FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Bell's intriguing fit: When veteran receiver K.J. Osborn assessed the potential for the Patriots' offense this season, he said part of the reason for his optimism was the tight end position. Having played in a similar scheme his first two NFL seasons with the Vikings, Osborn noted how the marriage between the run and pass games was a core tenet, pointing to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's recent success with the Browns.
"If you watched them in Cleveland, they had a really strong run game and some really good tight ends, which I think we have here as well," Osborn said.