Patriots gridiron news: Tom Brady happy Martellus Bennett is back in the fold
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady loves having Martellus Bennett back as another offensive weapon he can get the ball to.
Tom Brady can never have enough weapons on the field. Following the New England Patriots 41-16 victory over the Denver Broncos, the 40-year-old quarterback gushed about the return of Martellus Bennett.
During his weekly appearance on WEEI’s Kirk & Callahan, Brady talked about Bennett, who was claimed off waivers last Thursday and played Sunday producing three catches for 38 yards.
"“I don’t think it was easy for him, but he put a lot of work in,” Brady said, as transcribed by WEEI. “He made some really good plays out there. It is pretty amazing to think that you can pick a player up on a [Thursday] and he can contribute on Sunday. Marty is smart. He really wanted to do a good job. He wasn’t in there on many plays, but when he was in there he was effective and it’s great to have him back. I felt that when he got back and it all worked out for our team.”"
Bennett’s return not only gives Tom Brady another reliable weapon, it puts less pressure on Rob Gronkowski and the other playmakers in the Patriots’ offense. His return also gives the team the best depth they have had at the tight end position in quite a while.
While both Bennett and Gronkowski made big plays Sunday night, Dwayne Allen caught his first touchdown pass and rookie tight end Jacob Hollister made contributions on special teams.
NFL finds no evidence team tampered with Martellus Bennett
Almost a week following Martellus Bennett’s release from the Green Bay Packers and return back to New England, NFL league spokesman Joe Lockhart said there is no evidence that the Patriots tampered with Bennett.
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The question arose amongst some around the league following the way Bennett left Green Bay. The veteran tight end has been vocal about the Packers medical staff, accusing them of forcing him to play through a torn Rotator Cuff. Yes, the same shoulder injury he can suddenly play through with the Patriots.
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings
The New England Patriots remained No. 2 this week in ESPN’s NFL power rankings. Following a 41-16 thumping of the Denver Broncos, the defending Super Bowl champs won their fifth consecutive game. During that five-game stretch, the defense has allowed just 13.4 points per game and the offense seems to be clicking.
Despite the 7-2 record, the five-game winning streak is not enough to catch the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles at 8-1. They are barely holding off the New Orleans Saints (7-2) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) who come in at No. 3 and No. 4.
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The Kansas City Chiefs (6-3) round out the top 5.