Brady to Patriots fans: 'Start drinking early' (water?)

QB Tom Brady doesn't want a wine-and-cheese crowd for the Patriots' home opener Sunday afternoon vs. the Chargers.

But did he really want a water-and-cheese-crowd?

"Start drinking early," he advised Pats fans Wednesday via reporters. "It's a 4:15 game. They have a lot of time to get lubed up, come out here and cheer for the home team."

Brady later made a postscript to his comments via a team spokesman, who said the 2010 MVP "wants everyone to drink a lot of water, stay hydrated. Drink responsibly."

The Patriots will be playing a meaningful game in front of the home fans for the first time since their divisional playoff loss to the Jets in January.

"The crowd, it always helps when they're loud, but we have to give them reasons to be loud," said Brady. "We have to give them reasons to cheer for us."

Dolphins cut Patriots' 99-yard TD victim

In the wake of Tom Brady's franchise-record 517-yard scorching of the Dolphins Monday night, Miami has released CB Benny Sapp, his agent tweeted.

The eight-year veteran was the victim of Brady's 99-yard scoring pass to WR Wes Welker, which tied the NFL record for longest play from scrimmage.

Sapp started six games last year for Miami and picked off two passes.

The departure of Sapp leaves Nolan Carroll and rookie Jimmy Wilson as the Dolphins' backup cornerbacks. Starters Vontae Davis and Sean Smith were also beaten repeatedly by the Patriots.

Miami will look to shore up its defensive backfield with WR Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans up next.