PATRIOTS ACQUIRE TULLY BANTA-CAIN

The Patriots came to terms with recently released linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. I think this is a great signing, as Banta-Cain should be able to learn the defense quite quickly, and be ready to play in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

In all seriousness, Banta-Cain, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was released then re-signed by the Pats to a deal that extends into next season, but for a lower salary. So Banta-Cain gets job security, and the Patriots get a lower cap number.

Source:
RotoWorld.com

GALLOWAY GONE AWAY

The Patriots cut Joey Galloway today, in a not so surprising move. Galloway had been a healthy scratch the past few games, not even making the trip to Denver. There had been rumors of a trade today, but apparently there were no takers. Cutting him now, before the trade deadline at 4, does allow him to choose a new team to sign with, instead of being placed on waivers. Yeah, Belichick's a real classless jerk.

Source:
The Sporting News

SPITGATE

So will the New York Post be putting asterisks next to the Yankees box scores? Or maybe Rivera's stats?

And no, I'm not accusing Rivera of cheating. I'm accusing New York fans of being an obnoxious, simple-minded rabble of morons and excuse machines.

BANTA-CAIN CUT, GALLOWAY REMAINS, AND THE ADALIUS THOMAS MYSTERY

Yesterday the Patriots cut 3-4 specialist Tully Banta-Cain, but he'll probably be back on the team. I wouldn't understand dropping him completely, as he leads the team with 3 sacks, and has played solidly on the outside of the defensive front. He expects to be back with the Patriots.

Joey Galloway has not been cut. It's probably because he's a veteran, and would therefore be getting paid anyway. The Patriots did not make any trades with him (despite wild speculation in the National Sports Media) yesterday. But I think they're only hanging onto him in case something awful happens to their receivers.

Speaking of receivers, rookie Brandon Tate out of North Carolina might be able to return to practice this week.



And there's still the case of the missing outside linebacker. There's not much to report on Adalius Thomas' absence from Sunday's game. He has been underperforming all season, and I suspect the coaching staff saw some things in practice they did not like. Thomas has been a disappointment since joining the team, but he has shown sparks of brilliance. If he doesn't play in London, then I think he'll likely be cut.

Source:
Boston Herald