Here are some quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. Newton's link to Moss: It's hard to find a better Patriots-specific comparison for the signing of quarterback Cam Newton than when the team acquired receiver Randy Moss in 2007. Both were superstar players with a flair and aura to them, and on the surface, they might not have seemed like natural fits in the team's program and system.
Moss bought in fully and turned in a record-breaking season in his first year in New England, motivated to get his career back on track.