Ageless Brady still amazes Gronkowski
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
FOXBORO — Tom Brady’s birthday arrives at the beginning of each training camp, giving teammates and coaches a chance to reflect on the quarterback’s uncanny longevity and uncompromising competitive streak.
Two days before Brady turns 41, Rob Gronkowski shared a little secret yesterday: Brady has actually mellowed late in his career, at least when it comes to dealing with his teammates’ mistakes.
“I’ve seen the same fire in him since I’ve been here,” Gronkowski said. “I would say probably back in the day he was a little more on you if you didn’t get it right, a little bit more in your face but I mean, he’s going on 41 now, I don’t see the — I feel like he backed off on that a little bit, which is nice. He used to be mean to me and I’m glad he’s not to these young guys anymore.” How was he mean?
“Just was,” Gronkowski said. On a serious note, Gronkowski marveled at Brady’s consistency, calling him “hands-down just remarkable.”
“At age 41, I mean, there’s coaches younger than him on the roster,” the tight end said. “He looks younger than the coaches, he looks younger than everyone. The way he’s moving, how just reliable he is at all times is just unbelievable and something to look up to.”
No word yet on Gronk’s gift for Brady, whose birthday is tomorrow.
“Yeah, it’s a secret,” Gronkowski. “I do kinda want to say, but I can’t. We would all get in trouble.”
Matthews released
The Patriots released receiver Jordan Matthews, who is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during Sunday’s practice.
Matthews led the NFL with 2,389 receiving yards from the slot from 2014-16, per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3 former Bills and Eagles wideout brings an element of size and physicality to the slot position, and was considered to be a candidate to replace Danny Amendola’s production. But Matthews seemed to fall behind Phillip Dorsett, among others, in the beginning stages of training camp.
With Matthews released and Malcolm Mitchell’s status unknown, the Pats no longer have great depth at wide receiver.
Julian Edelman will be the team’s No. 1 receiver when he returns from suspension. Chris Hogan will likely have a significant role, too. Dorsett appears to be a safe bet to make the team and contribute. Cordarrelle Patterson is a lock to make the roster due to his special teams ability, but his role on offense is unclear.
Kenny Britt, who has been on PUP since the beginning of training camp, brings unique size to the perimeter.
Cannon, Michel hurt
Rookie running back Sony Michel and veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon left practice and did not return.
Michel exited about an hour into the session. He was examined in the medical tent and eventually left the field, walking alongside a trainer. Michel did not appear to be limping.
According a source, Cannon “tweaked a muscle,” but the severity of the injury is unknown.
New leader on ‘D’
Dont’a Hightower has long been lauded as the leader of the defense. Another linebacker, Kyle Van Noy, has emerged in a similar role.
“Kyle’s done a really good job for us,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s a player that didn’t start his career here but has come in and really has understood the way that we have tried to do things. He’s embraced it. He’s become very much of a leader in, A) doing his job and doing it the right way, but also helping other guys, particularly guys that transition onto the team as he did. He has a good perspective for that.”
Belichick noted it’s “hard to find” players like Van Noy.
The veteran linebacker, who is entering his second full season with the Pats, seemed appreciative of Belichick’s praise.
“He’s a great coach and that’s a very good compliment, but I feel like we have not just me, but so many guys here that are like that,” Van Noy said. “I really feel blessed to be a part of it.”