WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Notes, Quotes

The Sports Xchange

December 20, 2018 at 1:01 pm.

–Wide receiver Josh Gordon has left the Patriots amid reports he will be suspended indefinitely for another violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Gordon was traded by the Browns to NewEngland on Sept. 18 after he reportedly was late for a meeting on the day the team was laving for a road game in New Orleans. He had missed most of training camp, saying he needed to get his personal life in order, and reported on Aug. 18.

In a social media post, Gordon wrote, “I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level. I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health. I would like to thank Coach (Bill) Belichick, Mr. (Robert) Kraft (club owner), as well as countless others within the Patriots organization for their continued support. I want to thank my fans for their support as well as I continue down the path to getting back to 100%.”

–Bill Belichick on the Bills safeties: “Well, Poyer’s really a strong safety. Hyde’s a free safety, but they don’t always rotate to Poyer’s side. Sometimes Hyde comes down, but Poyer is down more than Hyde is. And there’s a decent amount of split-safety too, where they’re both back.”

–Bills head coach Sean McDermott on the supposed decline of Tom Brady: “No, to me, he looks even better than he has in years past, believe it or not. I know that the numbers may not support that, but I think his game is strong, he doesn’t turn the ball over. I think he’s as good as ever. Well, the way he’s allocating the ball to different receivers, how he’s getting them in and out of plays, how they use the no-huddle offense strategically. I think all of that really showcases his ability, not only with his arm physically but also his mental capability.”

BY THE NUMBERS: 2002 – The last time the Patriots lost three games in a row.