Patriots gridiron news: Brandin Cooks’ maturity impresses Tom Brady

Brandin Cooks continues to draw praise from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as the two continue to build their rapport. 

 With the season opener just a couple of days away, the stage is almost set for the New England Patriots debut of Brandin Cooks.

The 23-year-old deep threat weapon has not shown a lot on the field this preseason, but he has impressed coaches and teammates in how he has adapted to the Patriots’ offense, and the professionalism he has displayed.  One of the players, and undoubtedly the most important teammate impressed by Cooks is Tom Brady.

As the quarterback and receiver are looking to build a rapport reminiscent of the one Brady had with Randy Moss, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback praised his new weapon for both his talent and maturity.

"“I’ve been so impressed with his professionalism.  For a 23-year-old, he has a maturity about him that, for our team and our offense, is so critical to your development,” Brady said in an interview with WEEI’s “Kirk and Callahan” radio show on Tuesday. “It’s not like we’re satisfied if you go out and catch three or four passes.  We expect to perform at a championship level every day.  For a 23-year-old to understand that and to buy into that, and then to work at that level, has been very impressive from my standpoint.”"

With the loss Brady’s favorite target, Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks will enter the season with a bit more pressure put on him.  Joining the team following back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the dynamic wide receiver is expected to strive catching the ball from Brady.

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Both players have expressed excitement in what the potential of their connection will bring to the overall explosiveness of the offense. 

DJ “DA”

The Patriots locker room has a new DJ and his name is Danny Amendola.

The 31-year-old veteran wide receiver said he was appointed by Tom Brady as the player in charge of the music.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Amendola has added a nice vibe in the locker room evidenced by his song selection following practice this past Saturday ahead of the cut-down deadline.  Amendola’s selection of a bluesy song by The Revivalists helped relieve some of the stress players were battling.

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"“It just gives you a firm grip of reality.  It’s a rough day, and everybody’s been there before, so you just have to keep going,” Amendola said, via ESPN.  “That’s the name of this song: ‘Keep going.’”"

Ironically, the song choice is also fitting for the 2017 New England Patriots.  With fellow teammate Julian Edelman lost for the season, Danny Amendola and the team has to keep going and adjust with life without one of the greatest competitors on the team.

Amendola will help try to fill some of the void left by No. 11 on the field.

2017 captains named

The New England Patriots have announced their captains for the 2017 season and there really aren’t any surprises.

Of course, Tom Brady leads the group with linebacker Dont’a Hightower, special teams ace Matthew Slater, tight end Rob Gronkowski and safety Devin McCourty returning as team captains.

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Safety Duron Harmon and center David Andrews were named captains for the first time. Both players have displayed a leadership recognized by their teammates in their selection as captains.