Only for Guild Members » New England Patriots links 9/06/18 -

Pats’ unconventional offense could be advantage vs. Texans TEAM TALKErik Scalavino shares the news Authentic David Andrews Jersey , 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 LINKSBill 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 NEWSAlbert 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 Youth Malcom Brown Jersey , 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.) In the last three weeks, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has found himself playing other roles in the offense on occasion.He found himself in position to be a blocker against the Bills and Packers, although he didn’t wind up trying too hard to pancake anyone. Brady also caught a pass from Julian Edelman against the Titans last Sunday and those developments were the focus of a question for head coach Bill Belichick on Tuesday.Belichick was asked on a conference call if he’s concerned about an added risk of injury to Brady when the team calls plays that put him in those kinds of positions.“