FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots surprised many around the NFL last month when they traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns.It created yet another adjustment for a defense that was already dealing with an injury to linebacker Jonathan Freeny and the offseason trade of pass rusher Chandler Jones.By parting ways with Collins, they not only jettisoned what might have been the most athletic player on New Englands roster, but also instantly put a lot more on the shoulders of veteran linebacker Donta Hightower, second-year player Trey Flowers and rookie Elandon Roberts.The first taste of life without Collins was on Sunday against the Seahawks, and after a 31-24 loss that included the Patriots defense getting pushed around at times late in the game, it appears that unit might take time before it completely figures things out.New England gave up a season-high 31 points to the Seahawks , and allowed an opponent to gain 400 or more yards for the second time this season.Its certainly not all one thing, but in total we obviously need to do a better job than what were doing, coach Bill Belichick said of some of his teams defensive breakdowns Sunday. Thats all the way across the board, all the areas of the defense; front, coverage, run defense, turnovers, you name it. Its not all bad, but it needs to be better.The Patriots did hold the Seahawks to a field goal on four of their seven trips inside the red zone, while sacking Russell Wilson three times.But Wilson managed three touchdown passes on Seattles other three red zone opportunities, including a pivotal eight-play, 48-yard drive capped by a 15-yard pass to Doug Baldwin early in the fourth quarter. The Patriots struggled to get any pressure up front on Wilson during the drive, which took only 4:05 off the clock.We just struggled, Flowers said. It was a tough game, we played a good team. We left some plays out there, no doubt about it.Despite the miscues, there were individual bright spots to build on.The most promising effort might have come from Flowers, who posted his second straight two-sack game in his first career start at defensive end.Meanwhile Roberts, elevated to Collins old spot in the starting lineup Sunday, was credited with only one solo tackle while assisting on three more.After dealing with an early-season knee issue, Hightower continued to be productive with his second 10-tackle game of 2016. But with seven games left, he could certainly use some help from his teammates.Despite the shortcomings, defensive captain Devin McCourty said hes confident they will be able to figure things out.I think weve got room for improvement, he said. We make a couple of stops, not just in the red (zone) area, but early on drives (and) on long drives -- I think we come out with a win. The offense moved the ball. We just gotta get a couple of stops to help out.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter a http://www.twitter.com/khightower Buy Cheap Bills Jerseys . - Derek Wolfe says hes finally healthy after suffering a seizure in November that doctors now believe was related to the spinal cord injury he suffered in the preseason. Josh Allen Jersey . PAUL, Minn. http://www.cheapbillsjerseyschina.com/ray-ray-mccloud-jersey/ .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. Discount Bills Jerseys .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Cheap Bills Jerseys .25 million option on reliever Jose Veras. Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the team revealed Friday afternoon.The 30-year-old was acquired by Carolina from the Chicago Blackhawks in the offseason, and he had appeared in seven of Carolinas 13 games this season, scoring once while averaging 9:42 in ice time per game.Since the 2015 playoffs, Ive been struggling to understand what was going on with my body, Bickell said via a statement released by the team Friday afternoon.Again during the past few weeks, it felt like something wasnt right, Bickell added. Obviously this is a bit of shock for my family and me, but I am hopeful I will be able to return to the ice and continue playing the game that I love.Hurricanes general manager?Ron Francis asked for Bickells privacy to be respected.First and foremost, the most important thing is for Bryan to take care of himself, and our thoughts are with him and his family, Francis said in the same statement. He will need to take some time to rest in the immediate future, and we will support him as he takes the necessary steps for his health. We ask that his privacy be respected during the process.Blackhawks president and CEO John McDonough released the following statement on Bickell:Our thoughts are with Bryan, his family and the Carolina Hurricanes during this challenging time. He has built so many lasting relationships in Chicago both inside and outside of the Blackhawks organization based on his play on the ice and character off of it. Together, we will keep him in our thoughts during his fight against the disease.Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville also addressed the news, saying, Hes a special guy. Were thinking about him, and our thoughts and prayers are with him. Its tough to hear something like that. He has a tough road ahead. He was speecial for us and instrumental in us having a lot of success here.dddddddddddd We wish him well.Bickell was part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams in Chicago.Its pretty shocking. What can you say? Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said. I think everyone in this room, in this organization, as close as we all are to Bicks, our hearts go out to him. We wish him the best health possible. Hopefully he can hang in there and find ways to stay strong despite his condition.Bickell is the second NHL player in recent years to be diagnosed with MS, an incurable disease that attacks and scars the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.Minnesota Wild goaltender?Josh Harding was diagnosed with the disease in November 2012. Harding played sparingly after his diagnosis.Another former goalie, Jordan Sigalet, was diagnosed with MS in late 2003, and he has been a vocal supporter of research into the disease. Sigalet, a former standout at Bowling Green State University, is currently the goaltending coach of the Calgary Flames. He told ESPNs Joe McDonald that he would reach out to Bickell.I know first-hand what Bryan is going through, and it comes as a shock at such a young age when you are an elite athlete and in the prime of your life, Sigalet said.For me, it was great to have my teammates and family around for support and to keep a positive attitude and outlook. The disease is so different for everyone, but there are so many great treatments and resources available today that can help manage the disease, Sigalet added. My thoughts go out to him and his family, and I wish him nothing but the best.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale NFL Womens Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Black Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys 2020 ' ' '