Patch Patriots Roundup: Could Offense Get Weird? Marcus Jones Music

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots dropped another game last week, bringing the team's record to just 1-5 and keeping the Bill Belichick on the hot seat news cycle going strong.

What's happened in the wake of last week's loss is typical for teams destined to miss the postseason, but unfamiliar to the Patriots: trade deadline rumors, top of the draft hypotheticals and, yes, even head coaching rumors swirling.

Will the Pats move players like Kendrick Bourne or Josh Uche? Will the team do what it can to get a top draft slot and a chance at USC quarterback Caleb Williams? Will the current regime be in place to grow Williams, if that does happen?

With questions flying and the division rival Buffalo Bills up next on the schedule, here are a few bits and pieces from this week to know:

Malik Cunningham

Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien took some time this week to answer questions about rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham, who went from the practice squad to backup quarterback in last week's loss to the Raiders.

O'Brien described Cunningham's potential involvement in the offense in a way that's similar to what the New Orleans Saints do with Taysom Hill.

Answering a question from the Boston Herald's Mac Cerullo, O'Brien said Cunningham could be useful in a number of different spots on the offense.

"You put together a package of plays and you try not to overload him, and they're plays within our system, so these aren't brand new plays," O'Brien said. "He's a very bright guy, he does a good job, he knows the plays and he's gotten better every week."

With the team needing a win against a division rival — and Super Bowl hopeful — this could be a week when Cunningham is involved in unique ways for the Patriots.

New European Business Advisor

As the NFL continues to plant its flag in Europe, the Patriots announced this week that Oliver Bierhoff will serve as an official business advisor for the organization as part of the team's "home market" expansion in Germany and the DACH region through the NFL's Global Markets Program.

The DACH region includes Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Bierhoff will advise on strategies built around marketing, branding and business development.

As a former executive and head of the Germany national team at the German Football Association, Bierhoff has extensive personal and professional experience in building sport nationwide.

"As we launched our efforts in Germany, with Switzerland and Austria soon thereafter, we realized we would be best served by adding expertise from someone who has been a business leader in the region to advise us in our efforts," said Jen Ferron, Chief Marketing Officer for Kraft Sports and Entertainment. "Marketing and developing business relationships in Germany is a new opportunity for us, and we are honored to welcome Oliver on board as an advisor with a one-of-a-kind experience in the German sports environment. His familiarity with the business and political landscape of the region will be invaluable as we strengthen our efforts to expand our branding throughout the DACH region.

"American football is a great sport and source of entertainment," said Oliver Bierhoff. "I love the passion, the athleticism and the excitement of the game. For years I have been an avid football fan. I am proud of becoming a part of the Patriots family and I am looking forward to supporting the franchise's continued expansion in Europe. What´s exciting is the huge potential I see to make American football more popular in a very attractive DACH market."

The Patriots play in Germany for the first time this year during a Week 10 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Marcus Jones ... Pop Star

Marcus Jones is an explosive playmaker for the Patriots on special teams, and a significant contributor at defensive back. But it turns out he has a lot more to offer than his athleticism.

Jones is also a musician, and his most recent single, "Make It Right", is making waves in the European music scene.

The single is currently in the ninth spot on Music Week's Commercial Pop Chart in the United Kingdom.

Jones performs under the name Elliott. J.

Listen to the track here:

How To Watch, Listen

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Network: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub