FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Sizzling Stevenson: After helping carry the Patriots to their season-opening win, running back Rhamondre Stevenson was given the ultimate respect by the coaching staff this week in preparation for Sunday's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks (1 p.m. ET, Fox).
Stevenson was rewarded with a limited workload Wednesday instead of banging away in full pads with his teammates. The idea was to rest him after a 25-carry, 125-yard performance, but there was only one problem: He didn't quite take the coaches up on their offer.