Jerod Mayo
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton carries the ball against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New York Jets at New England Patriots 1/3/2021

Jan. 03, 2021 01:14 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, file photo, New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) pressures Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) as he tries to pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. In three previous meetings with Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, the Patriots defense has had its most success when it's been able to force turnovers and get pressure on him. But that's easier said than done against a quarterback who has yet commit a turnover this season and is completing a career-high 68% of his passes. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Patriots expecting unexpected in latest matchup with Mahomes

By Kyle Hightower Sep. 30, 2020 06:17 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2013, file photo, Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (24) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson are among 14 first-year eligible candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson 2021 Hall of Fame candidates

By Barry Wilner Sep. 16, 2020 01:03 PM EDT

New England Patriots linebacker Terez Hall (59) and linebacker Anfernee Jennings (74) walk onto the field during an NFL football training camp practice, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, Pool)
Patriots' young LBs could get playing time early this season

By Kyle Hightower Sep. 09, 2020 04:51 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) speaks with members of the media following an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass. The New England Patriots extended safety Devin McCourty's contract Sunday, March 15, 2020. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Pats' McCourty ready for post-Brady era in New England

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 25, 2020 05:02 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, in Foxborough, Mass. With no defensive coordinator and coach Bill Belichick calling the plays, a veteran group of "Boogeymen" linebackers and stingy secondary lead a unit that is allowing a league-low 11 points per game have forced a NFL-best 27 turnovers. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Small tweaks have helped Pats' defense to dominate in 2019

By Kyle Hightower Nov. 07, 2019 05:10 PM EST