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LOCAL LINKS
- Michael Holley admits he’s a long-time veteran of declaring the Patriots’ dynasty over, but now says with Cam Newton in town, Bill Belichick is again one step ahead. “Teams aren’t supposed to be able to survive this.”
- Phil Perry breaks down the Patriots’ depth chart at safety: Having veterans Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung back in the mix will be critical to the performance of the Pats defense in 2020.
- Luke Ervin (PatsBuzz) Patriots training camp preview: Most intriguing skill position battles.
- Andrew Callahan and Karen Guregian’s Patriots point-counterpoint: Will Cam Newton’s first Pats season be better than Tom Brady’s last?
- Deyscha Smith tells us what NFL experts are saying about the Patriots signing Cam Newton.
- Logan Mullen highlights former Pats exec Michael Lombardi on his “The GM Shuffle” podcast, predicting that if Cam Newton is healthy, he’ll win Comeback Player of the Year in 2020.
- Nicole Yang has the inside story behind Cam Newton and Mohamed Sanu’s workout. “They’re on a similar mission, like two guys in a contract year, two guys who feel like they have something to prove.”
- Andy Hart and Ryan Hannable address Patriots’ questions for 2020: Will Mohamed Sanu make a strong impact?
- KJ Doyle (GuyBostonSports) Does Bill Belichick want his players to celebrate?
- Logan Mullen relays Miguel Benzan on how much cap space the Patriots have after the Cam Newton signing: $263,489.
- Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) Cam Newton speaks about his contract over Instagram “It’s not about the money.”
- Ricky Doyle wonders how Jarrett Stidham will respond to the Cam Newton signing, and if it will motivate him in 2020.
- Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and Miguel Benzan (@patscap) break down Cam Newton’s deal and outline some roster moves New England might make to create more room under the salary cap. (43 min.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Albert Breer (SI) Game Plan: How the coronavirus is affecting free agents who can’t sign their contracts. Plus, MVP candidates, the Patriots’ offense with Cam Newton, a short preseason and the Washington team name.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Cam Newton: This is about respect, not money.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL needs to provide more details about latest Patriots penalties.
- Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News) NFL’s gentle punishment of latest Patriots scandal feels like it’s meant to be a joke. /”Gentle”? Article quotes WEEI’s Ken Laird, LOL.
- First Take (ESPN) Damien Woody says people have it wrong about what Bill Belichick wants from players. (1.28 min. video)
- Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) 2020 NFL Preview: Dolphins’ total rebuild could come along fast, depending on Tua Tagovailoa.
- Bill Barnwell (ESPN) Is this Sam Darnold’s last chance? A progress report on the Jets QB and what to expect in 2020.
- Chase Goodbread (NFL.com) Pipelines to the Pros: Wide receivers. LSU is leading the WR-U title chase — and thanks to Ed Orgeron’s wide-open offense and top-level recruiting, the pipeline to the NFL appears endless.
EXTRACURRICULAR
- Dan Graziano (ESPN) NFL players could be fined for breaking coronavirus-related protocols, source says. “Reckless” = eating out at restaurants or using ride shares. /Where’s the NFLPA? Players get fined for too much stupid sh*t already.
- Ryan Hannable tells us what players were told on NFLPA conference call Thursday regarding coronavirus protocols.
- Lauren Campbell reports Gov. Charlie Baker hesitant to say if fans will be allowed at games in MA. /Waiting for that ‘extra incentive’ from the league to persuade him.
- Tadd Haislop (Sporting News) Tom Brady is not doing what he’s asked, but does the NFL care?
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Report: NFL to alter schedule to give every team one home preseason game.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFLPA may want no preseason at all.
- Mike Jones (USA Today) NFL will play black national anthem before each Week 1 game.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Report: NFL may require fans to sign a COVID-19 waiver.
- Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Current NY guidelines preclude fans, and tailgating.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Pandemic will likely push teams toward cashless transactions.