NFL Notes: Tom Brady, Greg Hardy, Bears, Bills, & Redskins

Tom Brady

• ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Giants owner John Mara declined a request to participate in settlement talks involving QB Tom Brady, due to competitive conflict of interest given that the Giants play the Patriots in Week 5.

Greg Hardy

• Jason Cole reports that Cowboys DE Greg Hardy still hasn’t made a final decision about suing NFL to reduce his suspension even further.
• Cole adds that with every passing day, the odds decrease for him pursuing a case against the league.

Bears

Former Bears GM Jerry Angelo recently explained that QB Jay Cutler has the “physical tools” to be great, but he’s just too “inconsistent” and lacks poise.

“Has the physical tools, but inconsistent, particularly in the clutch, mostly due to a lack of poise,” Angelo said, via the Chicago Tribune. “He’s not comfortable reading defenses and consequently locks on to a favorite or predetermined target that may or may not be the right choice. The less he’s asked to see the better he is. A better half-field general than a full-field one. This will be his make-or-break year. Needs to be his biggest critic and hold himself accountable.’’

Bills

• Bills HC Rex Ryan mentioned that he’s “cautiously optimistic” RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring) will be ready for Week 1. (Mike Rodak)

Redskins

• Redskins HC Jay Gruden confirmed that QB Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion during Thursday night’s preseason game.
• According to Gruden, RGIII will still be the team’s starter when he’s healthy, but he has no idea how much time Griffin will miss.
• LB Adam Hayward is being checked for a potential ACL injury.