ESPN The Magazine got plenty of attention for its cover story on Tom Brady last week.
But apparently one of the writers of the story didn't care for some of the response to the long piece that not only looked at Brady's age-defying performance and reliance on the TB12 Method, but also included nuggets about Bill Belichick's future plans.
Monday on WEEI radio in Boston, Belichick referred to the story, which said he may only coach the Patriots another two or three years, as “fake news.”
Well, ESPN's Seth Wickersham told the Boston Globe that he stands by his reporting in the story and tried to clear up some of the poorly-constructed sentences that led to confusion as to exactly what he was reporting in the piece.
In more pertinent football news, the Globe writes about the Patriots signing of defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois, this on the same day the Globe reports that Shea McClellin will not be returning from injured reserve and is lost for the season. The Globe *also looks at what the Patriots should expect from a struggling Denver team this Sunday night. The *Globe says that preparing to face once-again Broncos starting quarterback Brock Osweiler, Belichick will look back at New England’s 2015 loss to the passer in Denver. The Globe also notes that while the production may not show it, the Patriots believe that trade addition Phillip Dorsett is indeed catching on at receiver in New England.
The Boston Herald writes that the road has been good to the Patriots this fall, but now it's on to a different kind of test in Denver. The Herald reports that McClellin is out for the season due to a concussion. The Herald also looks at Dorsett looking to step up his role over the second half of the season.
With the tale on book store shelves everywhere, the Providence Journal *says that Julian Edelman wrote the book on overachieving. The *ProJo passes on Dorsett talking about getting up to speed in New England. The ProJo also has rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise declaring that he doesn’t believe in the so-called rookie wall that tends to hit young players.
ESPNBoston.com writes that there is a potential key opportunity ahead for Dorsett. ESPNBoston.com says McClellin’s season is indeed likely over before it even began.
ESPN has the Jean-Francois signing, which coincided with linebacker Dont’a Hightower finally be placed on injured reserve. ESPN also makes a case for Belichick as the Coach of the Year.
WEEI.com says that not getting McClellin back this year will hurt the Patriots more than you think it will. WEEI.com also lists two Patriots offensive players who must step up over the second half for the team to make a Super Bowl run. WEEI.com writes that Belichick and Tom Brady showed their differences in the way they responded to the controversial ESPN The Magazine story. WEEI.com observes that Chris Hogan was among six players absent from Patriots practice on Tuesday.
NBC Sports looks at how Osweiler ended up back under center for the bumbling Broncos. NBC Sports notes that despite all the attention, Dorsett is still waiting for his production on the field to arrive. NBC Sports also notes Hightower finally landing on IR.
NFL.com puts the Patriots at No. 4 in their weekly power rankings. NFL.com has former No. 1 overall pick David Carr putting Brady atop his offensive player power rankings.
The *Patriot Ledger *says the Patriots will visit their “house of horrors” on Sunday night in Denver.
247Sports.com thinks that Browns GM Sashi Brown hinted that the Patriots steered the Jimmy Garoppolo trade to the 49ers.
CBS Sports notes that the Eagles are Las Vegas’ new Super Bowl favorite, with the Patriots a close second.
