What happened: Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane said the team's hunger is "at an all-time high," referencing New England's run to the Super Bowl and the loss that followed. Spillane made the comment as the Patriots opened training camp.

Why it matters: The remark frames the tone New England's defense is carrying into the 2026 season after coming up short on the sport's biggest stage. Spillane, a veteran presence in the linebacker room, is positioning the near-miss as motivation rather than a setback.

What to watch: Watch how that stated urgency shows up once the Patriots move into padded practices and preseason games.