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The Patriots barley get a win over the Bears

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The Patriots get a win barley

A sloppy performance by the Patriots with turnovers and almost blowing it at the end. However, a win is a win, right? I don’t remember an ugly win like what we saw today from this Patriots team. Also, Bears quarterback Mitch  Trubisky ran all over the Patriots defense like he was Michael Vick at the beginning of the game. He rushed for six carries for 81 yards and one touchdown. Really, there’s no excuse for that Patriots defense to give up all those rushing yards to a quarterback.

As for Cordarrelle Patterson, who made up for a fumble earlier in the game by returning a punt for a touchdown, celebrated too early. Cross the line in the end zone. Then you can celebrate. Patterson was at the 10-yard line when he reached over and high fived J.C. Jackson before he scored. Belichick will be giving Patterson an earful on that one.

The Patriots improve to 5-2 on the season

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Brady had a careless interception to James Devlin late in the fourth quarter to give the Bears a chance to go down the field and score. Then the final play of the game, with that hail mary pass, that almost tied the game for Chicago if the Patriots defense didn’t stop Kevin White on the one-yard line. It’s one of those games that you just get on the plane learn from it and fix what happened in this game today.

Chris Hogan had himself a game today and so did Josh Gordon. Gordon is really finding himself in this offense which is great. James White and Julian Edelman also had some good plays today.

Overall, there’s no excuse why that game was close. Sony Michel left the game with a bad knee injury and was carted to the locker room from the sideline. James White stepped up in a big way today. Rob Gronkowski didn’t even make the trip to Chicago as the Patriots are saving him for the Bills game next Monday Night. They’ll make the corrections from today’s game and be ready to pound the Bills next Monday.

Patriots versus Bears Game Preview

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Patriots travel to the windy city

The Patriots will travel to take on the Bears on Sunday afternoon. After barely beating the Kansas City Chiefs to improve to 4-2 on the season, the Patriots face a tough Chicago Bear defense on Sunday who allowed just 41 points in the first three weeks of the season but let up 31 against Brock Osweiler and the Dolphins last week. Bears also failed to sack Dolphin quarterback Brock Osweiler on 44 dropbacks and lost the game by 3 in overtime. The Bears are now 3-2 so what do the Patriots have to do to win the game?

Patriots and Bears should be a good matchup

On offense, the Bears rank 10th in points, 19th in yards, 22nd in passing yards and 8th in rushing yards.  On defense, the Bears rank 4th in points, 10th in yards, 16th in passing yards and 4th in rush yards.

For the Patriots on offense, the Patriots rank 4th in points, 14th in yards, 19th in passing yards, and 11th in rushing yards. On the defensive side, the Patriots rank 19th in points,  20th in yards, 21st in passing yards, and 18th in rushing yards.

Belichick is impressed with the Bears

Bill Belichick is impressed with the Bears saying yesterday at his press conference. “This has been a really impressive team to watch. Obviously, a team we don’t know very well and a lot of changes since the last time we saw them, even in practice a couple years ago here. But, changes on the coaching staff, a lot of changes on the players, but playing very well. They’re really a good defensive team, take the ball away, powerful up front, a lot of good, smart coverage players. You know, Vic [Fangio] does a really good job with that group.”

Overall, the Patriots need to move the ball and score early. Gronkowski will most likely be double covered, so that gives room for the other receivers to get open. Expect Chris Hogan to have a good game as he caught two huge passes from Brady towards the end of the Kansas City game. Also, Sony Michel should find some holes and have a good running game too. Get ready for those screen passes with James White and even Edelman. Also possibly Josh Gordon with the deep ball. Defense needs to also play better for 60 minutes than they did in the second half of the Kansas City game. It will be close, but the Patriots should pull it out.

 

Tom Brady-200 WIN QB

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200 WINS FOR THE 199th DRAFT PICK

Tom Brady is the only Quarterback in NFL History to win 200 regular season games. He has been a part of great teams throughout his career, which have contributed to this milestone. Brady would be the first one to deflect this achievement and speak about all the great players who have helped him get to this point.

On the other hand, Brady has put this team on his back many of times and won in spite of poor defensive play. That is something Tom would never say, so I’ll say it for him. He’s done more with less than any QB in history.

Brady reaches 200 wins

Via hubwav

Brady already held the record for most regular season wins for a quarterback. He passed Peyton Manning and Brett Favre last October, winning his 187th game, passing the previous record of 186 in a win against the Jets.

NUMBER 200 WAS A SHOOTOUT

Number 200 came against the hottest offense in the NFL through 5 games, the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Because of Tom’s age, the media wanted this game to be a passing of the torch. A loss for Brady and a win for the young gun slinger.

Brady, just as he started his career, drove his offense down the field like he has, well 199 other times. His 39 yard strike to Rob Gronkowski set up Stephen Gostkowski’s game winning field goal. New England won 43-40 in this week 6 track meet, as the offense stepped up and traded punches with the Chiefs.

Tom Brady went 24 of 35 for 340 yards, with one TD and zero interceptions. He also got his team the lead back in the fourth quarter by scoring a rushing TD to add to his stat line.

THIS ISN’T OVER

For a quarterback to be able to achieve a record like this, it takes talent and longevity. Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback to have ever played in the NFL, and he’s not done yet. His relentless desire to win combined with the way he takes care of himself, has allowed him to be an extremely durable piece for the Patriots.

As Brady has said many times before, he plans to play until he is 45. But I can assure you it’s not for records like this. He is chasing that sixth Super Bowl Championship that New England fell short of last year.

Brady has his offense back

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Tom is a walking Hall of Famer and he still isn’t satisfied. He is on a different level compared to other quarterbacks. Brady will look to win number 201 next week against a dominant Chicago Bears defense.

At the end of the day Brady has records stacked on top of records, but all he wants is more Super Bowl Rings. His dedication and love for the game makes everyone around him better. His Patriots are now 4-2, despite some writing this team off. Focusing on one game at a time, Brady is already studying the Bears defense to see where he can exploit them next week.

200 wins is quite the achievement, especially when he has 27 postseason wins on top of that. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are on to Chicago, trying to keep these wins coming.

 

Takeaways from Patriots versus Chiefs

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Patriots versus Chiefs felt like a playoff atmosphere

That Sunday night had the feel of a playoff game. 83 points were scored between the two teams. Going into the game, you knew it was going to be high scoring. Patrick Mahomes let the inexperience get to him in the first half throwing two interceptions. However, the Patriots defense fell asleep and connected with Tyreek Hill for a 75 yard touchdown with time winding down in the fourth quarter. The game looked over at halftime the score was 24-9 and the Kansas City defense couldn’t stop the Patriots in the running game or the passing game.

The Patriots could host the Chiefs in the playoffs

According to NFL Research, the Patriots have won 88 straight games when leading by 14+ points at halftime. In the second half, the first time the Chiefs had the ball, Mahomes would find Kareem Hunt for the 67 yard touchdown. It’s like the Patriots defense fell asleep for the entire second half. Even on the Chiefs side, the Patriots were moving the ball all over the place and that defense couldn’t stop it. Mahomes is the real deal though and will be a special player for years to come. The strip sack by Brady to put the Chiefs right back into the game is something we don’t see from Brady.

The Chiefs scored too quickly even Brady said it after the game. “I think, I’m glad when he was running — Tyreek was running to score — I said, ‘Good, score quick.’ Because then we had enough time.” Really Mahomes will learn from that and move the ball down the field as Brady did. Three minutes is too long to give Brady enough time to move the ball and score. Nice win for the Patriots though when they meet again in the playoffs the game will be in Foxborough.

The Hightower interception was perfect and he read Mahomes perfectly on that play. The Patriots did a good job at getting to Mahomes in the first half. Then Mahomes found his quick release in the second and started making plays for the Chiefs. Overall, a great game and I can’t wait for these two to meet again in the playoffs.

 

Patriots Stock: Risers/Fallers

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Patriots Stock Watch: Players rising and falling

photo cred- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-has-thrown-a-td-pass-to-an-nfl-record-71-players-and-heres-a-list-of-all-of-them/

 

Whats up #PatsNation?! I’m here to discuss the New England Patriots stock value on three rising players and three falling players who need to step it up as we continue to roll through this 2018 season. After a slow, frustrating start to the year the Patriots are finally getting in a groove which is a DISASTER for the rest of the NFL. Brady looks like Brady, the defense/secondary is improving, and Edleman is back and causing havoc for opposing team defenses.

Lets take a look at which three players I think have their stock on the rise and which three players stock is falling, shall we?

 

On the RISE:

  1. Julian Edelman:

Patriots fans rejoiced as JE11 finally made his way onto the field after a year-long absence. Not only was JE11 the shot of adrenaline this team needed, but he’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Brady. Julian’s impact showed INSTANTLY when guys like Patterson, Gronk, Hogan, Gordon and the guys in the backfield were able to get open with more frequency than prior weeks.

Look for this offense to get better and better each week with Julian back on the field

2. Jason McCourty:

After losing Malcolm Butler to the Titans, Patriots fans were left wondering what their secondary would look like. Sure, the Patriots had names like Stephon Gilmore, Devin McCourty, and Patrick Chung return but there still were questions that needed to be answered. It may be a blessing in disguise when the Patriots brought in a veteran presence and Devin McCourty’s identical twin, Jason McCourty (yet another Rutgers alum).

Many questioned if J-Mac would make the team out of preseason. I’m sure ALL of patriot nation is happy with the production from him thus far. J-Mac’s veteran ability has been noticed in the locker room and on the field as he has shut down nearly every WR who has lined up against him.

Be on the look out for the brothers McCourty to keep causing headaches for WR’s on a weekly basis.

 

3. Sony Michel / James White:

Yes, I know I said three guys but these two have been a dynamic duo in the backfield this season. Injuries have helped them become a force and both are succeeding quite nicely. Sony has come along nicely the past few weeks after fans were doubting his draft status, position and overall talent and capabilities at the NFL level.

James “sweetfeet” White on the other hand has always shown how great he can be for this team. It became more evident when Tom Brady himself called for more dosages of White in the offense. So far, all he has done is deliver.

Pending Rex Burkhead’s return, these two should continue to be monsters out of the backfield going forward.

 

Starting to FALL

  1. Dont’a Hightower:

Since returning from injury, the always reliable Hightower has just not looked like himself these first 5 weeks of the season. This has led him to be on the “fall” list.

Dont’a has not been recording the number of tackles that we would like to see these first few weeks. He has produced 9 solo tackles and 9 helpers for a total of 18 tackles in 5 games. This does include 1 forced fumble, but no recorded sacks. I would suggest moving him to defensive end here and there to help the pass rush. Unfortunately the linebacker core is so thin that unless a trade happens, a Hightower position switch isn’t in the foreseeable future.

If Hightower can remain healthy and get his legs back then look for him to make a HUGE impact for this defense and the run stop going forward.

 

2. Danny Shelton:

Danny Shelton was brought into New England to do one thing, and one thing only. STOP THE RUN! So far ,when watching the games live and in person, it seems like two guys have taken the starting DT jobs. Those guys are Lawrence Guy and Malcom Brown. They seem to have taken Shelton completely out of the picture when it comes to the run game. Hopefully it’s just a case where he needs more time to learn the defense, but we do need Shelton on the field in big games to plug the middle and disrupt the opposing team’s running game.

Look for Shelton to get some more playing time down the stretch and hopefully make a bigger impact on the field.

3. Eric Rowe:

Rowe is only 26 years old and a former second round talent, but good lord he has been ATROCIOUS in his time with the Pats dating back to last years Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Also, he has been inactive a majority of the games thus far this season and is taking the form of a ghost.

Thankfully, guys like Gilmore, Devin and Jason McCourty, Pat Chung, Jon Jones, and Duron Harmon have stepped up and given this secondary/defense a HUGE BOOST when needed. It is now safe to say unless Rowe can turn it around, he is now more of a liability on the field than Ryan Gosling was in, “Remember The Titans”.

 

That ends this edition of stock up / stock down for your New England Patriots through the first 5 weeks of football.

Stay tuned for more great articles from myself and the other great contributors at Boston Sports Extra. Be sure to give me a follow on Twitter @B_Murph1021 and visit https://bostonsportsextra.com/ to get more content on all your favorite New England teams!

Boston Sports Extra at the Bill Belichick Foundation Event

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Great event at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center

Last night was a great event benefiting the Bill Belichick Foundation. The Foundation provides coaching, mentorship, and financial support to individuals, communities, and organizations. The Belichick Foundation also has scholarships, and grants to give college students who are excelling academically while participating in athletics.

This was the fifth year of the Hall of Fame Huddle event and it was a baseball theme. Major League Baseball Hall Of Famers Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, and Jim Thome were the guests. Bill Belichick and the Executive Director of the Bill Belichick Foundation Linda Holliday were the hosts. Scott Zolak kicked things off with a great introduction to Bill Belichick. Former Patriot Jerod Mayo auctioned lots of great items such as trips to the ALCS playoff packages.

It Was A Baseball-Themed Event

Tony La Russa was a three-time World Series Champion. Four times he won Manager of the Year and is a Hall of Famer. Joe Torre was a four-time World Series Champion and a Hall Of Famer. He was also a two-time Manager of the Year award winner. Finally, Jim Thome is a Hall Of Fame Inductee for the class of 2018. He was a five-time All-Star and finished with 612 career home runs. Watching Belichick talk baseball with three Major League Baseball Hall of Famers was something special.

I was very fortunate enough to cover that event last night for Boston Sports Extra. Having a baseball theme was pretty cool, too. It was perfect to have a baseball theme when the Red Sox are playing in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. President of Baseball Operations for the Red Sox Dave Dombrowski was there, as well. I wished him luck in the ALCS and congratulated him on a successful season.

Joe Torre wouldn’t pick a winner of the ALCS during the media portion of the event, however, he did say it would be a great series. Overall it’s a great foundation and last night was a great event. To find out more about the foundation head to https://billbelichickfoundation.org/.

 

The Patriots May have the Best Running Back Tandem that Brady Has Ever Seen

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THE ROOKIE RB

Sony Michel

Sony is showing why he was a 1st round pick

New England has two outstanding RBs. First, there is Sony Michel, who’s knee issue during training camp led him to miss all of the preseason. Michel’s play this year has improved each game since week 2, where he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. Each week that number grew, along with his confidence.

Against the colts on Thursday Night Football, the rookie’s average jumped up to a solid 5.4 yards per carry. New England’s first round pick is starting to show he is a special player. He is a more patient runner now, allowing his lineman to set up their blocks. He also is learning from an experienced teammate, a great pass catching back that will improve his game even more.

These two backs are perfect for each other and Sony is on the rise.

THE EXPERIENCED RB SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE

James White does it all

(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)

James White’s play allowed New England to keep their heads above water without Edelman for the first four games this year. White has become Tom Brady’s most reliable target. As a running back, White leads the team in receptions(32) and receiving touchdowns(4) with another rushing score. While leading the Patriots with 5 Touchdowns, White is also averaging a career best 4.8 Yards per carry.

As well as James White has played thus far, he has also been Sony Michel’s mentor. Any question at practice or in a game, James is there to answer the youngster, and help him in any way. Despite both playing the same position, James White unselfishly is grooming the first round pick. White’s knowledge of the Patriots system allows Michel to soak up every bit of information he gets.

New England is facing its toughest challenge thus far, under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football against Kansas City. James White has played on much bigger stages, at an MVP level. He will prepare Sony for his biggest game as a pro, knowing New England’s RBs could carry the load Sunday Night.

TWO HEADED RB ATTACK

Running mates

Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Sony Michel could have the Football in his hands a lot Sunday night. Both RBs will be heavily involved, trying to win time of possession against a KC team that can light up the score board. When you have two running backs like White and Michel, the Patriots should lean on the ground game and keep Patrick Mahomes on the sideline.

Super Bowl hero James White and first round pick Sony Michel are sure to be one of the NFL’s most lethal running back tandems. White has been the most important player through the first 5 weeks, while teaching his fellow running back everything he knows.

Rookie Sony Michel’s arrow is pointing straight up. He’s adjusted to the difference from college to pro ball. Patriot fans are watching Michel turn into a star, some doubted him, while others like myself believed he could be the best RB drafted this year. Even with the slow start, there is plenty of time left for Michel to be in the conversation for rookie of the year. He’s done nothing but improve each week. He also has the opportunity to pick James White’s brain everyday. The Rookie’s ceiling couldn’t be higher.

New England has had great RB committee’s before, but this season Tom Brady might be playing with the best RB tandem of his career. Which is high praise for these two young running backs, considering past Patriot greats like Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk.

Make sure you follow us on twitter @BosSportsExtra. These backs need a nickname, because they are going to be very special playing together. Leave us you’re ideas on our Twitter or Facebook page.

Bill Belichick Knows the Chiefs Will Be Tough

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Big Game on Sunday Night Football

The Patriots host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. This really is a big matchup for the Patriots as it could decide who is home or away in the playoffs. The Patriots defense might have a tough time with the Chiefs offense. Belichick said on Monday Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could throw a pass out of the stadium. Tight end Travis Kelce seems like Mahomes’ favorite target to throw too. That defense could have their handful on Sunday night.

Bill Belichick Knows It’ll Be a Tough Matchup

Via New England PatriotsBill Belichick met the media Wednesday and said, “Alright, well I think it’s fortunate that we’ve had a couple of extra days here to work on Kansas City. They’re obviously a really good football team, do a lot of things well. We need a lot of extra time to prepare for this team. They give you a lot of problems with their scheme, their players. They’re very well-coached, as they always are with Andy [Reid]. Just a very explosive group. It’s easy to see why they’re undefeated. This will be a big challenge for us this week. We’ll have to do a lot of things well and do them consistently, do them for 60 minutes. That’s what this week is about for us, playing good football, 60 minutes of it. That’s what it’ll take.”

And Belichick was also asked about Mahomes as a player, and Belichick spoke highly of him: “He’s got a good team, a good coach, a good offensive line. He’s got a lot of skill players. They’re very efficient. They can run it. They can throw it, big plays. Tight ends, backs, receivers, quarterback – they’re a very explosive group.”

With ten days to work on Kansas City, it gives them enough time to get ready for the game. Belichick wouldn’t answer if he was playing for the number one seed in the conference, just saying they are playing Kansas City. The Chiefs have given the Patriots trouble recently and with a young good quarterback who can throw is good for Kansas City. Finally, the Patriots have a tough test on Sunday night but both teams will be ready for it.

Jason McCourty Emerging As One Of New England’s top Defenders

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J-Mac Was No Lock To Even Make This Team

When Jason McCourty came to New England from Cleveland, Belichick brought him in to see what he had left. After OTA’s and the Preseason, McCourty was no lock to make this team, and he knew it. He admitted it after Thursday’s Win. Halfway through camp, Belichick wanted to see what he could do at safety. Most would say that after the last preseason game things weren’t looking great for the veteran.

Twin Power?

Jason McCourty Playing great so far

Making The Most Of His Opportunity

Eric Rowe’s injury opened the door for Jason McCourty, from a bubble guy to one of the Patriot’s best defenders. He contributed to the win over the colts in a big way. Andrew Luck targeted McCourty 10 times with J-Mac allowing just 44 yards. Luck had a measly 14.2 rating throwing at the veteran.

McCourty’s been stellar through five games on the field, He’s only allowed 13 receptions on 26 targets, for just 116 yards on the year. His play isn’t going unnoticed either, as Pro Football Focus has him as the 4th ranked cornerback.

The Patriots have young and hungry cornerbacks looking to make a name for themselves. For now, McCourty’s the guy moving forward.

J-Mac Plays Hard And Studies Hard

Jason is intelligent, which is no surprise after watching his twin brother Devin for years. J-Mac can play both cornerback and safety. He put the work in to ensure his spot on the Patriots. His brother Devin started out playing cornerback and was named to the Pro Bowl his first year. After a good season at cornerback, Devin moved to Safety. Sound familiar?

Jason having the opportunity to play alongside his twin has certainly helped him pick up the playbook, and the culture in New England. Coming from the Browns, Jason is now giving passionate pregame speeches to the defense, and he is loving every minute of being a Patriot. His passion and appreciation for winning came out after the win Thursday night. Cameras picked up J-Mac running around the locker room yelling about winning, smiling ear to ear.

Jason McCourty is a big hit with the coaches

Jason McCourty is just happy playing for New England

Coming from an organization that went winless last year, Jason said he doesn’t care what position he plays. The scene in the locker room Thursday night said it all. “I’ve done a lot of losing, I like this!” Now he’s on a team that will use him to the best of his abilities, and the coaching staff loves him.

McCourty has revived his career this season. hH’s not just one of the best defenders on the Patriots, he’s a top 5 cornerback in the NFL. Based on his attitude and work ethic, I don’t see why his play should slow down anytime soon. Cornerback or Safety it doesn’t matter to Jason. More importantly, the coaching staff has confidence in him. He will continue to learn to be even more versatile. A move that was questioned in the offseason is paying off for the team and for Jason McCourty.

 

The Patriots Game Plan VS. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

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The Pats are right where they need to be

The Patriots at this point are just where they should be. After an average September the Patriots are 3-2 after their win on Thursday Night Football. Now, all their attention is on the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has been unstoppable to start the season. He’s thrown for fourteen touchdowns to just one interception. In his five games as a starter, he’s 5-0 with a 64.7 completion percentage. He’s also thrown for 1,484 yards.

His biggest test is a week from today on Sunday Night Football as the Patriots take on Kansas City at home. The question is- what can the Patriots do to stop Mahomes?

How the Patriots match up with Mahomes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdc2LxVeHrI

Mahomes was impressive against Denver’s defense in week 4. He knew he had to get rid of the ball quickly and make plays. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Mahomes threw for 192 of his 304 passing yards while outside of the pocket.

The Patriots rushing defense ranks 21st in the NFL through five games giving up 21.6 points per game. They’ve also given up 570 yards on the defensive side of the ball. The rushing offense for the Patriots and Kansas City are both tied at six in the AFC.  Kansas City scores 36.2 points per game rushing the ball, according to NFL.com. They also have 145 total points rushing the ball, and 452 yards.

Comparing Kansas City and New England

On the receiving side, Kansas City ranks fifth in the AFC with 1,200 yards.  Mahomes has been so consistent connecting with his weapons on the field all season. He threw in the back of the end zone after getting hit twice in the week four win over the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots gameplan going into this game is to get to Mahomes to make him get rid of the ball quickly. For Mahomes that should be easy considering he has great chemistry with tight end Travis Kelce, who has 307 yards and three touchdowns this season. Patriots defensive line should also watch out for Kansas City running back Kareem hunt who has 289 yards and three touchdowns this season. Finally, Tyreek Hill has good chemistry with Mahomes as well, catching for 364 yards and three scores.

Game of the week next week

The matchup would probably be Stephon Gilmore on Tyreek Hill and Jason McCourty on Sammy Watkins, who has 14 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. Expect Kyle Van Knoy to have a good game on Sunday. He finished with six tackles on the Thursday Night Football in the win over the Colts.

The Patriots offense shouldn’t have a problem moving the ball against Kansas City. The Chiefs rank first in receiving on the defensive side of the ball.  Look for Brady to find Gronkowski, James White, and Edelman next Sunday. The Patriots rank 10th in receiving in the AFC they have 133 133 total points through five games and 1,259 yards.