Tom Brady, pictured calling a timeout during the second quarter of the September 29 game against the Bills. (Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's the Week 5 Red Zone Report—and as the Patriots gear up for what should be yet another easy win against the Redskins, the big story is the loss of kicker Stephen Gostkowski to season-ending surgery.
With that in mind, WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman asked Boston Globe NFL reporter Ben Volin who the biggest personnel loss for the Pats has been so far this season.
"This sounds weird to say, but I honestly think it's the fullback James Develin," Volin said. "He just adds so many different elements to the Patriots' offense. First of all, just toughness and leadership that I think all the guys look up to and respect, but [also] a guy who is always in the right place, who is a fantastic lead blocker, is really useful in the pass game."
Tom Brady had one of his worst-ever games against the Bills last weekend. Was that an anomaly, or a sign of bigger problems ahead?
"Kind of both—they're not gonna play too many defenses as good as the Bills," Volin said. "But, you know, some big issues came up. I thought the receiving unit was a little bit exposed ... There were plays where Brady wasn't under a ton of duress, and he was still throwing the ball away."
Kaufman and Volin also talked about Ben Watson's return from suspension, discussed who the Pats' best defensive player might be, and offered predictions for the matchup against a 0-4 Washington team.
Listen to this week's Red Zone Report with Adam Kaufman (@adammkaufman) and Ben Volin (@BenVolin):
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App