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FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots' decision to fire Ryan Allen on Monday was not surprising, but it disappointed those with whom he had worked closely over the past six seasons.
"As a gunner, you're obviously not as good as your bettor, and the last six years with Ryan have been fantastic," said captain Matthew Slater before Tuesday's practice. "He was a guy who has always been able to smile at me, no matter what. I am very grateful for the time I spent with him. I learned a lot from him. "
"Ryan and I have made friends over the last few years and we are obviously very close to each other," Cardinal Joe Cardona added. "But you understand the ways of the industry. The turnover is natural, and unfortunately, it's personal when it's a close friend. But it's a testament for Jake (Bailey). "
Bailey, who the Patriots traded for selection in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 2019, defeated Allen at training camp, allowing the veteran to free himself before Game 3's third game. While both Slater and Cardona praised Bailey's abilities, they lamented that his arrival would be to the detriment of their good friend.
"It's very difficult," said Slater. "Certainly, when you have a relationship with a guy, you spend a lot of time with him and you live through his life with him, it does not make things any easier. I do not care how long you play this game; Part of a game you never get used to is seeing friends come and go. And obviously, it's difficult. You can easily say "this is the job", but you can not forget the human side of this business.
The Patriots won three Super Bowls and played another during Allen's tenure, which began in 2013. After his dismissal of outgoing incumbent Zoltan Mesko as an unprepared rookie in 2013. His performance in the Super Bowl Bowl LIII (three shots inside the 10-yard line) played a decisive role. holding the LA Rams' vaunted attack to a single goal in a 13-3 victory over Patriots.
Allen's battery, Cardona and kicker Stephen Gostkowski was intact since the start of the 2015 season.
"Everyone would like to refer to the Super Bowl, which was obviously a great performance from him," said Slater. "But he has been really great for us throughout his career. I think what I will remember most about Ryan is his sense of humor and the way he made everyone laugh and not take things too seriously. I really appreciate it for that. "
Allen has signed back with the Patriots on a one-and-a-half year contract with a $ 1.5 million contract after the Super Bowl LIII. beginning, what he did throughout his academic career at Stanford.
Bailey's talents were evident from her first spring practice. The ball pulls from its foot as if propelled by a miniature engine, giving Allen an ever-impressive suspension and distance that is impossible to match.
"Jake, it's a young boy who has arrived, and he was ready to learn, ready to receive coaching and obviously very talented," said Cardona about the Stanford product. "But really, his professionalism in the building and out of the building was really impressive. He has obviously done enough work to make a good impression and I know he will continue to work hard. "
When asked about Bailey's fabulous boot, Cardona replied, "He's hitting big balls."
"Jake was very responsive to everyone's training and did a good job with him," Slater added. "Obviously, he has a unique skill set, you've seen him hit the ball."
Cardona also highlighted Allen's work in helping Bailey improve, knowing full well that this could lead to his dismissal.
"Ryan has been a professional in this whole process by helping Jake become a better and more refined bettor," he said. "I do not think there is enough good to say about this guy."
On Tuesday morning, as part of WEEI's "Greg Hill Show" show, quarterback Patriots, Tom Brady, said that he was expecting that Allen will soon join a new team.
"There are a lot of tough decisions that are being made," said Brady. "Ryan was an incredible player – he is still – and he will have another great opportunity."
Miniature Photo via Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY HUI Sports Images
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