FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Streak of 20 years at risk: The last time the Patriots started a season losing their first two games was 2001, which is the longest active NFL streak without starting a season 0-2.
That’s on the line Sunday when the team visits the Pittsburgh Steelers (CBS, 1 p.m. ET). Some, such as former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, have dubbed it a “must-win” game when considering New England faces the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 and Green Bay Packers in Week 4.