Patriots OLB Tully Banta-Cain faced the Browns after the death of his grandfather

Tully Banta-Cain missed Friday’s practice while he attended to some personal matters, only to return for Sunday’s loss to the Browns. After the game, one that saw him make six tackles, the veteran pass-rusher explained where he’d been. His grandfather, Julius Cain, died at the age of 91, and Banta-Cain flew to North Carolina to be with his family. Here is the obituary for his grandpa. Tully was back by the flight to Cleveland Saturday afternoon, and he spoke with me later about playing amid the sadness. “You just try to use it as inspiration and motivation,” Banta-Cain said, “to really go out and try to play in his honor.” (more…)