FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. RBs dropping the ball: Things were looking so good for Patriots running backs in the preseason that coaches Bill Belichick and Ivan Fears were asked by reporters about an "embarrassment of riches" at the position.
The outlook has shifted quickly.
Take out the "of riches," and that aptly describes where things stand as New England (2-3) prepares for Sunday's home game against the Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS). Patriots running backs have lost four fumbles this season, easily a league high according to ESPN Stats & Information research.