what can you tell us about the routes that thompkins and dobson have been running? are they being eased into the playbook or are they being expected to hit the ground running? seems like they are being put in situations where they have to make tough catches.

I think we’re seeing Thompkins run a lot of the tree that Lloyd did last year. Not that I think they can, will or should bring Lloyd back, but we saw him make those tough back hip catches on the outside with tight man coverage last year. Thompkins hasn’t been able to make those.

But we have seen a little more attempt to send those two deep as well, that’s a good sign. Really, if they just hang on to the ball a couple times last night things would’ve started to look a little different. 

Look, despite what everyone’s impression of the Bills and Jets are, these are two teams that have traditionally played the Pats pretty tight and both have good front sevens. They’re also in the division so they know how they have to play the Pats. 

So it hasn’t been an easy start by any stretch of the imagination, nor will it get much easier until they start making at least the catches that hit them in the hands. It takes time. I’m being patient.