.
Davis, 29, hasn’t played in the NFL since 2013 after being suspended indefinitely for his second substance abuse violation. Davis has played in 72 games and has162 career receptions for 2,043 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Patriots are deep at tight end, with Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui,Tim Wright and rookie AJ Derby. The team signed Chandler also this off-season and Davis, if healthy and ready to resume his career will be looking to lock down the 3rd tight end position.
The Patriots also added LB Dekoda Watson, a 6th year player who played with the Buccaneers, Jaguars and Cowboys. His best season came in 2013 with the Bucs, Watson produced 42 tackles, two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass defensed, three tackles for loss and one blocked kick.
Eastbound and Down…..News from around the AFC East:
Ryan “Lost Jets Locker Room” in 2014: Well this didn’t take long…several Jets players spoke about the marked difference between new head coach Todd Bowles and the recently fired but immensely popular Rex Ryan.
One unnamed veteran said that many players had tired of Ryan’s schtick last season, adding, “There was some significant "tuning out" of Ryan last year,” the player said, as their old head coach was seen "more like a friend than a coach." That hurt discipline and accountability, something that won’t be an issue with Bowles.
For the complete piece from Kristian Dyer, click here:
Former Dolphins Kicker Garo Yepremian dies at 70: Garo Yepremian who helped the Dolphins win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972-73 has died from cancer at the age of 70.
According to his wife Maritza, Yepremian, who played between 1966 and 1981 contracted cancer in May of 2014 and died last night in Media, PA. Yepremian broke into the NFL with the Lions in 1966 before joining the Dolphins in 1970. He also played for the Bucs and Saints.
His 37 yard field goal against Kansas City ended the longest game in NFL history in 1971. But he’s best remembered for his gaffe at the end of the Super Bowl during Miami’s 17-0 season. With the Dolphins up 14-0 against the Washington Redskins in the closing minutes, Yepremian lined up for a field goal that was blocked.
Picking up the ball he attempted a pass that wobbled and fell out of his hands and right into those of Redskin Mike Bass who returned it for a touchdown.
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
Bills Rookie Mini-camp Done, Darby Shines: With the Bills rookie mini-camp in the books, ESPN’s Mike Rodak reports that cornerback Ronald Darby was shining in 7-on-7 drills in press coverage.
Rodak reported that Darby’s speed stood out, he may become an integral part of Rex Ryan’s defense pretty quickly. Darby was one of the corners I liked during the draft process. Rodak also reported TE Nick O’Leary was a frequent target in the passing game. Read Rodak’s complete report here:
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