Cassius Marsh makes subtle statement with USA flag mouth guard

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Quick-hit thoughts around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Those watching Patriots defensive end Cassius Marsh in Sunday's game against the New York Jets might notice his mouth guard, which pays respect to the flag of the United States of America. Given what's unfolded this year in the NFL, the 25-year-old Marsh wanted to do something subtle to express his thoughts.

"It's not like I put the mouthpiece in and thought, 'This is such a huge statement or anything like that.' I think it's just a positive little message: You can support your country a little bit -- red, white and blue. And we are the Patriots," Marsh relayed.

"It's a team color thing but it represents a…