TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino shares the news, notes and locker-room buzz from Wednesday at Gillette: Hightower anxious for opener.
- Don Banks notes ex-NFL ref Gene Steratore shared memories of calling games involving Tom Brady and the Patriots, including the broken nose he got digging Brady out of a pile of Jets players.
- Press Conference transcript: Bill Belichick.
- Conference Call transcript: J.J. Watt.
- Angelique Fiske reports Patrick Chung lands on the cover of Improper Bostonian.
- Press Pass: Players react to excitement surrounding Week 1. (1.38 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Bill Burt explains this time the Texans are on the offensive and are coming here to win.
- Karen Guregian senses how the receivers all have big chips on their shoulders.
- Kevin Duffy points out Josh McDaniels will need to be extra creative and that the unpredictable nature of the offense could work in the Patriots’ favor.
- Evan Lazar says that finding the Texans pass rushers may prove to be nearly as difficult as blocking them.
- Andrew Callahan talks about how the Texans’ multiple, high-pressure defensive front could give the Patriots trouble.
- Darren Hartwell notes Phillip Dorsett may have familiarity with the Texans from his years playing in the AFC South.
- Doug Kyed finds Jacob Hollister isn’t feeling pressure, despite his likely increased role.
- Ryan Hannable hears Bill Belichick admit that Sony Michel is indeed a little behind.
- Matt Vautour notes Bill Belichick expects facing Tyrann Mathieu will be a challenge.
- Evan Lazar writes the focus on defense is on keeping Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson in the pocket.
- Chris Blackey (DiehardBostonSportsFans) Patriots defense – Top five players to watch In Week 1.
- Zack Cox notes Dont’a Hightoweer is appreciative of Brian Flores’ ‘easier’ defense.
- Ryan Hannable reports Dont’a Hightower changed his offseason routine to help prevent injuries.
- Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Patriots-Texans Week 1 key matchups: Who has the razor’s edge?
- Doug Kyed gives us nine Patriots bold predictions: Who leads Patriots in rushing TDs?
- Kevin Duffy gives us Wednesday’s practice report: Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead participate in drills.
- Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: RB Rex Burkhead appears ready for the opener; Injury update; More.
- Zack Cox Patriots Notes: Pats wary of “Good at everything” DeAndre Hopkins.
- Karen Guregian highlights J.J. Watt singing the praises of Brady and Belichick.
- Ryan Hannable mentions the Patriots reportedly worked out eight players yesterday.
- Ryan Hannable passes along Jon Gruden indicating how Tom Brady was part of the reason he returned to coaching.
- WEEI posts a quiz: How well do you know the 2018 Patriots?
- Mike Cole’s 2018 NFL preview: Division breakdowns, season odds, award predictions and more.
- Mike Reiss notes Tom Brady acknowledged parts of the past couple of seasons were a struggle for him ...while acknowledging that he’s dealing better with media reports of drama surrounding the team.
- Tom E. Curran sums up ‘Tom vs. Time’ as an inside look at a mild midlife crisis. /I see it more as finding work/family life balance, not a crisis by any means.
- Steve Buckley says Tom Brady leaves no doubt that his time isn’t up yet.
- Jerry Thornton (Barstool Sports) Fact: NFL TV ratings are down because America misses Peyton Manning.
- Marcus Kwesi-O’Mard reports Dunkin Donuts apologizes for using Super Bowl cups in New England. /Get your cities straight.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Albert Breer (SI) Game Plan: 32 notes, 32 teams ahead of 2018 NFL season kickoff. Patriots: I believe they’ll be able to get a little something more out of WR Cordarelle Patterson on offense than Oakland or Minnesota did. Given the state of the receiver position in Foxboro, the Patriots could use the help.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) PFT’s 2018 season predictions.
- The Ringer staff (The Ringer) 2018 NFL season predictions.
- Bryan Knowles and Andrew Potter (Football Outsiders) Scramble for the ball: 2018 Awards and stat predictions.
- The Ringer staff (The Ringer) What we’re most excited to watch this season.
- Kevin Seifert (ESPN) Your guide to NFL rule changes for the 2018 season.
- Danny Kelly (The Ringer) How the first month of NFL action could affect the postseason picture.
- John Clayton (WashingtonPost) The NFC is filled with talented QBs, leaving Eagles, other favorites with little room for error.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Tom Brady’s restated goal: Five more years.
- Andy Benoit (SI) How many NFL teams really have a franchise QB?
- Jay Busbee (Yahoo! Sports) NFL’s top preseason jerseys show surprising turnover from 2017. /Except (of course) Tom Brady.
- Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Patriots work out Kendall Wright, Kenjon Barner.
- Game Previews (NFL.com) 11 Things to watch in Week 1. (3.09 min. video) 6. J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson returning to the field vs. AFC champs.
- Michael Lombardi (The Ringer) The genius of Bill Walsh.
- Billy Feola (12Up) 12 Funniest memes from the new Colin Kaepernick Nike ad.
- Ian Rapoport (OMNY) Rapsheet + Friends Podcast: Bill Belichick and the time Tom Brady almost fell off a cliff hitting a meaningless golf shot. (40.32 min.)