Of course, the Patriots will have a bit of an advantage dealing with a rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel. But last week, Ward, the 2025 first overall pick, moved right down the field during the opening series before settling for three points. Kuhr said it’s tough in general to neutralize given the unknown surrounding that first offensive series.

Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start the podcast by talking about the big storylines for Sunday. Then Lance Reisland joins the show to go over his Patriots scouting report and makes his pick. Then Mary Kay and Ashley rejoin the pod and they make their picks for Sunday’s game.

It took the New England Patriots more than two weeks to fill the open spot on their 53-man roster previously occupied by running back and kick returner Antonio Gibson, who will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. When they did, they opted to go for the waiver wire.

Many of the players in Smith’s outside linebackers room have been together since training camp — or longer — so the baptism by tackling drill is a lighthearted way to assimilate new members. It’s something Smith has done since he began coaching outside linebackers with the Jets in 2012.

"Like every other NFL team, the Patriots have already made calls to explore which players might be available before the deadline — and at what price. So far, in what might come as a surprise, the Patriots have made more calls about defensive players than offensive ones, according to a league source."

One of the NFL's best backs of the first half of the season goes up against the one of the NFL's best run defenses. Here's how they match up.

Drake Maye's strong start to the 2025 season has evoked some comparison to New England Patriots great Tom Brady. Just don't ask Mike Vrabel to draw any parallels.

Henderson, who was taken in the second round (38th overall) by the Patriots, was paired with Judkins (taken two picks before by the Browns), by last season. Judkins had 1,060 rushing yards to lead the Buckeyes, while Henderson finished with 1,016.

Outside linebacker Elijah Ponder and safety Craig Woodson returned for Thursday’s work on the Cleveland Browns. Due to knee and ankle ailments, respectively, both had been sidelined in Foxborough to open the week.