ESPN

Tedy Bruschi held his weekly ESPNBoston.com New England Patriots chat at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The chat can be recapped here and includes some of the following topics:

1. Explaining what makes Vince Wilfork so valuable to the defense.

2. How the coaching staff might have to get creative to replace Wilfork, such as using Brandon Spikes in a defensive line-type role.

3. Why Spikes has played such a low total of snaps through four games.

4. A player's perspective on injury updates.

5. Sharing thoughts on the Dolphins as competition in the AFC East.

After spending Friday in Bristol, Conn., at ESPN headquarters for duties on "NFL Insiders," I wanted to pass along just a few leftover thoughts from the Patriots' Week 2 win over the Jets on Thursday night.

1. Cannon's new role. For the second straight week, we've seen the Patriots use starting left tackle Nate Solder as an extra tight end with the team thin at the position. As many have mentioned, Solder began his college career at Colorado as a tight end, catching three passes for 50 yards in one season at the position (he shifted to tackle during his redshirt sophomore year). Using Solder at tight end has meant bringing Marcus Cannon in at left tackle, a role we haven't seen from him during significant game action previously. Cannon brings very good value as a four-position lineman who thus far has been reliable as a blindside protector (he had 18 snaps on Thursday night). Something we'll be keeping an eye on is whether the team turns to Will Svitek as the fill-in left tackle when he returns from injury, or whether Cannon remains the go-to backup when Solder is used at tight end.

2. Bequette still looking for PT. Just three players did not see the field for the Patriots on Thursday night: backup quarterback Ryan Mallett, offensive lineman Chris Barker and defensive end Jake Bequette. Bequette is the name that sticks out most because of both his draft status (a third-rounder last year) and also that the team was heavily rotating its defensive line throughout the evening. Seventh-round defensive end Michael Buchanan has seemed to establish himself as the clear-cut top reserve as the position, but defensive end has quickly gone from an area of perceived depth to thin.

3. Coverage for LBs still an area to improve. There's a lot of football left to be played, but early suggestions are that pass coverage among Patriots linebackers is still an area that needs to improve. Dont'a Hightower was predominantly alongside Jerod Mayo in sub packages, with Brandon Spikes limited to just 31 (44 percent) of the defensive snaps. In the wet conditions and against a non-explosive offense, the Patriots linebackers didn't have to face a particularly potent middle-of-the-field short passing game, but that will change with future opponents who will test their linebackers' range. Surprisingly, the Patriots' most athletic linebacker, Jamie Collins, played just three snaps.

4. Arrington/Dennard co-starters. By the game book, Alfonzo Dennard has served as a reserve cornerback in each of the Patriots' first two games, a change from his status down the stretch in 2012. But Thursday night was another reminder that the team's starters on defense are just as much defined by their nickel group as their base defense, as Dennard played the 10th-most defensive snaps of any Patriot and 16 more than Spikes, a base defense starter. Arrington and Dennard have both been exceptional through two weeks. Dennard's offseason weight loss appears to have translated into improved quickness.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- An initial look at New England Patriots players whose performance was in the "up" category and those at the opposite end of the spectrum following a 13-10 victory over the New York Jets:

UP

Steve Gregory: Safety has been a solid tackler, and shows up with solid support against the run.

Julian Edelman: With Danny Amendola sidelined, Edelman steps up and is Tom Brady's most reliable and consistent target.

Aqib Talib: Cornerback intercepts two passes and forces a fumble that sets up a field goal.

DOWN

Aaron Dobson: Rookie receiver scores a touchdown on his first career play, but also has a dropped ball on a long pass and can't get on the same page with Brady.

Jerod Mayo: Linebacker looks like he's a step behind in coverage.

Brandon Spikes: Linebacker struggles in coverage and isn't a big factor against the run.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Entering the final quarter of action in the regular-season opener, the Patriots trail the Bills 21-17. Passing along some quick-hit notes and observations from the third quarter.

1. Spikes, Amendola return. Linebacker Brandon Spikes (dehydration) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (groin) both returned to action in the second half. Amendola started the third quarter in the locker room, but eventually made it onto the field. He appears to be working through the same injury that slowed him late in preseason.

2. Bills march down for easy score. The Bills' offense started fast in the third quarter, as EJ Manuel threw his second touchdown of the day, this time hooking up with Steve Johnson. The Patriots' defense provided little resistance on the drive, with what looked like a coverage miscommunication on the scoring play.

3. Brady fumbles at goal line. The Patriots were attempting a fourth-and-goal from the Bills' 1-yard line on their opening drive of the third quarter, but Tom Brady was unable to cleanly field the snap, dropping the ball for his second turnover of the day. The Bills took over at their own 14-yard line.

4. Ridley not a factor. After fumbling in the second quarter, running back Stevan Ridley did not play during the third quarter. It was Shane Vereen doing the heavy lifting instead, and he made the most of his carries, rushing decisively and with terrific speed. LeGarrette Blount also got some work in the backfield.

5. Penalty box. The following Patriots were flagged for penalties during the third quarter: offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (false start).

Linebacker Brandon Spikes is one of the most unique individuals on the Patriots and he drew laughs from reporters on Friday by wearing a sweatshirt he said he received as a gift.

Sometimes a picture says more than any words, and that applies in this case.

DETROIT -- A look at the snaps played by Patriots defenders in the first half, when most of the top players were in the game, and analyzing what it might mean (includes penalties):

CB Kyle Arrington -- 36 of 36
S Steve Gregory -- 36 of 36
DE Chandler Jones -- 36 of 36
DE Rob Ninkovich -- 36 of 36
CB Aqib Talib -- 36 of 36
DT Tommy Kelly -- 26 of 36
LB Dont'a Hightower -- 23 of 36
LB Brandon Spikes -- 23 of 36
DT Joe Vellano -- 23 of 36
CB Logan Ryan -- 19 of 36
S Duron Harmon -- 18 of 36
S Devin McCourty -- 16 of 36
S Adrian Wilson -- 15 of 36
DE Marcus Benard -- 13 of 36
LB Jerod Mayo -- 13 of 36
LB Jamie Collins -- 11 of 36
DT Marcus Forston -- 10 of 36
LB Dane Fletcher -- 6 of 36

QUICK-HIT THOUGHTS: The biggest personnel notes on defense were with starting defensive tackle Vince Wilfork being held out of the game, which gave the coaching staff an extended look at rookie free-agent Joe Vellano. Also, starting linebacker Jerod Mayo only played in the dime package, so rookie Jamie Collins started alongside Brandon Spikes and Dont'a Hightower and Dane Fletcher also came on for two series in the base defense. ... Against a strong vertical passing offense, it's probably not a coincidence that Steve Gregory got the start next to Devin McCourty at safety as they are considered the team's best cover safeties. It will be interesting to see if that changes against teams who aren't as threatening in that area of the game, which could open the door for a bigger safety (e.g. Adrian Wilson) to step in to that role. Wilson played solely in the dime package in the first half, in a linebacker-type role. That bumped Tavon Wilson out of that spot. ... Rookie Logan Ryan served as the fifth defensive back in the nickel. ... McCourty's playing time was limited as it was his first action this preseason as he's been managed closely after offseason shoulder surgery. ... Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich, as expected, are the top ends and they won't come off the field often. ... Tommy Kelly looks like a difference-maker at defensive tackle and the type of player who would never leave the field, but the Patriots probably want to find some time to give him a breather at times, which is what we saw Thursday night. ... Marcus Benard came on in sub situations as an interior rusher, which was the niche that Jermaine Cunningham (currently injured) had carved out for himself early in 2012.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday in the second preseason game for both teams (Fox, 8 p.m. ET), and here are a few things we'll be keeping a close eye on:

1. Brady and the quarterback reps. After Wednesday's scare, in which he suffered a bruised left knee, quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice Thursday and wore a knee brace while going through the entire practice without limitation. Brady played 16 snaps in the preseason opener, and perhaps the coaching staff alters its plans against the Buccaneers based on the injury. Top backup Ryan Mallett played 25 snaps in the opener and could be line for more work. Tim Tebow was on for 31 snaps in the opener. One more thought on this: Let's also watch the matchup of Patriots left tackle Nate Solder versus Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn, since it was Clayborn's bull-rush -- during which he pushed Solder back -- that led to Brady's injury.

2. Sturdy run defense with the front seven. Buccaneers running back Doug Martin can be a handful and represents a good test for a Patriots front seven that should have Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones at end, Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly at tackle and a linebacker trio of Brandon Spikes (middle), Dont'a Hightower (strongside) and Jerod Mayo (weakside). Not that there figures to be any big game planning for a preseason game, but the Patriots talk often about making the opposition one-dimensional by taking away the run. With limited opportunities in preseason to work on run fits with live tackling, this will be one of their best chances to do so.

3. Ballard ready for increased workload? Tight end Jake Ballard remains a player of interest from this perspective. Returning from serious knee surgery in 2012, he has been managed carefully in practice and played 12 snaps in the preseason opener, all with the first-unit offense. The top tight-end pairing of late has been Ballard and rookie free agent Zach Sudfeld. With veteran Daniel Fells unlikely to suit up -- he's been out of practice the past few days due to an undisclosed injury -- is Ballard ready for some more work? If so, the areas we'll be watching closest are his inline blocking and how more snaps might affect his knee.

4. Bounce-back for Gostkowski and field goal operation. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed field goals from 44 and 53 yards in the preseason opener -- not exactly chip shots -- and, as Bill Belichick sometimes points out, it isn't always on the kicker. It's the entire operation -- snap, hold, kick. Gostkowski, who hit from 34 yards in the game, looks like he's had a strong week of practice. Also on special teams, the ongoing competition between incumbent punter Zoltan Mesko and rookie Ryan Allen is a good one. Allen has a strong leg but the key for both is going to be consistency.

5. Can the rookie receivers do it again? We've spent a lot of time focusing on the rookie trio of Aaron Dobson (second round), Josh Boyce (fourth round) and Kenbrell Thompkins (undrafted) and their assimilation into the offense. So far, so good. Brady had made the point that by the middle of training camp the team would have a better feel on its receiving corps, and one thing is clear: The rookies are a big part of it. Of the group, Thompkins might be the most impressive to this point. He had four catches in the preseason opener and was on the same page with Brady early.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Few Patriots players have known Aaron Hernandez as long as Brandon Spikes, his teammate at the University of Florida and a fellow member of the Patriots' 2010 draft class. But, like the other Patriots on Friday, Spikes did not answer questions about the tight end.

"Like I said, I can't really comment. I want to, but I can't, I'm sorry," Spikes said.

He did, however, note that adversity can often bring a team closer together.

"Honestly, I never really pay attention to outside," he said of those who are wondering how the Hernandez situation will affect the team. "All we really have is us here, the guys in this locker room, guys we go to war with. I think the team is always going to face a little adversity, and that's what brings the team closer, I think. We've all got to get through it and push forward, can't really look back. It won't change anything."

There was a point earlier this offseason when Spikes' absence from organized team activities was a primary storyline surrounding the team, but that now feels like a distant memory. Spikes worked with the projected starters on the Patriots' base defense Friday, seemingly picking right back up where he left off at the end of the 2012 season.

While Spikes was pleased to be back at work for the start of a new season, he said he'll relish the opportunity to put the pads back on, which is prohibited for the first two days of training camp, per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.

"For me, you know, I look forward to putting the pads on, get to hit a couple guys, welcome to the NFL," he said. "I get a kick out of that; that's what I look forward to. Monday, I think we get the pads on, it's full go."

Spikes, whose hard-hitting presence made a big impact for the Patriots in 2012, spared any of his teammates a welcome-to-the-NFL moment Friday.

"Not today," he joked. "Not today, I took it easy."

But Spikes knows that for each rookie, there will be that welcome-to-the-NFL moment, and he shared some advice with the newcomers for when it arrives.

"Come out, stay positive, there's going to be things you're struggling in," he said. "This is the NFL, there's a lot of great players out here, a lot of great athletes. Just stay in it, if you need any help, just come to me and ask and I'm here to offer it."

The fourth-year linebacker, who enters the final year of his rookie contract, also was asked whether he felt the defense has added pressure on it to perform at a high level given the offensive turnover on the roster this year.

"Me personally, I think defense wins championships, so I always feel like we've got to go out, perform, stop people in order to win," Spikes said. "In any game, you've got to play some D."

A few "extra points" from Thursday's weekly Patriots chat:

Matt (Boston): How has Dane Fletcher looked so far; health-wise, is he moving and turning at full speed?

Matt, I don't see any restrictions for Fletcher in terms of how he's moving. He had a notable pass breakup in Wednesday's practice, as he's been the top option at middle linebacker with starter Brandon Spikes choosing to work out on his own.

Eric (Enfield CT): Mike, I think too much is being made of Brandon Spikes' absence at OTAs. As you keep saying, his attendance is not required. Spikes has provided an infusion of intensity and emotion that is often absent from, what can be, an emotionally dry defense. Spikes brings it every time he is on the field, and the man requires a little extra personal time to reset before diving back into the grind of the season.

Eric, Spikes is one of the Patriots' best contact players (if not the best) and he does bring an emotional fire that can be infectious. The bottom line to me is that it's within a player's rights to stay away, so Spikes hasn't broken any rules or anything like that. He's planning to be present at mandatory minicamp June 11-13. At the same time, when 89 of 90 players show up for OTAs, it does shine a little bit of a brighter spotlight on the one player who doesn't. It does make me wonder if the Patriots might hesitate to strike a contract extension with him -- the thinking being that it's difficult to commit long-term to a player who could be perceived to not be fully committed to the team -- but I think that's a story for another day/year.

Drew (Riverview, NB): Mike, if you could target one position where a trade would be considered, would it be DT? We seem a little light on the depth chart.

Drew, the Patriots had veteran defensive tackle Spencer Johnson in for a tryout this week, which could be an indication they see things the same way you do. I don't think there would be a trade as much as a free-agent signing. The DT depth chart was thinned by the team's own doing, letting go co-starters Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick. Right now, it's a Vince Wilfork/Tommy Kelly tandem, and we'd probably see Armond Armstead and Marcus Forston as the next options.

Luke J (CMAFS): I know it might be a strange question but can you explain how added height would be more beneficial to the secondary. I ask because I notice you mention Adrian Wilson bringing size and length to the secondary a lot. Isn't it normal for the average height to be around 5-foot-10/6-foot-0? How does more translate to success?

Luke, I think linebacker Jerod Mayo said it best in his interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Thursday. It's an intimidating presence back there that can make receivers think twice about coming across the middle. It's not just the height, but also the weight (230 pounds) and hard-hitting edge of the player with that size.

Shamarko (Boston, MA): Hi Mike, do you see Markus Zusevics making the final roster? Practice squad?

In Wednesday's organized team activity, Zusevics was lined up opposite Nate Solder at the right tackle position. This was due to the Patriots not having starter Sebastian Vollmer (recovering from knee surgery) and top backup Will Svitek. I think a lot is going to depend on what type of development Zusevics shows in training camp and preseason games. He was considered a later-round prospect in 2012 before a pectoral injury sustained at the combine led to his going undrafted. Now healthy, he's probably in that 50-60 range on the roster, which puts him closer to the bubble at this time.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tight end Rob Gronkowski, middle linebacker Brandon Spikes and right cornerback Alfonzo Dennard will not play for the New England Patriots in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced.

All three players were downgraded to out because of injuries. Spikes has been hobbled with knee and ankle injuries, while Dennard hurt his right knee in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the 49ers. Gronkowski has been out with a broken left forearm since Nov. 18.

With Spikes out, the Patriots have a few different options.

Mike Rivera, a first-year player from Kansas, started in place of Spikes last Sunday. Rivera played just the first series before giving way to Spikes.

Rivera could see extended time Sunday if his health checks out (he also has an ankle injury). Other options include moving Jerod Mayo to middle linebacker and inserting veteran Tracy White into the weakside spot, or moving Dont'a Hightower to the middle, moving Rob Ninkovich from end to strongside linebacker, and playing with Chandler Jones, Trevor Scott and Justin Francis as the top defensive ends.

At right cornerback, Kyle Arrington is the top backup to Dennard. That would be the likely change there, unless the Patriots consider moving Devin McCourty from safety to corner and inserting Patrick Chung into the safety mix.

Gronkowski's absence likely means that Michael Hoomanawanui assumes the No. 2 spot on the tight end depth chart, which he's held the last two games.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick called New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes a “punk” after the Patriots’ 37-31 win, during which Spikes was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty on a third-quarter shot to Fitzpatrick’s head that left him on the ground without a helmet.

"I think the biggest thing is we're not going to back down from anybody," Fitzpatrick said after Sunday’s Bills loss. "I think that Spikes is an emotional player. I think that he's a punk, at times. (He) took a cheap shot at Scott (Chandler) in the first game (the teams played this season). He was doing a lot of jabbering and talking and hitting out there. (He's) not one of my favorite players, not high on my list."

The hit on Bills tight end Chandler that Fitzpatrick referred to resulted in Spikes receiving a $21,000 fine from the NFL and forced Chandler out of the game with a concussion.

In a recent piece posted on ESPN.com, Neil Hornsby of Pro Football Focus highlights his 10 most underrated players in the NFL.

The list is topped by Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, and also includes Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes, who checks in at No. 8. Hornsby says Spikes is as good as any middle linebacker in the NFL as a first- and second-down run stuffer.

Thus far in 2012, Spikes has 50 tackles and has forced three fumbles. He has effectively established himself as a tone-setter for the Patriots' defense, and teams with Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower to form one of the more stout starting linebacker trios in the league. In his past two games alone, Spikes has accounted for 19 tackles and a sack.

To read the list in its entirety (note: Insider content), click HERE.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes says he was joking when he tweeted that he was "homophobic." (link here)

This week's "Reiss' P.A.T." features a sitdown with linebacker Brandon Spikes and a look at Patriots-Broncos and Peyton Manning's return to Foxborough.

Frustrated with the officiating in the Patriots' 31-30 loss to the Ravens on Sunday night, linebacker Brandon Spikes sent the following tweet after the game:

"Can someone please tell these f------ zebras foot locker called and they’re needed Back at work !!!! #BreakingPoint"

You can bet he'll hear from the NFL on that one.