THE DROP-BACK: monday september 7 - COVID Brady

buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady managed not to get COVID during last season, but he confirmed over the weekend that he contracted the virus in February, right after the Super Bowl parade. Funny how that happens while galavanting around tons of people without a mask on during peak pandemic! When asked how he thinks the league will handle the continuing COVID-19 pandemic with the Delta variant in the mix, Brady was pretty pessimistic. "I think it's going to be challenging this year. I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year just because of the way we're doing things this year and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the buidling and the fans..."

--

Straight from the mouth of the player is protected more than anyone else! Yep, Bradythinks many penalties called for defensive players are actually due to the mistakes of offensive players. Or does he? "For example, when I used to play against Ray Lewis, I wouldn't throw the ball to the middle of the field because he would hit them and knock them out of the game. And now, every hard hit is a penalty on the defense. So I feel like they penalize defensive players for offensive mistakes." He's not wrong, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around Brady admitting he isn't perfect?

patriots

This week, the talk of the town was when the New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Cam Newton and decided to go with the rookie Mac Jones. This reasonably raised questions of if Jones was genuinely ready to take over the team's reins, be a leader, and be able to be successful within the offense. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne says there's nothing to worry about on that front. "For any starter, I think you feel that pressure, but he was built for it since Alabama. I think he's more ready than anyone really knows."

titans

The Tennessee Titans have activated quarterback Ryan Tannehill off the COVID-19 reserve list just in time for opening week. Tannehill has previously said he only got vaccinated because the NFL basically forced him to do so. Now he benefits from the relaxed regulations for vaccinated players.

- other notes -

• Rob Gronkowski said he's seen "no drop off" in Tom Brady.
• Jerry Jones echoes Mike McCarthy and says the Cowboys are not pursuing Cam Newton​ at this time.
• The Saints re-signed Trevor Siemian​. 
• The Texans confirm Tyrod Taylor will start Week One.
• Trey Lance got his splint off his finger this weekend, but still didn't throw in practice on Monday.
• Dak Prescott was a full participant in Monday's practice.
• Russell Wilson was named one of Seattle's captains for the 2021 season.