New England Patriots links 7/07/16 - Patriots set at safety?

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino continues his annual, examination of the Patriots roster. Safeties.
• The Patriots look back at Tom Brady's and Rob Gronkowski's history in NFL Network's 'Top 100' countdown prior to last night.
• Lauren Williams reports Tom Brady adds another ESPY nomination to his collection.
• Bob Wallace talks about potential opportunities for NFL TV partners to offer online game options that complement the league's current distribution strategy.
• From the NFL - The "NFL HQ" crew talks about the most anticipated games on the Patriots 2016 schedule. (1.15 min. video)
• From the NFL - 'Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 2 Tom Brady. (4.06 min. video)
• From the NFL - 'Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 9 Rob Gronkowski. (4.40 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Daniels says that with several high-profile player-contracts set to expire, it's important to remember the Patriots already have a few cornerstones locked up long term.
• Miguel Benzan (PatsFans) Patscap’s 53-man roster projection for the Patriots.
• Christopher Price counts down the 20 most important members of the Patriots heading into 2016: No. 16 Danny Amendola.
• Tom E. Curran continues his countdown of the top 100 plays that shaped the Patriots' dynasty: Nos 37-38.
• John Sarianides (NFL SpinZone) 5 things the Patriots must do well schematically in 2016.
• Henry McKenna reports Tom Brady is one of five players who have been nominated for "Best NFL Player" at The 2016 Espy's.
• Cameron McDonough wonders if the Cam Newton vs. Tom Brady for No. 1 player of 2016 is an argument worth having.
• Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) Best Patriots social media posts from the July 4th weekend.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Chris Burke (SI) The NFL’s best free safeties. No. 5 Devin McCourty.
• Oliver Thomas (247 Sports) Gil Brandt tabs Tom Brady the best quarterback he's ever seen.
• Oliver Thomas (247 Sports) Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski 'can't wait' to return to work.
• Kevin Clark (The Ringer) Gronk for President: Put the polls away — the tight end’s approval rating is 100.
• Oliver Thomas (247 Sports) Danny Amendola: Patriots 'have to roll with the punches' at QB.
• Kevin Seifert (ESPN) Ranking the NFL's top 10 feuds. No. 4 Ryan Grigson vs. Patriots - No. 7 Richard Sherman vs. Tom Brady - No. 10. Rob Gronkowski vs. Sergio Brown.
• Mike Rodak (ESPN) AFC East Q&A: Would your team allow Tyrod Taylor to enter contract year without a new deal?
• Crew (NFL.com) "Top 100 Players of 2016 Reaction Show" debate whether Tom Brady deserved to rank higher than Aaron Rodgers. (3.27 min. video)
• Bill Bender (Sporting News) NFL backup QB ranking: How confident are you in your team's reserves? No. 4 Patriots.
• Des Bieler (Washington Post) Calvin Johnson says painkillers were handed out ‘like candy’ to NFL players.
• Chris Burke (SI) Megatron’s comments on brutal aftereffects of NFL tough to swallow.
• Dylan Howlett (The MMQB) Series on NFL kickers: Part I: Pity the kicker - Part II: A lonely world.

DEFLATEGATE,DUMPSTER DIVE

• Kevin Duffy notes that for the Tom Brady appeal, there is no deadline for a Second Circuit decision.
• Ryan Hannable highlights Michael McCann's update on when a deflategate ruling could come down, and his belief the odds are against Tom Brady.
• Phil Perry notes Ex-BC star Matt Ryan, now the Falcons' quarterback, says he's unfamiliar with Deflategate but knows Tom Brady won't let it affect his play.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Matt Ryan tiptoes around Tom Brady case.
• Kevin Duffy notes that according to TMZ, former Patriots CB Brandon Browner is being investigated for an alleged assault.