Home/Articles/NFL
NFL·PREVIEW·October 1, 2026 04:26 PM ET

Patriots target red-zone fixes after five TDs on five trips

Zak Kuhr points to technique and disguise.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
Post on X
Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr: Changing up looks and better technique among the top things to focus on when it Via @MikeReiss on X

What happened: Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr said New England's priorities after last week's red-zone breakdown are changing looks and sharpening technique. The Patriots gave up touchdowns on all five opponent trips inside the 20 in that game.

Why it matters: Those adjustments carry extra weight for the Patriots, who added Matt Pryor to the 53-man roster earlier Thursday, with Buffalo next on the schedule. New England is 1-2 entering Week 4, so even a modest improvement near the goal line could help stabilize close-game margins.

By the numbers: New England allowed touchdowns on 100% of red-zone trips last week, going 5-for-5 against its defense, and enters Week 4 at 1-2.

What to watch: The next read comes from how often New England changes its coverage picture near the goal line in practice and against Buffalo. If the touchdown rate drops quickly, the Patriots can avoid putting added pressure on the rest of the roster.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NFLPreviewNew England Patriots
Follow NFL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNFL
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report