Senior writer at @TheAthletic covering the Patriots. Adjunct at @NUjournalism. High-handicapped golfer, low-rated tennis player, seeker of a good old fashioned.
Foxboro, MA, USA
- Tweets 53,461
- Following 918
- Followers 30,426
- Likes 1,327
Kirk Cousins threw for 509 yards last night.
The Patriots have thrown for 449 yards this season.
50
769
25,846
1,348,846
Mike Vrabel reached out to fired Titans coach Brian Callahan in part, he said, because of how much it meant to him when coaches reached out after he was fired.
“Nobody texts you when you lose,” Vrabel said.
25
219
12,088
394,967
Adam Thielen: "At some point, you're not going to be able to run the ball for 180 yards, even with the best running back in the NFL. That's when you have to be able to throw the ball. ... You have to be able to hit the deep balls."
339
1,527
9,299
This is such a good example of how a head coach can help bring out the best in their players.
Minnesota Vikings
27
297
9,301
959,143
Kayshon Boutte allegedly didn’t do much to hide his illegal gambling.
While placing more than 8,900 bets while underage (including some on his LSU football team) he used accounts with the username “kayshonboutte7” and “kayshonboutte01” according to the affidavit.
80
529
7,532
1,811,934
Ezekiel Elliott said that when he was younger, he always wanted to play in a snow game.
Now that he’s done it, he said, “it kind of sucks.”
24
315
5,681
890,029
With her parents by her side, Anastasia Rose Graff took her final breath at 3:15 a.m.
She was 13 days old. caringbridge.org/visit/anast…
1,226
191
5,133
The Patriots wanted a wide receiver in the second round. But when Ladd McConkey was there, they opted against picking him, effectively trading McConkey to LAC for Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
McConkey has 1,000+ yards and 6 TDs.
Polk + Baker have 87 yards.
94
317
5,128
327,189
Stefon Diggs on reports that he wants to be traded: “There’s truth to all rumors. I won’t be speaking on that.”
349
1,105
4,021
Why won’t some Vikings players get vaccinated?
“Some of the things they read are just, woof, out there,” Zimmer said.
84
356
3,658
Tonight, we toast to Ana’s 13 days. If you’d like to share a digital cheers with us, send a picture of what you’re sipping. To Ana and the amazing moments she gave us.
568
89
3,502
Adam Thielen: "We’re just as frustrated as every fan in the state of Minnesota. We are more frustrated. We put everything we have into the offseason, we grind every single day, and then to put up a performance like that is so frustrating it’s unbelievable."
114
348
3,436
How similar are Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe?
Bill Belichick: “I don’t know. They’re both right-handed.”
26
174
3,427
Dalvin Cook on the tough schedule looming after the bye: “They’ve got to play us, too. Everyone says ‘oh, you’ve got to play these teams. But they’ve got to play the Vikings.”
44
147
2,911
The Vikings grabbed two interceptions, had a kickoff return for a touchdown, didn’t turn the ball over, and still lost.
126
283
2,834
Josh McDaniels on Stefon Diggs, who has 10 catches through two games:
“I haven’t heard Stef say, ‘I need the ball’ one time ever.”
30
54
2,924
179,521
The Bill Belichick days of giving Patriots rookies numbers in the 50s until they “earn” better ones seems to be over.
48
99
2,596
368,742
Oh, how things changed for the Vikings. A look at how their drives ended today:
Punt
Punt
Punt
Punt
Fumble
Fumble
Punt
*Halftime*
Touchdown
Touchdown
Touchdown
Touchdown
23
311
2,506
The Patriots have 10 draft picks in 2026 — and all of them are in the first six rounds.
47
78
2,630
148,913
Mike Zimmer on calling a deep pass to Stefon Diggs instead of milking the clock late in the game: “We didn’t come here to cower.”
39
173
2,336
Twice in his call with Will Campbell, Mike Vrabel said to thank everyone who helped Campbell get to this point.
It’s a small thing but an example of what former players talk about with Vrabel coaching them more than just Xs and Os.
New England Patriots
7
46
2,417
539,408
Stefon Diggs is in Foxboro to meet with the New England Patriots, according to a source.
The Patriots badly need WR help and Diggs could provide that even if he may not be ready Week 1 as he recovers from an ACL tear.
127
324
2,360
1,143,681
It’s a little weird to me that Cam Newton is going on ESPN week after week to dismiss the idea that Drake Maye is playing as a top QB after how much Maye has said he looked up to Cam.
(And, you know, because Maye is objectively playing well.)
Savage
249
79
2,237
403,159
Kevin O’Connell reacting in real time to a Vikings motion penalty is so good.
RandBall
9
59
2,197
297,408
Riley Rose Graff was born at 8:23 this morning. She weighs 7 pounds, 9 ounces and (and I’ve never been so excited to say this) she’s perfectly healthy. Mom and dad are beyond thrilled.
188
12
1,981
Everson Griffen, who has been re-posting requests on Instagram for him to re-join the Vikings, went to the team’s facility today, per his IG.
64
91
1,905
For the first time this season, the Patriots get a TV’s ‘A’ crew and national spotlight for an afternoon game.
58
93
1,999
111,966
Today’s a tough day for us. It’s Ana’s birthday. She would be two years old today, running around and enjoying life as a toddler. There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t think about her.
60
10
1,804
Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino were the only QBs in NFL history to post six straight games with at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating over 100 while under the age of 24.
Now, they have company.
Drake Maye has done that, too.
12
223
1,927
164,341
Mike Vrabel on coaching aggressively:
“Can’t win nothing you don’t put in the middle.”
8
75
1,874
3,052,919
Bucs rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. showed up to today's virtual press conference wearing a Minnesota Gophers sweatshirt.
28
43
1,760
Jordan Leopold's 11-year-old daughter Jordyn wrote this letter before the trade, according to @KFAN1003.
91
1,913
1,592
Drake Maye on if today’s performance was a sign of what he could become:
“I sure hope so. If it leads to wins, that’s the quarterback I’m trying to become.”
4
61
1,752
40,034
Does living in Minnesota help the Vikings in cold-weather games like at Lambeau this Sunday?
Dalvin Cook with a laugh: "I live here, but I be in the house. I don’t be outside – unless Zim tells us to go outside."
13
45
1,567
Sam and I received so much support from so many of you through our toughest days with Ana. We're still unbelievably thankful.
And we wanted to share some news with you here. We're expecting a healthy(!!) baby girl in April.
149
16
1,563
Mike Zimmer made multiple pleas to his team’s star players to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated players have been around seven times more likely to land on the COVID/Reserve list.
So Zimmer feared losing his most important players when it mattered most. Now that fear is realized.
176
152
1,488
Kevin O’Connell heads to Minnesota this week as a Super Bowl winner. Great final drive for the Rams and the next Vikings coach.
28
92
1,547
Sam and I have so appreciated toasting to Ana with everyone. This website can be a brutal place. But it’s also been a magical escape for us this week. Ana had people raising a glass to her across the country tonight. That’s amazing. Thank you.
37
30
1,498
Booger McFarland: "These are the type of plays that historically have gone against the Vikings -- the Minneapolis Miracle -- plays that are fluke plays that went against this team. I'm sure Vikings fans are saying it's about time we get one of these plays to go our way."
Yikes.
86
156
1,444
Justin Jefferson on Kirk Cousins: “Things ain’t always perfect with us but he’s the reason I have this many yards.”
14
48
1,448
It took 63 hours of inducing/labor and a rushed trip to a C section for the arrival. A crazy ambulance ride followed. But baby is still hanging on.
83
7
1,442
Jabrill Peppers on why he wanted to stick around with the Patriots, and signed a two-year extension:
“I want to be part of the turnaround.”
3
53
1,486
30,600
Crazy how predictable Patriots games are at this point.
Christian Gonzalez is really good. Drake Maye is good. Everything else is bad.
10
65
1,465
44,047
Some personal news: After 10 incredible years in Minnesota, I’m headed home to cover the New England Patriots for @TheAthletic. theathletic.com/3450224/2022…
188
40
1,365
PJ Fleck on his way to Minnesota. vine.co/v/5FnngX1dQWX
17
725
1,355
With Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, the Patriots should have one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL.
Last season, Gonzalez was ranked the No. 13 CB and Davis No. 19 by PFF.
12
89
1,415
89,423
Drake Maye currently ranks:
2nd in completion percentage
2nd in yards per attempt
2nd in passer rating
2nd in CPOE
3rd in EPA/play
6th in success rate
22
140
1,418
103,592
Adam Thielen was asked how difficult it was to find open space on the field. "I didn’t feel that," Thielen said.
24
155
1,257
Mike Zimmer not exactly raving about Kellen Mond.
Does Zimmer want to see Mond play next week?
Zimmer: “Not particularly.”
Why not?
Zimmer: “I see him everyday.”
110
131
1,268
The Vikings have fired both head coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman after missing the playoffs the last two seasons, per @TomPelissero.
44
190
1,299
Ana would’ve turned one today, probably taking her first steps soon and causing plenty of sleepless nights.
We went to the Children’s Hospital today and looked back on those 13 days together. We think about her everyday, but especially today.
39
5
1,286
I'm new to this but Bill Belichick's mid-week praise heap of the next opponent is incredible.
Belichick just spent six minutes talking about how good the Chicago Bears are. "Pretty impressive group," he said. "A lot of explosive plays."
(The Bears rank 31st in points/game.)
50
67
1,278
A week after wearing a Randy Moss shirt in pregame warmups, Justin Jefferson now has a Cris Carter one on.
20
79
1,248
Tyler Johnson had to wait longer than he wanted, but now he gets to catch passes from Tom Brady and be a teammate of Antoine Winfield Jr. again. There might be some Gophers fans rooting for Tampa Bay next season.
22
71
1,240
The Packers tried to trade into the first round to get WR Christian Watson at No. 32.
The Vikings said no late last night. They didn't want the Packers to get a fifth-year option with their WR. But the Vikings said yes to the same offer at No. 34.
44
124
1,229
On my way home from Vikings practice Thursday, a reckless driver going 100 mph on 494 hit my car and sent me spinning into the middle concrete barrier. I’m lucky to only have cuts and bruises. Air bags saved me. Not that you need a reminder, but wear your seatbelt and drive safe.
98
28
1,206
Kirk Cousins: “I’m not going to be playing quarterback here much longer if I play like I did on Sunday.”
70
117
1,211
The Patriots’ final joint practice of the summer is over and it was a butt kicking.
Minnesota was better in just about every drill. The Pats hit a Hail Mary, but few highlights outside that.
Defense got carved and offense was left to dink and dunk amid lots of pressure.
27
91
1,298
223,514
“I was proud to wear the Vikings jersey and play for each and every one of you!”
Xavier Rhodes says goodbye to Minnesota on Instagram.
13
47
1,220
Adam Thielen on his confrontation with Eagles CB Jalen Mills: "I always love when guys talk smack after making one play."
25
195
1,193
A heavenly third birthday for our Ana today. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about her.
22
2
1,209
152,738
This is so cringe-worthy from @AnsonCarterLA (evidenced by everyone on set trying to back away). Anyone who knows Russo knows he’s an authority on the Wild beat. And Anson is going to call that into question like this because he was wrong about the Wild? Cringe.
65
60
1,212
The Vikings have agreed to terms with two-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith on a three-year deal pending physical, per a source. He only played one game last season but if he and Danielle Hunter can stay healthy, that gives the Vikings one of the league’s best pass rushing duos.
17
78
1,181
Mike Zimmer is soaking up these moments on the field. He and Adam Zimmer just took a picture on the 15. He's standing now, looking back at the whole stadium.
51
55
1,171
It’s official, per @AdamSchefter. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is the Vikings’ new GM. The 40-year-old has made a swift rise, entering the NFL only 9 years ago.
His background is in research/development/analytics, but learned contract negotiations and the scouting world with the Browns.
23
77
1,131
Adam Thielen on the overthrown pass from Kirk Cousins that seemingly would have gone for a touchdown: "He made a great read of finding me open, and just didn't complete the pass. It's as simple as that."
39
174
1,090
Drake Maye is putting together one of the best Year 2 seasons of any QB this century.
He ranks 5th in EPA/dropback among all QBs in their second season since 2000.
13
86
1,215
97,712
I don't know if this is good timing or bad timing. But minutes before the Stefon Diggs trade was reported, I wrote about grief and using today as a distraction. theathletic.com/1680012/2020…
82
125
1,135
Dalvin Cook missed a call from his dad just a few hours before his dad died. He always wondered what his dad was trying to tell him.
Now, after a summer of grief, Cook is dedicating this season to his late father. Story: theathletic.com/2810273/2021…
24
109
1,108
This Browns draft sure is something.
Traded out of a generational player, then took two RBs and two QBs.
47
55
1,182
117,395
If the Patriots land Cam Robinson, that would round out a very good day for them.
Would it come with a lot of overpays? Yup. But field a respectable team and worry about value signings next year.
34
47
1,143
83,958
Stanley Cup winners:
2010: Blackhawks
2012: Kings
2013: Blackhawks
2014: Kings
2015: Blackhawks
2016: some other team
36
931
1,057
A message from Everson Griffen on Instagram: “It's true I have bipolar. I will embrace it and I will be an advocate for mental health. I been running from it a long time. I'm not ashamed of it anymore.”
6
71
1,066
Mike Vrabel is understandably upset with the refs right now. The Patriots threw a 63-yard TD pass. They cheered. The PAT unit came out. Ready to make it 14-3.
And then one of the latest flags I've ever seen was thrown and wipes off the touchdown.
21
27
1,145
37,928
Good news for the Vikings: Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw, and Alexander Mattison are in pads and warming up as practice is about to begin. Perfect attendance at practice today.
13
39
1,051
Kirk Cousins is ranked No. 2 in ESPN's QBR only behind Matthew Stafford. Teddy Bridgewater is No. 3 and Patrick Mahomes is No. 4.
17
77
1,040
So thankful for paternity leave which has let me be there for all of our baby’s early milestones, like this evening when she started laughing for the first time.
37
10
1,011
Adam Thielen re-structured his contract, so he'll remain with the Vikings. The deal is expected to lower his 2022 cap number.
13
47
994
Sam and I put our phones away this morning/afternoon to spend time with Ana. We just turned them back on and are blown away by all the support and kind words. Thank you so much. It's a treat to have another day with the three of us as a family.
29
10
989
The Packers have been looking to move up for a WR all draft. I'm floored that the Vikings were the team to accommodate that, especially since they want to win the division this year.
The Vikings helped their bitter rival get the position they've been lacking.
74
64
975
Anthony Barr joked that this season has taken years off his life.
I’m sure there are more than a few Vikings fans who agree.
12
44
957
Kirk Cousins on Eric Kendricks: "He’s the player I want my kids to wear the jersey of. ... The way he can cover a Davante Adams down the field but also take on a pulling guard, … that’s special."
4
41
957
After slight dropoffs from Jared Goff and Sam Darnold last night, there's a new leader in EPA+CPOE -- Drake Maye.
6
78
1,033
79,085
Drake Maye thru Week 5:
2nd in completion percentage
3rd in completion percentage over expected
5th in yards
5th in yards per attempt
6th in EPA/play
7th in success rate
He's definitively been a top-10 QB.
3
79
1,012
46,823
A few hours after this post, the Patriots released Jalen Reagor from the practice squad.
#Patriots WR Jalen Reagor with an interesting post on Instagram 🤔
You have to wonder if the veteran wide receiver is unhappy being on New England’s practice squad.
(via jalenreagor IG)
20
63
968
219,737
Vikings get the A-team from CBS for Sunday’s game against the Bears. Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson on the call.
30
43
946
What a statement from Kirk Cousins. He finished with 341 yards and three touchdowns, while leading two go-ahead drives when it mattered most. One of his most impressive games in purple.
9
44
951
The Patriots ranked 31st in explosive pass percentage (defined as completions of 16 or more yards) last season.
They ranked 30th the year before that.
This season, they rank 3rd.
4
71
997
30,394