New England Patriots links 9/21/18 - Will return of the run game break out vs. Lions?

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino shares the news, notes and locker-room buzz from Thursday at Gillette: Jonathan Jones intends to make the most of his second chance.
• What they are saying: Detroit Lions.
• Patriots Hall of Fame celebrates 10th anniversary: Next week, the Patriots will welcome home a dozen Patriots Hall of Famers for this year’s induction ceremony honoring Matt Light, who will be the franchise’s 25th player enshrined into the team’s hall of fame.
• Don Banks’ Week 3 NFL picks. Patriots win.

LOCAL LINKS

• Matt Vautour notes Josh Gordon presents a unique preparation problem for Detroit if he plays Sunday.
• Ryan Hannable tells us what’s a realistic expectation for Josh Gordon (if he plays) vs. the Lions.
• Ryan Hannable says don’t be surprised if the Patriots we see Sunday night in Detroit look different than what we’ve seen in the first two games.And no, it’s not just potentially having Josh Gordon on the field -- although, that is where it starts.
• Michael Hurley says forget about Josh Gordon, it’s the Patriots’ trio of running backs that will be actually making an impact on Sunday night’s game.
• Michael Hurley tells us what to watch for Sunday night in Detroit: This Sunday should mark the first time that Derek Rivers steps onto an NFL field for an actual game.
• Dave Brown is snarkily wondering if the Patriots’ dynasty can survive an 11-point Week 2 road loss.
• Chris Blackey (DiehardBostonSportsFans) Patriots tidbits as we wait until Sunday. 1. Robert Kraft goes for 300.
• Thomas Murphy (DiehardBostonSportsFans) Monster keys to Patriots-Lions. 2. Open some holes.
• Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Patriots-Lions Week 3: Players to watch. 1. RB Sony Michel.
• David Albiani (FullPressCoverage) What to watch for: Patriots vs. Lions. 1. Josh Gordon: Active or inactive?
• Andrew Callahan wonders if the Pats could move Jason McCourty to safety Sunday night, and notes he has taken practice reps at safety in case of emergency -- like if Patrick Chung doesn’t play.
• Bill Burt suggests that an off-season from hell may be the Patriots biggest issue, presenting us with a “decent to good team, that is playing decent to good football.” /Huh.
• Mike Reiss shares the football journey of Adrian Clayborn: Clayborn inspires by playing in the NFL despite Erb’s palsy.
• Ryan Hannable notes Bill Belichick finally talks about Josh Gordon: “Everybody feels this is a talented player.”
• Kevin Duffy reports Josh Gordon gets backing from some former teammates.
• Matt Dolloff posts a quick video clip of Tom Brady and the pass rushers getting after it at practice on Thursday.
• Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: Cornerback Cyrus Jones may be asked to play some safety during his second go-round in New England.
• Ryan Hannable mentions Rob Gronkowski (ankle) was added to the injury report, but hears that reportedly it’s not a concern.
• Kevin Duffy gives us a practice participation update and notes Trey Flowers and Patrick Chung missed their second straight practice.
• Nick O’Malley reveals that Matt Patricia is a genius at talking without actually saying anything. /Gasp!
• Michael Hurley points out what’s been bugging him about that asinine Tom Brady comment in that new Bill Belichick book,and settles the question once and for all.
• Alex Reimer calls out the double-standard in NFL disciplinary matters as the Patriots appear to be judged on a much stricter curve than their competition. /(cough, Ravens, cough)
• Ryan Hannable highlights WEEI guest Peter King, who is not a fan of the Josh Gordon Trade.
• Russ Goldman (PatsFans) Patriots Fourth and Two Podcast: Patriots vs. Lions preview. (41.42 min.)
• Jim Lazar imagines the ‘pleasantries’ exchanged between Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia before the teacher schools the student, and makes his Week 3 Picks. Patriots win 32-20.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Josh Gordon must adapt to the Patriot Way to make pairing with Bill Belichick work.
• Danny Kelly (The Ringer) How Josh Gordon could change the geometry of the Patriots offense.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Report: Patriots get seventh-round pick with no conditions in Josh Gordon trade.
• Conor Orr (SI) Morning Huddle: Browns finally get their winning moment with Baker Mayfield under center.
• Kevin Clark (The Ringer) The four must-see matchups for NFL Week 3. 4. Matt Patricia vs. Bill Belichick. /3. The Steelers vs. a lost season. Heh heh.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) Nine questions for NFL Week 3. 6. What will the Patriots get from Josh Gordon?
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) PFT’s Week Three picks. Florio: Patriots 34-20; MDS: Patriots 35-20.
• MMQB Staff (SI) NFL expert picks: Week 3. All 7 pick Patriots to win.
• Sports Staff (USA Today) Week 3 NFL picks. All 5 pick Patriots to win.

VIEW FROM DETROIT

• Shawn Windsor (Detroit Free Press) Here’s what Bill Belichick has that Lions coach Matt Patricia doesn’t.
• John Niyo (Detroit News) Patricia faces spotlight out from under Belichick’s shadow.
• Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Here’s what Detroit must do to beat New England.
• Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions must slow down Rob Gronkowski to beat Patriots. But how?
• Mike O’Hara (DetroitLions) Week 3 checklist: Lions vs. Patriots: Put pressure on Brady and force him into mistakes.
• Justin Rogers (Detroit News) Patricia knows exactly what new Patriots WR Josh Gordon can do.
• Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions’ Golden Tate: First win is always the toughest to get.
• Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions pass rush goes from weak to wild, tied for 3rd in sacks.
• Justin Rogers (Detroit News) Lions’ Quin says instincts are lagging in new scheme.
• Rob Beard (Detroit News) Lions tight end Roberts relishes end of scoreless streak.
• Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker disagrees with Spielman on tipping plays.
• Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free Press) Preview Lions-Patriots: Lions’ vibe feels different, but can they upset the Patriots? (15.28 min. video)