Unlike last season's smooth ride through a weak schedule, this year's Patriots face real adversity — and Sunday's game against Pittsburgh is their first real test. news sports entertainment obituaries subscribe

September 18, 2026 The MassLive Patriots Newsletter Patriots After a charmed season, Drake Maye and Patriots need to prove they can overcome adversity Unlike last season's smooth ride through a weak schedule, this year's Patriots face real adversity — and Sunday's game against Pittsburgh is their first real test. By Matt Vautour | mvautour@masslive.com Read more Patriots Meet the Patriots pass rusher who pestered Seattle QBs and trolled opposing fans in his debut A Patriots edge rusher posted a sack and four quarterback hits in his first game with New England, then playfully trolled his former team on social media By Mark Daniels | mdaniels@masslive.com MORE    Patriots Patriots takeaways: Josh McDaniels sees how teams have adjusted to Drake Maye Josh McDaniels says teams are now game planning differently for Drake Maye after his MVP runner-up season By Mark Daniels | mdaniels@masslive.com MORE    Patriots Stephon Gilmore, five-time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion, to retire as member of Patriots Stephon Gilmore is returning to Foxborough to officially call it a career with the team he won his only Super Bowl with. By Lauren Campbell | LCampbell@masslive.com MORE    Entertainment Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledges $2M for Gaza aid after Macklemore donation challenge After Macklemore challenged him publicly, Robert Kraft pledged $2M for Gaza humanitarian aid, matching donations from both the rapper and Ed Sheeran. By Liesel Nygard | LNygard@masslive.com MORE    Patriots Bill Belichick’s son Steve to resign, UNC releases findings of investigation Michael Lombardi isn't the only one stepping down at North Carolina. By Chris Mason | cmason@masslive.com MORE    See more     Get Back to What You've Missed   Unlimited Digital Access   $1 for the first month   Subscribe Now