Later on in the program, Toucher & Hardy were joined by Mike Reiss of ESPN. Reiss was zooming in from the airport in Nashville and was champing at the bit to pick apart Sunday's game. He concurs that the team is indeed for real, but with a caveat.

The Patriots are reportedly not interested in upgrading their running back position ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

New England is 3-2 this season and riding high after an upset victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5 on Sunday Night Football. If the momentum continues, the Saints will be in trouble.

• NFL locals: Efton Chism III secures return role with New England ( spokesman.com) — Efton Chism III, a Kirkland native, has secured a role as the kickoff return man for the New England Patriots. His impressive performance has garnered praise from coaches, highlighting his work ethic and potential for further contributions on the team.

The Patriots have emerged as an AFC East contender in Drake Maye's second season. How can they fortify the roster around him?

It may be early in the season, but for the first time in years the New England Patriots are sitting atop the AFC East standings.

With their Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans set to kick off at Nissan Stadium, the New England Patriots are hoping to continue their winning ways heading into Week 8. The Patriots (4-2) enter this matchup on the heels of an impressive 25-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.

Drake Maye threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns and the New England Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 31-13 Sunday in coach Mike Vrabel’s first game against the franchise that fired him in January