FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Barmore trade: "I gotta give that kid a lot of credit." When coach Bill Belichick spoke those words about Christian Barmore after the defensive tackle's impressive performance last week, it made some longtime observers of Belichick's program take note.
Rookies generally don't earn that level of praise and respect from Belichick this early in their career.
Barmore has played 56% of the defensive snaps in the Patriots' 5-4 start, totaling 21 tackles, a half sack, five quarterback hits and two passes defended.