FOXBORO — It would be impossible to blame the Patriots’ defense for a Week 3 loss that saw the offense turn the ball over five times, but the 14-0 lead spotted to the Steelers certainly didn’t help.

Patriots inside linebackers coach and current defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr stressed the importance of starting faster this week against the Panthers while speaking to reporters Thursday.

“It starts as a mindse,” Kuhr said. “And we just give them a clear focus of how we want to start each practice. Emphasis on the DTFs — the details, techniques and fundamentals — and an emphasis on the ball to help create momentum.”

Overall, Kuhr is happy with how the Patriots’ defense is coming together.

They played much better against the Steelers than they did in a Week 1 loss to the Raiders and a Week

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