Lowdown - Three reasons why the Patriots win this game? Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Skylar Thompson. That currently represents the Steelers depth chart at quarterback. No need to say more. Prediction/Record - Win, 2-1.

The 2024 season was the first since 2000 that Bill Belichick wasn't the New England Patriots head coach and 2024 No. 3 pick Drake Maye was starting his NFL career. After a second consecutive 4-13 season and another dismissal at head coach, the Patriots will have a significantly different look and some increased hope for 2025 and beyond.

Maroney, who last played in the NFL in 2010, has admitted that he struggled to transition to life after the NFL. Talking to the Star Tribune, Maroney said the $8 million he’d earned from contracts had quickly dried up, and by 2014, he was sleeping on his mother’s couch.

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said he was almost drafted by another team and the Patriots were interested in another future Pro Bowl tight end.

The Patriots announced the signing of running back Trayveon Williams on Wednesday afternoon.

Only, Mike Vrabel had other ideas. The Patriots coach blocked out a spot on the team calendar for the players, coaches and football staff to head out and participate in community events throughout Greater Boston.

This week in the mailbag, there are questions about the draft, a Hall of Fame case for Stanley Morgan, and the wide receiver depth chart. Let’s get to it.