That partnership is one of the most intriguing of the 2020 NFL season.
It also better be productive, ASAP.
Everything in New England got tougher on Tuesday as an onslaught of Patriots opted out of the 2020 coronavirus season, a number that now reaches six and includes critical contributors such as linebacker Donta Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and offensive lineman Marcus Cannon.
That comes on the heels of the offseason departures of defensive players Kyle Van Noy (Miami), Jamie Collins (Detroit), safety Duron Harmon (Detroit), tackle Danny Shelton (Detroit), linebacker Elandon Roberts (Miami) and the retirement of fullback James Develin.