I don’t know about you but I had no idea that Rob Gronkowski injured a pectoral muscle working out this off-season? We’ve always known the Patriots were secretive but keeping this out of the media is impressive even by Bill Belichick’s standards. It’s not a big deal. Gronkowski is fine but it would have been nice to know that the best tight end in the league is nursing an injury…

The offensive skill guys in the NFL will dominate today’s edition of four downs. Here goes! 1st Down: DeAndre Hopkins Comes to His Senses: I’m glad DeAndre Hopkins decided to report to Texans camp. Holding out would have been a mistake on his part. While he’s underpaid, Hopkins still has two years left on his current deal and he’s not in a position to hold out. I’m sure the Texans…

If there was any doubt how revered Tom Brady is around these parts, it was put to rest last night when Brady spoke at Kevin Faulk’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.  Brady got a standing ovation after he walked on the stage sporting Faulk’s #33 jersey. He  briefly spoke about playing with Faulk. At the end of his speech, the crowd broke out into a Brady chant.  Brady…

The Patriots have the best tight end combination in the NFL with Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett.  Gronk is the greatest tight end of all time and when it’s all said and done, could be one of the most dominant players of all time. Bennett isn’t in that class but he’s been a good player the last three years. Two years ago, Bennett caught 90 balls. The Patriots have three…

1. Tom Brady working with Randy Moss and Wes Welker during his suspension is brilliant. They know the base Patriots offense and they have a timing relationship with Brady. Brilliant move by TB12 organizing the workouts. 2. The Chargers need to get Joey Bosa into camp. The longer he’s out, the more it stunts his growth. Bosa and his agent need to realize this and get back to the table…

The Patriots officially opened training camp today. Here are some thoughts as the Patriots officially open the 2016 season. 1. How will the Patriots divide up the quarterback reps? Word is Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett will get equal reps early in camp. 2. Speaking of reps. Running backs coach Ivan Fears will have his hands full figuring out reps for a crowded backfield.  3. Rob Gronkowski will…

On the surface, it appears that Roger Goodell is really putting the screws to Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady will not be allowed to have any contact with the team while he is serving his four game suspension. Brady will be banished to his Brookline compound until week four. He can’t invite teammates or coaches over to his house to work with him. What ever work he does, he’ll…

Position Overview: The Patriots could carry as many as six wide receivers going into camp. I know it sounds like a stretch but Bill Belichick is so unpredictable when it comes to the composition of the roster.  Julien Edelman, Danny Amendola, Matthew Slater and Chris Hogan are locks in my opinion. The  fifth receiver spot is up for grabs and a crowded field is competing for the lone spot. Veterans Nate…

Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is facing a four game suspension after failing to show up for a drug test.  What is wrong with him? Bell is a terrific talent but injuries and immaturity have kept him from fulfilling his full potential.  Bell was scrutinized earlier this off-season for putting out a rap song in which he talked about wanting to be paid $15 million per season. At this rate,…

The Patriots enter the 2016 season with a deep running back corp that features veterans LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and Donald Brown as well as James White, Brandon Bolden, DJ Foster and Tyler Gaffney.  With Tom Brady suspended the first four games, the Patriots will be relying on their running game early on to support back up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.  Here are the strengths and weaknesses of each running back…