Tag: New England patriots

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NFL (American Football)

Cassel: Vrabel is set to assert his influence in the Patriots’ front office in Foxborough

Mike Vrabel in the 1st half

Cassel: Vrabel will ‘make his presence felt’ with Pats front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, and we shouldn’t have to wait long before he starts making changes to the team.

Vrabel is known for being a tough, straightforward coach. He holds his players accountable and expects a high level of performance across the organization.

One key thing to watch is how Vrabel will work with the front office, especially with Eliot Wolf, the executive vice president of player personnel.

It’s well known that Wolf and his team haven’t done well in picking good players through the NFL Draft or free agency. Many believe the Patriots have one of the weakest rosters in the league.

How much influence Vrabel will have in making roster decisions is still unclear, but according to his former teammate Matt Cassel, the new coach won’t hesitate to speak his mind.

“He’s a guy that’s not going to hold any punches,” Cassel said. “He doesn’t care about your feelings. He’s going to get it right. And so that will be an interesting dynamic to see how it all goes with Eliot Wolf and everybody else in that organization, because he will be the clear, defined leader.

“And I don’t think that he takes this job unless that was expressed to him that he’s going to have most of the control over this roster, over big decisions being made. That’s really, I feel, the only way this works.

“Because when you come into a situation and you’ve got a GM in place or a player personnel guy and a new head coach, you have to make him feel comfortable that the decisions that are going to be made are going to be decisions that he wants the organization to go directionally.

Mike Vrabel will take over as coach after New England fired Jerod Mayo last week

“And Mike, again, the one thing I’ll say, he doesn’t lack confidence. He knows what he wants to do and he’s going to go in and make his presence felt right away.”

The Patriots have a lot of areas to improve on, especially on offense. It’s very important for the team to get quarterback Drake Maye more help at the skill positions and along the offensive line.

Cassel, who played with Vrabel for six seasons in New England (2005-08) and Kansas City (2009-10), believes Vrabel will be able to help bring in players to New England. Plus, the Patriots are expected to have the most salary cap space of any team, around $130 million.

“I think (Maye) impressed everybody, and he was above and beyond where I thought he was going to be this season, particularly with the roster on the offensive side of the ball and this offensive line,” Cassel said. “I think that’s where you have to start if you’re the Patriots, and they’ve got the money to address it this offseason.

“Bringing in a guy like Mike Vrabel, who’s not only respected as a player but also as a coach, and he’s had success in the league, I think for namesake alone, he’s going to be able to recruit guys to come and play for him. Anybody that you talk to in the Tennessee Titans organization, they loved him as the head coach.

“They thought he was a guy that came in, gave them stability, had great messaging, and at the same time, he was somebody that led in a way that understood the player. When they needed a little bit of time off, he gave them that.

But he also coached them hard, held them accountable. He understands what he wants to do with this team, and I think that they’ll be able to turn around pretty quickly.”

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NFL (American Football)

Why the Patriots chose Mike Vrabel as their next head coach in New England

Mike Vrabel will take over as coach after New England fired Jerod Mayo last week

The New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach a week after they let go of Jerod Mayo. This decision was expected by many in the NFL. Vrabel’s experience as a coach, where he had a 54-45 record over six seasons with the Tennessee Titans and a 2-3 record in the playoffs, made him an attractive option for the Patriots.

The connection between Vrabel and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who knew him from his time as a player for New England, also played a role in the decision. Vrabel was a linebacker for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, and Kraft had a good relationship with him.

This marks the fourth time Kraft has hired a head coach since owning the team in 1994. The other coaches were Pete Carroll (1997-1999), Bill Belichick (2000-2023), and Jerod Mayo (2024). ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss answers four key questions about Vrabel’s hiring, including what happens next. National reporter Dan Graziano shares his thoughts on the hire, while draft analyst Matt Miller looks ahead to the draft. Finally, analyst Ben Solak gives a grade for the hire.

What makes Vrabel the right choice for the Patriots?
Vrabel has shown that he can build a winning culture, which the Patriots need after Kraft mistakenly thought Mayo, who was only 38, was ready for the job after five years as an assistant coach. Vrabel, at 49, brings order, structure, and a strong understanding of game management, skills he developed as a player under Bill Belichick. Belichick often praised Vrabel for being one of the smartest players he coached.

The Patriots need a strong leader to bring together all aspects of their football operations, something they have lacked in recent years. Kraft saw Vrabel’s leadership firsthand as a player and later as an opposing coach who succeeded against New England. It also helps that Vrabel is a Patriots Hall of Famer and spoke highly of the team at his Hall of Fame induction.

Jerod Mayo watches the game from the sidelines

Did the Patriots always want Vrabel to be the coach?
The idea of Vrabel becoming the Patriots’ head coach began last year. New England had included language in Mayo’s contract that made him Belichick’s successor, but sources say that when Vrabel unexpectedly became available in January 2024 after being fired by the Titans, some people in the organization wondered if they should change their plans. However, they eventually decided to stick with Mayo. Vrabel was still available in 2025 and was interviewing with the New York Jets, a division rival, which added context to the Patriots’ decision.

How will this affect quarterback Drake Maye?
A major question surrounding Vrabel’s hiring is what kind of offensive system he plans to implement and who he will choose as the offensive coordinator. Maye will likely play in a different system than the one used by coordinator Alex Van Pelt during his rookie season, and he will also have new position coaches.

This change is significant because many credited Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney for helping Maye develop his skills and refine his footwork, as he had started just 26 games in college. Maye got a glimpse of different NFL offensive systems during the pre-draft process when he met with various teams, and he has noted that some systems place more responsibility on the quarterback than others.

What should the Patriots do next?
The next step for the Patriots is to hire a general manager who shares Vrabel’s vision for the team. This person will help align all aspects of the organization. One possible candidate is Ryan Cowden, who was a key assistant to Vrabel during his final seasons with the Titans.

The Patriots have never had a general manager under Kraft’s ownership; instead, they have preferred having an executive vice president of player personnel alongside the head coach as the two main leaders. However, this could be the right time for the Patriots to change their approach. Teams like the Patriots have grown significantly since the 1990s, and hiring a general manager to support the head coach is more important than ever.

Vrabel, who played for Bill Belichick in New England, is now tasked with leading the team.

What are people saying around the league about the hire?
Many people weren’t surprised by the Patriots hiring Vrabel. It seemed like the direction the team was headed all week, with the only uncertainty coming from the Patriots’ interest in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, Vrabel’s in-person interview and his prior relationship with the team played a significant role in the decision.

Some people, however, have questioned the hire. They feel that after having Belichick for 24 years and firing him, the Patriots quickly hired Mayo without much of a search, then fired Mayo after one season and quickly hired Vrabel. While Vrabel is a strong coach and likely the right choice, some believe the Patriots could have benefited from considering other candidates before choosing someone they already knew well.

New England Patriots players in the first half of the game

How can Vrabel improve the roster with the No. 4 pick?
The Patriots should focus on improving the entire team rather than just offense or defense. There will be outside pressure to build around Maye, but improving the offensive line and wide receiver corps should be priorities for the offseason. However, they don’t need to focus on these areas with the No. 4 pick.

Picking players based solely on need is what keeps bad teams stuck in a cycle of losing. Instead, the Patriots should go with the best available player, which could be someone like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who would be a perfect fit for a defense that already has strong players like Christian Gonzalez and Keion White. The Patriots should be open to improving any position other than quarterback, but Carter would be a great pick if he’s still available when they choose.

How would you grade this hire?
B+. Vrabel is definitely a solid head coach. His strong defenses and overall roster strength during his time with the Titans prove his coaching abilities. His return to New England is positive, as he was a successful player there and knows how to apply Belichick’s system while adding his own perspective from his time away.

There are questions about how Vrabel will fill out his offensive staff and whether he will be able to work well with the team’s personnel executives, but his hiring significantly improves the prospects of a Patriots team looking to get back into playoff contention.

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NFL (American Football)

New England Patriots Part Ways with Head Coach After One Season

Jerod Mayo reacts in the 1st half

In a surprising move, Jerod Mayo is out after just one year as head coach of the New England Patriots, the team announced Sunday.

The Patriots ended the 2024 season with a 4-13 record. Mayo’s one-year stint ties him with Rod Rust, who went 1-15 in 1990, for the shortest head coaching tenure in the franchise’s history.

“For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community.

When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evident, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach.

Winning our season-opener on the road at Cincinnati only strengthened my convictions. Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”

“Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years. I apologize for that.

I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time.”

The Patriots won Mayo’s final game as head coach, a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, which moved New England from the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft to No. 4.

Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft will now start their search for the Patriots’ 16th head coach. Former New England linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is expected to be one of the candidates they will interview.

New England Patriots playes in the training

Robert Kraft expected “growing pains” in Mayo’s first season, partly because Mayo took over a depleted roster. The Patriots entered the season with one of the lowest expected win totals, tied with the Carolina Panthers at 4.5 wins. This decision to let Mayo go reflects Kraft’s view that the team’s struggles were not only due to a lack of talent.

Firing a head coach after just one season is rare but not unheard of.

Over the last ten years, Mayo joins a list of other head coaches who were fired after one season, including Frank Reich (Panthers, 2023), Nathaniel Hackett (Denver Broncos, 2022), Lovie Smith (Houston Texans, 2022), David Culley (Texans, 2021), Urban Meyer (Jacksonville Jaguars, 2021), Freddie Kitchens (Cleveland Browns, 2019), Steve Wilks (Arizona Cardinals, 2018), Chip Kelly (San Francisco 49ers, 2016), and Jim Tomsula (49ers, 2015).

Mayo, 38, was chosen by Robert Kraft as the successor to Bill Belichick. Kraft valued Mayo’s ability to connect with younger players. Mayo played linebacker for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015, worked in finance in healthcare after retiring, and was a media personality before joining Belichick’s staff as a linebackers coach from 2019 to 2023.

Before becoming head coach, Mayo had interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Las Vegas Raiders. To prevent losing Mayo, Kraft added language in his contract in 2023 to make him Belichick’s successor. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell later praised the succession clause as “smart management.”

One of the biggest disappointments during Mayo’s short tenure was the defense, which was expected to be his strength, given his background. The defense struggled in multiple areas, ending the season with just 12 takeaways and ranking last in the NFL in quarterback hits, according to ESPN Research.

Mayo also made several comments during the season that he later walked back. For example, he said shortly after being hired that the Patriots would “burn some cash” in free agency, but later clarified that they would spend wisely.

He also made headlines when he called the Patriots “a soft football team across the board” after a sixth straight loss in October. The next day, he clarified that the team was “playing soft.”

Mayo, who spoke more openly with the media than Belichick, admitted multiple times during the season that he would make mistakes as a first-year coach and intended to learn from them. He described his coaching style as focused on “developing people” and noted, “my calling is to be a teacher and help them see what they don’t want to see but need to see.”

The Patriots have not won a playoff game since their 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019.

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NFL (American Football)

Patriots Fire Jerod Mayo, Initiate Search for New Head Coach to Revitalize Franchise

Jerod Mayo
Jerod Mayo

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a bold decision by firing head coach Jerod Mayo just an hour after the team concluded a disappointing 4-13 season with a win over the Buffalo Bills. Despite Kraft once envisioning Mayo as Bill Belichick’s successor, the team’s performance and loss of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft were enough to prompt immediate action. This decisive move highlights Kraft’s commitment to revamping the Patriots and addressing critical shortcomings.

The Patriots now face the critical task of conducting a thorough search for a new head coach. This process will be vital as they attempt to leverage assets such as promising quarterback Drake Maye, significant salary cap space, and a high draft pick to rebuild the franchise. Given their potential, the team is an attractive opportunity for candidates despite their recent struggles. Kraft must find a leader capable of capitalizing on these resources and guiding the team toward a brighter future.

Mike Vrabel stands out as a top candidate, bringing leadership experience from his time as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. A former Patriots player with a strong connection to Kraft, Vrabel has shown his ability to maximize talent and achieve success. Reports indicate that Vrabel is interested in the Patriots job, and Kraft may see him as the ideal candidate to reignite the team’s past successes while bringing a fresh perspective.

Jerod Mayo
Jerod Mayo

Another prominent name is Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, who has played a key role in transforming the Lions into a contender. Johnson’s innovative approach and offensive expertise make him a compelling option to pair with quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots have already requested an interview with Johnson, reflecting their serious interest in his potential to revitalize their offense.

Brian Flores and Kliff Kingsbury are also strong contenders, each offering distinct strengths. Flores, a former Patriots assistant, has rebuilt his reputation as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, while Kingsbury has found success as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator. Both have the credentials to address the team’s needs and could play pivotal roles in shaping the Patriots’ next chapter.

Other candidates include Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Glenn’s defensive acumen and Coen’s offensive creativity add depth to the pool of options Kraft is considering. With so much at stake, the Patriots’ leadership is under pressure to make the right choice and return the team to its winning ways. This decision will shape the future of the franchise and define its direction for years to come.

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NFL (American Football)

Joe Milton III Hooks Up with Kayshon Boutte for 48-Yard TD in Patriots’ Win in Foxborough

Kayshon Boutte and Joe Milton III in the 1st half

The New England Patriots needed to lose their Week 18 game against the Buffalo Bills to secure the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but quarterback Joe Milton didn’t get the message.

Starting quarterback Drake Maye played only one series before being replaced by rookie Milton. Milton, a sixth-round pick, ended the game with 22 completions on 29 attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 16 yards and a touchdown.

Although he mostly played against Buffalo’s backups, Milton handled himself well, showing poise and making a strong case for being the team’s backup quarterback for 2025.

“I’m going to be honest with you all, still to this moment right now, none of this feels real,” Milton said after New England’s 23-16 victory. “Just because I did scout team the whole year. I didn’t know when my moment was going to come.

Everybody around the building just kept saying the same thing, just be ready for your moment, and I didn’t know it was going to come today. Like I said all week, if the opportunity presents itself, then I’ll be ready. None of this today still feels real, and even right now it still doesn’t.”

“I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as I can, but at the same time just be cheerful with my brothers and cherish the moments that I have right now before it’s all over,” he added.

Milton Shines in NFL Debut

Milton didn’t know he would get the second series until after the game started. But on his first-ever NFL drive, he helped the Patriots go 55 yards for a touchdown. He completed all six of his passes for 51 yards and capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, after faking a handoff to Gibson. More impressively, Milton celebrated his touchdown with a backflip.

“Nobody really expects me to do it, so when I do it, I feel like it’s going to blow up on media. So when I got there in the end zone, I was like, man, nobody is beside me, I think this is my moment,” he said about his flip. “So I just trust it.

I did backflips in my past before, especially in fall camp, so I was like, man, it’s time. It’s the perfect time for it.”

Milton shared that he always sticks his backflips, except for one time as a child.

Kayshon Boutte reacts during the second half of an NFL football game

“I always stick my backflips. The only time I have not stuck one was when I was six and I fell on my head at home,” he recalled.

Milton’s touchdown gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead, though the crowd at Gillette Stadium didn’t seem very excited. The Bills tied the game at 7-7 early in the second quarter. Then Milton put New England back ahead with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.

Milton completed his first 11 passes before throwing his first incompletion. He finished the first half 12-of-13 for 139 yards, and the Patriots led 14-10 at halftime.

The Patriots didn’t score another touchdown, and a fumble by Milton in the second half set up a go-ahead touchdown by the Bills. But after Buffalo took a 16-14 lead in the third quarter, Milton helped lead the team to three field goals, securing a 23-16 win.

Drake Maye’s Brief Appearance

The Patriots received the ball first after the Bills won the toss and deferred to the second half. Maye, playing his only series, led the offense onto the field in a nearly empty Gillette Stadium.

Maye was on the field for a handoff, a penalty, a short incomplete pass to tight end Austin Hooper, and then he was sacked by veteran Von Miller, which ended his day. It was the 34th time Maye had been sacked during his rookie season.

It’s unclear why Maye played at all, but Coach Mayo said the team was focused on winning the game. When asked if playing Milton went against that goal, he responded defensively.

“We need to see what we actually have. It was good to have Joe out there,” Mayo said. “We won the game and Joe was our quarterback.”

Maye finished his rookie season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 421 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns. Since he started the game, Maye was credited with the win.

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NFL (American Football)

The New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo in Foxborough right after the season-ending game

Jerod Mayo reacts in the 1st half

The New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday after just one season, marking another fresh start for the team following last year’s decision to part ways with longtime coach Bill Belichick.

Owner Robert Kraft announced Mayo’s firing shortly after the Patriots ended their 4-13 season with a 23-16 win against the Buffalo Bills.

“After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Kraft said. “Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”

Kraft planned to discuss the decision at a news conference on Monday.

Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker and assistant under Belichick, began the season with strong backing from Kraft. However, along with a coaching staff that included offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and first-time defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, Mayo struggled to make the most of a young roster, which included rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

The Patriots started the season with a win at Cincinnati but then lost their next six games. They won two of their next three but ended the season by losing six of their last seven games, failing to make the playoffs for the third straight year. Belichick, in his final season of 2023, had a 4-13 record, capping a 24-year tenure that included six Super Bowl titles.

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas gathers with teammates during a football practice

Mayo played eight seasons with the Patriots and won a Super Bowl during the 2014 season. After retiring in 2015, he worked in corporate America for a few years before returning to football in 2019 as the Patriots’ linebackers coach.

He developed a strong reputation among players and became a rising star in the coaching world, turning down several head coaching interviews after the 2022 season to sign an extension with the Patriots.

A week after Belichick’s departure, the Patriots hired Mayo as the team’s first Black head coach. At 37, Mayo became the second-youngest head coach in the NFL, behind only Seattle’s Mike Macdonald.

From the beginning, Mayo tried to create a culture that was different from Belichick’s often rigid focus on football. This move was praised by players but did not result in wins for a team that struggled both offensively and defensively, finishing near the bottom of the league in both areas. The Patriots also went 3-6 in one-score games.

Kraft could consider Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker who was recently interviewed for the New York Jets’ head coaching job. Vrabel, who was a key player in the Patriots’ first three Super Bowl victories, coached the Tennessee Titans to three playoff appearances in six years before being fired in 2023.

After Sunday’s win, but before the firing was announced, players spoke positively about Mayo’s efforts this season.

“He’s stayed consistent,” cornerback Jonathan Jones said. “The effort from the guys today showed just how no matter what the situation is, how he can get guys to go out there and fight.”

Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett pointed out that it was a challenge for everyone to come together under a new coaching staff.

“First year for head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, (general manager). People don’t understand all that,” Brissett said. “But good things take time. It’s not like Rome was built in a day. … The word that people don’t want to use is patience. You’ve got to have patience with this thing.”

Despite this, Kraft showed no patience with the coach he had handpicked.

Jerod Mayo speaks with the reporters after the game

Kraft first took notice of Mayo’s confidence after the Patriots drafted him 10th overall out of Tennessee in 2008.

“I remember him immediately coming up to me and saying, ‘Kraft and Mayo, they go together pretty well,’” Kraft said during Mayo’s introductory news conference last January. “Sixteen years later, here we are.”

When Mayo returned to the Patriots in 2019, Kraft noticed he had become an even more skilled leader who still connected well with players.

That year, Mayo accompanied Kraft on a trip to Israel, and the two grew closer. Kraft later said he knew Mayo was the right person to be the next head coach of the Patriots.

“I knew while observing him in Israel, he was the right person to be the next head coach of the New England Patriots,” Kraft said. “I had that same conviction when I hired Bill Belichick, a decision that many questioned at the time, and told me I was making a major error.”

Unfortunately, Kraft’s instincts did not pay off. At 83 years old, Kraft will now begin the search for a new coach who can turn the franchise’s fortunes around.

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NFL (American Football)

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots’ Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny
Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Mac Jones, the New England Patriots’ quarterback, became the focal point of criticism following the team’s 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders. His late-game interception, which came while attempting to connect with JuJu Smith-Schuster, sealed the defeat and was a key moment in the loss. Jones’ pass slipped through Smith-Schuster’s hands, landing in the arms of Commanders’ defender Jartavius Martin. Despite the mistake, Jones took full responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that there were no excuses for his performance.

In the aftermath, Jones reiterated his commitment to the team and its standards. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, stressing the need for both himself and the team to execute better. While the interception was the final blow, Jones remained focused on the bigger picture, recognizing that every player, including himself, must continuously strive to improve and meet the expectations of the franchise.

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny
Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots’ Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Despite the interception, Jones was not the sole problem in the game. New England’s struggles were exacerbated by issues on defense and special teams, which left the offense starting each drive from its own 25-yard line or worse in the second half. Jones did his best with the limited opportunities he had, including a strong throw to Jalen Reagor late in the third quarter that could have set the team up for a scoring chance, only for Reagor to drop the pass. This was one of several missed opportunities for the Patriots during the game.

Jones also recognized his own shortcomings, admitting that he missed several open targets throughout the game. Despite the mounting pressure and the mounting scrutiny of his role as the Patriots’ quarterback, he remained steadfast in his approach. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence and putting in the necessary work, regardless of the results. Jones’ resilience is notable, as he committed to continuously improving, with no regrets about his effort.

As the Patriots’ season continues to spiral, Jones is left with eight more games to prove whether he can be the long-term solution at quarterback. His future in New England remains uncertain, with his performance being scrutinized as the team struggles to find success. In the face of adversity, Jones is determined to keep working hard, hoping that his efforts will eventually lead to better results for both himself and the Patriots.

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NFL (American Football)

Buffalo Bills Face The Challenge As QB Josh Allen Out With A Broken Hand

Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills (Photo: Imagn)

The Buffalo Bills faced a tough challenge in trying to secure a win against the New England Patriots (3-11), but their situation took a troubling turn early in the fourth quarter.

Reports earlier this week revealed that quarterback Josh Allen has been playing with a broken left hand—his non-throwing hand—since Week 1 of the season.

However, during the fourth quarter, Allen appeared to injure his right hand, raising concerns about the severity of this new issue.

Allen threw a pass that lacked his signature power and precision, appearing weak and wobbly—highly uncharacteristic for a player widely regarded as possessing one of the strongest arms in the NFL.

Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills (Photo: NFL)

Cameras captured Allen favoring his right hand and fidgeting as he walked off the field after an unsuccessful third-down play.

As the Bills’ defense made a crucial play by breaking up a lateral pass near the Patriots’ end zone and recovering the ball for a touchdown to extend their lead to 24-14, Allen remained on the sidelines visibly shaking his hand in apparent discomfort.

Allen later returned to the game after what was described as an elbow contusion on his throwing arm. Speaking after the game, he revealed that he had lost all feeling in his right hand for five to ten minutes following the injury, though sensation eventually returned.

Despite his return, the Bills’ offense was unable to score any additional points for the remainder of the game, leaving questions about Allen’s health and its potential impact on the team’s performance moving forward.

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NFL (American Football)

Patriots Prepare for Shorthanded Battle Against Bills Amid Key Injuries and Roster Adjustments

Patriots Prepare for Shorthanded Battle Against Bills Amid Key Injuries and Roster Adjustments
Patriots Prepare for Shorthanded Battle Against Bills Amid Key Injuries and Roster Adjustments

The New England Patriots are gearing up for their first game against the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo this Sunday, with a few key players ruled out or listed as questionable. Cornerback Marcus Jones (hip) and running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) have been declared out after missing practice all week. Safety Kyle Dugger, safety Jabrill Peppers, offensive lineman Cole Strange, tackle Caedan Wallace, and defensive end Keion White are listed as questionable, which could leave significant gaps in both the offense and defense.

Marcus Jones’s absence will impact the Patriots’ defense and special teams significantly. Jones has been a cornerstone in the defensive backfield, splitting his time between slot and outside cornerback, playing over 60% of defensive snaps this season. Without him, the Patriots will turn to Jonathan Jones, Isaiah Bolden, rookie Marcellas Dial Jr., and Alex Austin alongside star corner Christian Gonzalez. This defensive reshuffling is critical, especially against the Bills’ explosive receivers, including Khalil Shakir, who leads the team with 71 catches and excels in yards after the catch. Jones’s absence also creates a void in punt returns, where he ranks second in the league this season.

Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones (NFL)

On special teams, the Patriots may turn to wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who has not returned punts this season but has prior experience or recently signed practice-squad wideout Alex Erickson, a veteran with extensive punt return history. Jones’s contributions as a gadget player on offense will also be missed, further highlighting the versatility he brought to the team. His injury compounds the team’s challenges as they also placed starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore on the reserve/NFI list due to recurring symptoms from blood clots, creating another gap on defense.

The Patriots’ running back rotation will also feel the absence of JaMycal Hasty, a key player in their ground game. With Hasty sidelined, Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson will lead the backfield. The team is expected to promote another running back from the practice squad, with options including rookie Terrell Jennings or third-year back Kevin Harris. Depth at the position will be crucial to maintain flexibility in the running game.

On the offensive line, rookie tackle Caedan Wallace is nearing a return but may not be ready for game action this week after missing most of the season with a leg injury. The Patriots see Wallace as a potential long-term solution at right tackle, and a strong finish to his rookie campaign could solidify his role in the team’s future. Meanwhile, guard Cole Strange, recently activated but still recovering from injury, is unlikely to play, leaving the starting offensive line configuration unchanged for now.

The Patriots enter Sunday’s game as heavy underdogs against the Bills, who have already clinched their division title. Despite the challenges, head coach Jerod Mayo emphasizes the importance of finishing the season strong, starting with a competitive showing in Buffalo. The Patriots will need to rely on depth and resilience to contend with the Bills’ high-powered offense in what promises to be a tough matchup at Highmark Stadium.

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NFL (American Football)

Big-man touchdown: Cardinals lineman Jonah Williams scores his first TD since middle school

Jonah Williams recovers a fumble for a touchdown in the 1st half

Everyone loves a touchdown by a big guy, and Jonah Williams is no exception.

The Arizona offensive tackle was in the right spot at the right time on Sunday, scoring his first touchdown since sixth grade during the Cardinals’ 30-17 win over the New England Patriots.

“That’s what I tried to do — I planned it, I practiced it,” Williams said, humorously. “It’s such a random play to get so much praise for.”

Williams earned the praise.

The starting right tackle was listed as questionable with an illness after what he called a tough night. Arizona’s trainers helped him recover enough to play, and the 6-foot-5, 312-pound player made one of the most important plays of the game.

Leading 3-0 late in the first quarter, the Cardinals drove the ball to New England’s 8-yard line. Arizona wide receiver Greg Dortch took a handoff and tried to reach the goal line, but fumbled while being tackled.

Williams, who had pulled from his right tackle spot, collided with Patriots defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale as he ran to the left side. He kept moving and jumped on the ball just before it rolled out of the end zone, preventing a touchback that could have been a crushing blow to the Cardinals’ hopes.

Jonah Williams recovers a fumble for a touchdown in the 1st half

Williams hesitated at first during his celebration, as officials were determining if he had recovered the ball in time. He finally celebrated after teammate Paris Johnson Jr. confirmed it was indeed a touchdown.

“I was like, what? How’s that work?” Williams said.

It’s understandable that Williams didn’t know how it felt, given it had been a long time since his last touchdown.

The last time? When he was playing for the Atlanta Colts at Murphey Candler Park in Georgia.

“I remember the hole opened up, it was 30-trap, the center climbed the linebacker, and I just hid behind him,” Williams said with a smile. “I almost got hogged by a nose guard — it was really embarrassing. That’s probably why it was my last chance to run the ball.”

Williams has not run the ball in years, but this first NFL touchdown was a nice reward for a player who has spent much of his career blocking in the trenches.

Williams grew up in Georgia before moving to Northern California in ninth grade. He was a five-star recruit out of Folsom High School and played three years at Alabama, earning third-team All-America honors before entering the NFL.

James Conner runs with the ball in the 1st half

The Bengals selected him 11th overall in the 2019 draft, but a shoulder injury ruined his rookie season. He started 10 games in 2020 before suffering a knee injury but became a mainstay on Cincinnati’s offensive line, starting 49 games over the next three seasons.

Williams signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals during the offseason but suffered another knee injury that kept him out for nine games. He returned to play on Nov. 24 against Seattle and has started the last four games, making a crucial play against the Patriots that keeps Arizona’s slim playoff hopes alive.

“That was an excellent play by him, just maxing out effort,” said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon.

It’s a play Williams will certainly remember, especially since Arizona’s equipment staff saved the ball, perhaps to sit next to the one from his sixth-grade touchdown.

“I kept that one forever,” Williams said. “That’s my pride and joy.”

Williams may have been joking about the sixth-grade ball, but his first NFL touchdown will definitely have a place of honor, whether on a mantle or somewhere special.

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NFL (American Football)

Patriots cut wide receiver K.J. Osborn and activate offensive guard Cole Strange

WR K.J. Osborn (NFL)

The New England Patriots released wide receiver K.J. Osborn on Tuesday and activated guard Cole Strange to the 53-man roster.

Osborn, 27, has played in seven games (four starts) this season, with seven catches on 18 targets for 57 yards and one touchdown. He has been on the field for 53 percent (232) of the offensive snaps but hasn’t played since the Patriots’ 19-3 win over Chicago on November 10.

Osborn was signed by the Patriots in March after spending four years with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 66 regular-season games (34 starts), he has made 165 career catches for 1,902 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Strange, 26, was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list on August 27 due to a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 17, 2023.

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and teammates take the field for an NFL football game

He was selected 29th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and became the Patriots’ starting left guard, playing all 17 games in his rookie season and 10 games in 2023 before his injury cut his season short.

The Patriots also added rookie kicker John Parker Romo to the practice squad and released linebacker Keshawn Banks. Romo, 27, appeared in four games for the Vikings this season, making 11 of 12 field-goal attempts with a long of 55 yards, and seven of eight extra-point attempts before being released last Friday.

Veteran Joey Slye is the Patriots’ starting kicker.

Banks, who turns 25 on December 21, played in the Patriots’ last three games after being promoted from the practice squad.

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NFL (American Football)

Belichick mentions having had “productive talks” with the UNC chancellor during the Tar Heels’ search for a new coach

Bill Belichick in the 2nd half

Former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick shared on Monday that he had “a couple of good conversations” with North Carolina Chancellor Lee Roberts regarding the Tar Heels’ search for a new head coach.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick explained that since leaving the Patriots, he has spent the last 11 months taking a deeper look at college football, especially throughout the season, as opposed to the spring draft period when he was coaching professionally.

“It’s been a good year for me. I’ve learned a lot,” Belichick said. “So I’ve had the chance to talk with Chancellor Roberts, and we’ve had a couple of good conversations. We’ll see how it goes.”

When McAfee pressed for more details, Belichick refrained from elaborating further. Instead, he humorously referenced his well-known tendency to keep responses short during his Patriots press conferences.

“Yeah, let’s just leave it at that, Pat,” Belichick said with a grin. “I mean, I don’t want to give out too much information. I want to get my press conference aura back.”

According to a report by Inside Carolina, Belichick interviewed with UNC last week, a report that was later confirmed by The Associated Press.

New England Patriots in the 2nd half

The Tar Heels are looking for a replacement for Mack Brown, who was fired on November 26 after leading the team to his final game on November 30, a loss to rival N.C. State.

If Belichick were to replace Brown, it would mark a significant shift for UNC, as Belichick has no prior college coaching experience but boasts an illustrious 24-year NFL career, mainly with the Patriots alongside quarterback Tom Brady.

Though Belichick did not go into specifics about his talks with UNC, he did discuss his vision for a college program and how he would approach it. He compared it to running an NFL team, especially with college athletes now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, and the possibility of revenue sharing in the future.

“If I were in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for players with the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said. “It would be a professional program: training, nutrition, schemes, coaching, and techniques that would translate to the NFL.”

Belichick also has a personal connection to UNC through his late father, Steve, who served as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953 to 1955.