What happened: New England averaged 26.8 yards per kickoff return in Wednesday's season opener against Seattle, with Kyle Williams handling two runbacks alongside practice-squad runner Lan Larison. Both Williams runbacks went for 29 yards and totaled 0.8 expected points added.

Why it matters: Seven different players handled kickoffs last season, an instability that contrasted with Marcus Jones pacing the punt unit. Williams, a 2025 third-round pick now in year two, points to comfort with the league's kickoff format and cleaner reads on blocks and lanes. His hold on the job bears watching with A.J. Brown now on injured reserve.

What to watch: Vrabel on Monday stressed cleaner catches and better angles after one bust left free runners downfield.