‘D’ primes for Pack
Rodgers lights out at night
FOXBORO — There’s no good time to face Aaron Rodgers. But prime-time games have been especially difficult for opposing defenses. In his last 10 prime-time outings, Rodgers has ripped up opponents for 299.5 yards per game, posting an absurd ratio of 26 touchdowns to four interceptions. The positive spin: He’s been less dominant away from the frigid confines of Lambeau Field. Since the 2015 season, the Packers are 3-4 on the road in prime time with Rodgers at the helm. And in those games, Rodgers has averaged 222.4 passing yards. Perhaps an inconsistent Patriots defense can be the next unit to hold him in check. “As the (defensive line), you want to disrupt and contain him,” Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers said. “Flush him out of the pocket he’s still good. Keep him in the pocket and he’s still great. So we’ve got to get a push and get him rattled a little bit and do the best we can, really. He’s going to make some plays, some great plays. He’s a great player. But we’ve got to get penetration and get as much rush as possible.” Added linebacker Dont’a Hightower: “He has all the intangibles, outside of just the knowledge — the way he’s able to read coverages, the way he’s able to look off safeties, the way he’s able to force the ball into double coverage. You take all of that, and then you take into consideration when he gets outside the pocket. He’s even better outside the pocket. So we’re going to have to do everything . . . no penalties, no extra plays. Just going to have to play hard for 60.” The Patriots defense is under no illusions, though. “You’ve got to try to make it tough,” said safety Devin McCourty. “There’s going to be times you’re going to play perfect and it’s going to be a first down or it’s going to be a tough catch on third. It’s just some balls you can’t get to.” Like they did in the first half against Kansas City’s high-powered attack, the Patriots need to make enough plays in critical situations — third down, red zone — to give themselves a chance tonight.
Ferentz added to 53
Down two players on the interior offensive line, the Patriots promoted James Ferentz from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Ferentz, 29, will likely serve as the backup at all interior positions. Thirdyear pro Ted Karras figures to get the start at right guard in place of Shaq Mason , who was ruled out with a calf injury. Karras has filled in at guard and center during his time in New England. “Every time Ted goes out on the field for us since he got here, he knows what we’re doing, he knows how we want it done,” offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia said. “We can really rely on this guy to come through for us. So we feel very comfortable there.”
Dawson’s wait
Rookie cornerback Duke Dawson must wait another week for his debut. Dawson, a second-round pick out of Florida, went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury prior to the season opener. Because he sat out eight games, Dawson was eligible to be moved to the active roster this week. The Pats passed on the opportunity, however, instead opting to promote Ferentz. Dawson returned to practice on Oct. 24, which means he must be moved to the active roster by Nov. 13. “Certainly, the time that he had to rehab and get healthy and get stronger and so forth was good for him,” coach Bill Belichick said. “Now it’s good to get him on the field, get him working on the scout team, getting some defensive reps. We’ll see how it goes. He’s, I’d say, closer every day.” Dawson was the top defensive player selected by the Patriots in the 2018 draft. He’s regarded as a tough, physical slot cornerback. He figures to compete with third-year pro Jonathan Jones for snaps once he moves to the active roster.
Fine for Edelman
Wide receiver Julian Edelman was fined $26,739 by the NFL for an unnecessary roughness penalty in the win at Buffalo Monday night. Edelman was called for an illegal block after a fair catch signal, but before the ball was touched on a Bills punt in the third quarter . . . . Rex Burkhead made an appearance in the locker room this week during media availability, playfully greeting fellow running back Sony Michel as the rookie walked to his locker to conduct an interview. Burkhead was placed on IR following the Week 3 loss to Detroit in which he suffered a neck injury. It’s unclear if the Pats plan to bring Burkhead back to the active roster. He can begin practicing Thursday. A player must miss eight games before returning to the active roster.