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New England Patriots links 8/13/25 – Vikings a better litmus test for Pats

New England Patriots links 8/13/25 – Vikings a better litmus test for Pats
Pats Pulpit Pats Pulpit

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Mark Morse explains how this is a very important week for New England. The Vikings are going to be a much better litmus test of the offense and defense.
  • Ethan Hurwitz identifies three Patriots who need to stand out this week: WR Javon Baker, CB Carlton Davis and the reserve offensive linemen.
  • Ian Logue‘s Patriots Notebook: Big test for Maye, decision-making still under fire.
  • Tom E. Curran spotlights six biggest surprises through three weeks of Patriots training camp. 1. Kyle Dugger getting leapfrogged? 2. Javon Baker redemption. 3. Drake Maye’s ball security.
  • Doug Kyed‘s Patriots stock watch from first three weeks of training camp. Who’s up, who’s down?
  • Khari Thompson‘s roster watch: 5 possible candidates for a surprise cut. Cole Strange included.
  • Meghan Ottolini tries to figure out which wide receivers will make the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
  • Sara Marshall says the Patriots only needed one preseason game to find their next James White
  • Jerry Thornton writes how although the Patriots lost one potential folk hero for the year, they have another one emerging before our very eyes.
  • Mark Daniels is hearing that draft status won’t factor in to the Patriots kicking competition.
  • Lauren Campbell highlights Drake Maye describing the culture Mike Vrabel brings to the Patriots: ‘Leave your ego at the door.’
  • Michael DeVito sees the Patriots rallying behind Mike Vrabel in a way they never did for Jerod Mayo
  • Khari Thompson tells us what Josh McDaniels said about whether the team could adopt the ‘tush push.’
  • Conor Ryan relays former Pats wideout Julian Edelman on how he was impressed with what he saw during his visit at training camp last week. “I didn’t know what was going on.”
  • Karen Guregian was impressed when rookie wideout Kyle Williams showed off his juggling skills.

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing: Stefon Diggs is where we want him to be.
  • Jared Dubin (CBS Sports) Every AFC team’s biggest challenge in 2025. Patriots: Drake Maye’s supporting cast. /Click for commentary.
  • Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Patriots sign RB Shane Watts.
  • Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) Good, bad, ugly from each team’s preseason opener. Patriots: The good: The top of their rookie class. The bad and the ugly: Campbell … getting beat clear off the line of scrimmage directly led to a fumble by starting quarterback Drake Maye — the team’s only turnover of the night. /More.
  • NFL Nation (ESPN) Win-loss record ceilings, floors for all NFL teams in 2025. Patriots ceiling: 11-6, floor: 6-11. Biggest X factor: The Mike Vrabel effect....
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