We'll get into the possibility that Ben Watson's return to the Patriots could be over before it really started, how the NFL should ban Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict and our game pick against the #Deadskins, but first, we start with what Tom Brady's recent comments could mean for his future.
_____________________
(Adam Richins for BSJ)___________________
The news that Benjamin Watson did not travel with the Patriots to Washington should set off some alarm bells and put into question whether he'll even be on the team come Tuesday.
The Patriots obviously need help at tight end — Tom Brady has targeted Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo five times in four games (and they've caught all five ... maybe Brady should look to them more), and they aren't doing much better in the running game. Watson is always in great shape, so I can't see him being out of shape. Plus, he knows the offense and has Brady's trust. So unless there's an injury Watson sustained during his suspension (possible but not probable), the Patriots simply didn't think Watson was an upgrade over what they currently have on the roster.
Watson must be activated by 4 p.m. Monday. Could the Patriots release Watson like they did another player initially placed on the reserve/suspended list (Lance Kendricks)?
Yes, it's possible. Watson's release would clear a bit over $2 million from the cap. For a team that is basically up against the cap, that move would a) likely get them through the season without having to make any other cost-cutting moves, and b) help them towards getting another player (Emmanuel Sanders, etc.) at the trade deadline.
___________________
How much more is the NFL going to allow when it comes to Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict before they ban him for the rest of his career?
?BREAKING?
Vontaze Burfict has been suspended for the rest of the 2019 season for this hit on Colts TE Jack Doyle. pic.twitter.com/eHdtuXobyU
— Unfinished Business (@FinishTheBiz) September 30, 2019
Here’s the other helmet-to-helmet hit that Vontaze Burfict delivered during Sunday’s game: second quarter, 13:24 left, and Burfict launches and blasts Colts’ RB Nyheim Hines away from the play. Later came the hit on Colts’ TE Jack Doyle that got him ejected and suspended. pic.twitter.com/8Dvb7xPZgo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2019
___________________
Like the Dolphins previously – seriously, the Redskins are nearly that bad — I'm Brady-ing the team from the nation's capital like they're a Patriots rookie receiver: I refuse to spend any mental energy on this sad excuse for an NFL team. If you want to really think about the Deadskins, read this, or go find your own Joe Judge or Troy Brown.
On to the pick...