By Gethin Coolbaugh, Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- New England players have found an ally in coach Bill Belichick amid growing local criticism of the NFL's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belichick's approach to the virus outbreak within the walls of Gillette Stadium has earned him praise from those in the Patriots' locker room as they navigate the stops and re-starts of this unusual NFL season.

"Bill has done a good job of (saying), 'Hey, this is forever kind of changing, it's very fluid,'" Patriots safety Devin McCourty said. "But once we get it, (he says) 'This is what we've got, this is what we're gonna do' and I think all of us have just kind of (fallen) in line."

By Gethin Coolbaugh, Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots were forced to prepare for two opponents this week -- the Denver Broncos, and COVID-19.

A handful of positive tests -- including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore -- led to the closure of the Patriots' facilities for three days and the postponement of Sunday's schedule home game against Denver to Monday night.

New England was able to return to the practice field Saturday for a walkthrough -- its only opportunity all week to meet in person and scheme for the Broncos.

By Gethin Coolbaugh, Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Julian Edelman carved out a role as one of Tom Brady's most trusted receivers during the star quarterback's two decades with the Patriots.

Two games into the post-Brady era in New England, Edelman has already developed a similar chemistry with the team's newest QB.

The 34-year-old Edelman has emerged as a favorite target of 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton through the Patriots' first two games, totaling a team-high 236 yards receiving, including a career-high 179 in last Sunday's 35-30 loss at Seattle.