Ian Rapoport talks about Brady's injured ribs that he played with in 2009.
We had heard that Brady’s ribs were fractured, cracked or badly bruised, putting him in a great deal of pain and making him wear a flak jacket while playing.
It was, I had heard, a small or hairline fracture, allowing him to play. Still, that is what I believe.
If Brady’s ribs were fully broken, it would be difficult to breath, walk or sneeze, let alone play. Yes, the dude is insanely tough. But if you can’t breathe, regardless of how tough you are, you can’t play.
Why did Martinez say Brady’s ribs were broken?
My guess: [Brady's QB guru Tom Martinez is] not a doctor. And, like Casserly, he didn’t make the distinction between a hairline fracture and a break. Nor should he. To most people, they are the same. Kinda broken is the same as broken, even if one is more severe.
As an added bonus, if the ribs were slightly fractured instead of broken, it allows Brady and Belichick the ability to deny. And that’s what they did.
Rob Bradford interviews Colts' president Bill Polian at Fenway Park Saturday night.
Polian noted having to commit a significant amount of financial resources to a top tier quarterback — such as Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, both of whom are heading into the final years of their respective contracts — will inevitably have some bearing on teams’ the ability to construct a team. But Polian also points out that the level of impact won’t be entirely known until a new collective bargaining agreement is put in place.
"It’s bound to have some effect," Polian told WEEI.com. "What we don’t know is what the system is going forward. It makes it really difficult working out a deal that makes sense for everybody because you don’t know what the [salary] cap will be, what the ramifications are, how things count. All of that makes it a little difficult. We’ve been going slowly along with [Manning's agent] Tom Condon because we’re trying to formulate some things that will fit no matter what the system is."
"We can’t get into the nitty-gritty because we don’t know what the rules will be. And that will clarify itself as the year goes on because there will be talks, people will understand what’s on the table and what’s not on the table," Polian said. "It’s not like you’re going to get a deal in October, I don’t think. If that happens it would be great. But at least you can get a feel for the way things are going."
TEAM TALK
- Training Camp dates announced for the first four days (July 29-August 2)
- Andy Hart reports Leigh Bodden launched his first episode of Leigh Bodden TV on Ustream.
- The New England Patriots Alumni Club hosted its signature "Football For You" youth clinic at Springfield College, free to all participants.
- Patriots Football Weekly debates which Patriots logo is your favorite? Vote for the one you like best.
LOCAL LINKS
- Albert Breer looks at the issues involved in a new deal for Tom Brady.
- Ian Rapoport discusses Bill Polian's comments about Peyton Manning and relates them to Tom Brady's situation. Indy and New England are in the same boat in this case.
- Tom Curran notes Tom Brady played with a broken finger and broken ribs in '09. (45 second video)
- Albert Breer tries to cut through the semantics on Brady's broken ribs.
- Ian Rapoport reports Tom Brady met with his QB Guru Tom Martinez over Christmas break to help tweak some mechanical issues, and it worked.
- Shalise Manza Young examines New England's options on the offensive line without Logan Mankins.
- Mike Reiss looks at the special teams positions and compares the Patriots to the rest of the NFL.
- Christopher Price offers us a signing update for the Patriots rookie class.
- Ian Rapoport talks about The Rat that shall not be named, and how he wants to sidle up to Belichick again some day.
- Albert Breer talks about what do players do on vacation.
- Mike Reiss offers some quick-hit thoughts from the Patriots and around the NFL before breaking for vacation until July 20. Have a good one, Mike!
- Jeff Howe notes that even with the addition of Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins will have to avoid last season's inconsistencies to give the Pats a bigger scare in 2010.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Aaron Wilson (Nat'l Football Post) Bill Polian not expecting quick deal for Peyton Manning.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Tom Brady still listens to QB whisperer.
- Fox Sports Which Hollywood leading men would play NFL stars?
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) The NFL 'summer vacation'. Players are off until camp, but the time remains crucial for success.
- Peter King (SI) MMQB: Vikings' Childress has emotional holiday; remembering my brother.
- Brad Biggs (Nat'l Football Post) Draft picks signing at a faster clip this summer.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Is Revis really best defender of any sport?
- Tim Graham and Bill Williamson (ESPN) Double coverage: An 18-game schedule.