The rumors had been in the air since training camp started and now it's official: the New England Patriots are done with the Big Bang Clock himself Brandon Meriweather.
The two-time Pro Bowler (what a joke) safety was the biggest named to be cut today as the Pats whittled their roster down to 53 players. By no means is the roster final since the NFL being the way it is and Bill Belichick being how he is, expect a million more moves during the regular season.
To put it simply, Meriweather's time in New England had run out. No doubt, the franchise was sick of his off the field antics not to mention his inconsistent play on it. The former University of Miami star could make a big hit in one series then get torched for a touchdown on the next one.
The fact that Patrick Chung and Sergio Brown figure to be the starters on Monday, September 12 when they open in Miami with Josh Barrett and James Ihedigbo as the likely backups tells you all you need to know about how far Meriweather had fallen.
He played big minutes in the preseason games and appeared clueless (big surprise) that he was on the bubble in terms of the roster. Good riddance, let some other team deal with that clown.
Other players released today with a quick summary of why I think they're gone.
Sammy Morris-Classy veteran got squeezed out after Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley were drafted. A little long in the tooth and injury prone didn't help his chances.
Brandon Tate-Tony Simmons, Chad Jackson, Bethel Johnson. New England always has an obsession with fast receivers who have terrible hands. Predictably Tate's time here ended since they figured out in a few years that he'd probably never be a good receiver. Plus, with the new kickoff rules, his value on kickoffs has mostly vanished there.
Eric Moore-One of the more surprising cuts, the Pats seemed to like him since they brought him in last season. With Andre Carter, Mark Anderson and Shaun Ellis on the team, the need to have Moore was lessened dramatically. He'll find a job somewhere else.
Landon Cohen and Aaron Lavarias-two defensive linemen that were lucky to make it this far. Preseason heroes in every sense of the phrase that I just coined.
Niko Koutouvides-like Ricky Brown (released earlier this weekend), the local product couldn't stick around long enough to make the opening day roster. Too bad.
Markell Carter-rookie will likely be put on the practice squad you'd have to think. Showed some promise and was a late-round pick so don't be shocked to see him stick around.
Tiquan Underwood-Devin McCourty's BFF from Rutgers was a late addition to the team and his most notable contribution was his hightop fade. Kid N'Play must be pissed he is without a job.
Thomas Austin-offensive lineman I've never heard of.
Eric Kettani-no name running back that has already been put on the practice squad.
Ross Ventrone-The Ventrone brothers are like Rudy. Belichick loves them but they'll never do anything in the NFL. The world needs ditchdiggers too.
Alex Silvestro-a defensive end that I never saw do anything. Thanks for coming out.
Lee Smith-not the famous MLB closer, Smith was a bit of a surprise to be cut since the Pats used a middle round draft pick on him.
Will Yeatman-reports indicated that he made the team as a third tight end but I guess not. I'd say he'd be on the practice squad but apparently other teams will snatch him up before then.
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