The New England Patriots adopted a cautious approach with rookie quarterback Drake Maye during their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, limiting him to just seven snaps. This decision has sparked debate about whether it will aid or hinder Maye's development, especially as the team prepares for the regular season. The article also touches on the state of the offensive line, the competition at kicker, and the implications of Matthew Judon's contract situation.

The NFL has implemented significant changes to kickoff rules aimed at increasing the number of returns and reducing high-speed collisions. Coaches and players are preparing for these changes, which are expected to double the rate of returns compared to the previous season. The new rules allow for more strategic planning around kickoffs, with teams experimenting with different personnel and tactics during training camps. The uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of these changes has led to a mix of excitement and caution among players and coaches alike.

Bailey Zappe, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, led his first game-winning drive in the NFL, setting up rookie kicker Chad Ryland's 56-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining in a 26-23 upset win over the Denver Broncos. Zappe, who was 25-of-33 for 256 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and one lost fumble, reached out to Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner after being cut by the team. Ryland, who had endured a challenging rookie season, made the game-winning kick and expressed gratitude for being surrounded by a team that believes in him.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stated that the kicking footballs used in their recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs were underinflated by 2 to 2.5 pounds. Belichick deferred to the NFL for an explanation and mentioned that the issue affected both teams. The NFL declined to comment on the matter. Belichick and the Patriots players acknowledged that the underinflated footballs had an impact on missed field goals and kickoffs during the game.

The New England Patriots have traded veteran kicker Nick Folk to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. Folk, who turns 39 in November, enters his 16th NFL season and is tied for 23rd on the all-time list with 353 career field goals. The Patriots selected strong-legged Maryland kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, signaling that Folk's time with the franchise was likely coming to an end. Titans coach Mike Vrabel had called the team's kicking position a 'fluid situation' after Michael Badgley was waived.