GLENDALE, Ariz. — Consider Sheldon Richardson and Nick Mangold skeptics when it comes to the Patriots’ claim of innocence in Deflategate.
“That’s the Patriots,” Richardson, the Jets’ opinionated defensive tackle, said Sunday night after making his first Pro Bowl appearance. “I’m not surprised at all. If they ain’t winning with controversy, they ain’t winning.”
Richardson, who was impressive with four tackles and a pass breakup for Michael Irvin’s team in a 32-28 win over Cris Carter’s team, said he finds it humorous when New England talks about The Patriot Way yet seems to be mired in constant rules-related controversy.
“It’s funny when they say, ‘We keep it professional and clean cut,’ ’’ Richardson said of the Jets’ bitter rival while standing in the victorious locker room at University of Phoenix Stadium. “Because they don’t. They don’t at all.”
Mangold echoed Richardson’s skepticism of the claim by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady that they had nothing to do with all 12 of their footballs reportedly being deflated — 11 by at least 2 pounds per square inch (psi) — in last week’s 45-7 AFC title game rout of the Colts.
“All 12 of [the Patriots’] balls having something wrong with them does tell you something is amiss,” Mangold said with a grin after playing alongside Richardson for Irvin’s team.
Added Mangold: “It does seem like it’s always something with the Patriots. It does seem that way.”
Richardson, meanwhile, expressed excitement about the hiring of Todd Bowles to replace Rex Ryan and especially the addition of former Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson as his new position coach.
Richardson said he met with Bowles last week and is eager to see what Bowles — the former Cardinals defensive coordinator — and Johnson have in mind for him, especially after he played some linebacker in the Pro Bowl and broke up a pass.
Richardson said he was sorry to see Ryan get fired but was excited by Ryan being hired by the AFC East-rival Bills.
“That’s hilarious!” Richardson said when asked his reaction to Ryan going to the Bills. “And to be able to face him two times a year? I can’t wait.”