Five games into the season, it already feels like New England has been through a lot.
The Patriots had a semi-bye this weekend, some extra time off thanks to the Thursday night win over the Colts. That extra time could be key not only preparing for Sunday night's game against Kansas City, but also to get some self-scouting done to assess where the team sits with its 3-2 record.
Some in the media also used the extra time, both to analyze New England's current standing as well as take an early look at the Chiefs prior to the big Week 6 battle at Gillette Stadium.
The Boston Globe writes about “seven major issues” the Patriots must address moving forward. The Globe looks at quarterback sensation Patrick Mahomes, who'll lead the red-hot Chiefs into Foxborough on Sunday night. The Globe's Sunday football notes look at the top developments from the first quarter of the NFL season.
The Boston Herald has its weekly report card from the win over Indy and declares that things were solid all around for New England. The Herald looks at the threats to the Patriots throne at what many in the media refer to as the NFL's quarter pole. The Herald notes that New England waived cornerback and punt returner Cyrus Jones, while the paper also offers up its Week 5 power rankings.
The Providence Journal says it's an improved offense that has the Patriots back on track. The ProJo also has its version of a weekly report card, with “high marks all around.”
ESPNBoston.com's must-read Sunday notes kick off with a look at how Tom Brady became a Milwaukee Brewers fan, a team in the midst of the MLB playoffs.
WEEI.com offers up five Patriots-related thoughts from Sunday’s NFL action. WEEI.com's Sunday notes say New England is in the midst of what could be the turning point of the 2018 season. WEEI.com notes the Jones release and wonders if running back Mike Gillislee, released by the Saints over the weekend, might be returning to Foxborough. WEEI.com picks up the ESPN report that rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley ended up on IR due to a torn biceps.
NBC Sports Boston speculates about the same Jones-for-Gillislee swap. NBC Sports Boston says that though the Patriots have “their mojo back” there is still plenty to work on.
NFL.com has a way-too-early look at the playoff picture.
CBSBoston.com notes that with the Dolphins losing, the Patriots technically moved into first place in the AFC East on Sunday.
MassLive.com looks at how the Patriots defense has rebounded behind the return of safety Patrick Chung.
