Patriots Release Kony Ealy
/The "Blue Goose" is feeling blue today. The Patriots released Kony Ealy after trading for him just prior to the 2017 NFL Draft. Ealy, who is entering his fourth season, fizzled out quickly in Carolina after one of the best Super Bowl performances in history.
Patriots are releasing DE Kony Ealy, source said. Tried him in their scheme. Not a similar style to Ninkovich so it didn't work out.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2017
Signs that Ealy had trouble acclimating to the demands of the pros showed early in Carolina when Ealy found himself in Coach Rivera's doghouse in his rookie training camp. Ealy was given the starting position in his third season and by week five he was moved to a rotational capacity.
When the Patriots traded for Ealy, many believed he was a player who Bill Belichek could get back on track. In just moments, Ealy clashed with Belichick.
Kony Ealy, back at practice, said his Thursday absence wasn't due to injury: "You have to ask Coach Bill. Me and him had something going on" pic.twitter.com/QnVYRtWMCu
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2017
Ealy has the talent to play in the pros. He showed that in the Super Bowl. What he has yet to show, however, is if he has the determination, focus, and professionalism to last.
By Tony Dunn
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