Dime Package: Ten Thoughts on the Week That Was in Football

Tom Brady is not happy and Patriots fans have to stop pretending he is.

The dime package is back. Every Sunday morning, I will give my thoughts on the week that was in football. From high to college to the NFL, I’ll share my insight on some of the top stories around the game.

1. I hate to tell you Patriots fans, but Tom Brady’s answers to Jim Gray’s questions are proof that there is rift there between him and the organization. It’s not a media creation.

2. Jason Witten retiring is a good thing for the Cowboys. He was the last Cowboy left from the 2000’s. Now they can focus on continuing to get younger and building around Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott.

3. Browns coach Hue Jackson reiterated this weekend that Tyrod Taylor is the Browns starting quarterback. Until Cleveland gets off to a tough start and Jackson caves under the pressure of Jimmy Haslem and the fan base.

4. Lamar Jackson impressed coach John Harbaugh at this weekend Ravens mini camp. According to Harbaugh, Jackson showed off his arm strength and athleticism and proved to be a quick study when it comes to the plays installed. Jackson has a long way to go but it’s a good start.

5. Packers GM Brian Gutenkunst said the team is close to a new deal for Aaron Rodgers. If that’s the case, then the Packers better open up the vault because Matt Ryan just got $30 million per season over five years. Rodgers could get in the neighborhood of $32-$33 million per season.

6. Speaking of Matt Ryan. Making him the highest paid quarterback in the league is fine but Ryan has to secure his place as an elite quarterback. Sure. He is top five at the position but he doesn’t always play like it.

7. What’s the point of watering down kickoffs in the NFL? Just get rid of them all together if that’s what you are going to do.

8. The Bills hiring Dan Morgan as VP of Football Operations was a great hire. He was a smart player back in the day with the Panthers and he has the acumen necessary to run the football side of things.

9. Jets coach Todd Bowles came away impressed after watching Sam Darnold throw the ball this weekend. How can he not be? Darnold is a stud and could take over as the best quarterback in the division once Brady finally retires.

10. I can’t get over how the NFC West could be in the coming years with Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jared Goff and Josh Rosen quarterbacking the teams in the division. It’s crazy!