FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- On the surface, the New England Patriots’ acquisition of linebacker Marquis Flowers from the Cincinnati Bengals won’t move the needle much. But it sparks multiple thoughts that are important for the team:
Run of injuries on special teams. With linebackers Shea McClellin, Elandon Roberts and Harvey Langi, defensive end Geneo Grissom and safety Nate Ebner all having been sidelined in recent days/weeks with injuries, the Patriots have taken some significant hits personnel-wise in the kicking game.