[wysifield-embeddedaudio|eid="492591"|type="embeddedaudio"|view_mode="full"]
The Patriots enjoyed a five-day break over the bye weekend before returning to Foxborough to start preparations for Seattle's Sunday night visit. At 7-1 they sit atop the AFC while watching the rest of the league battle it out in Week 9.
The Boston Globe wasn't too impressed with the action that took place during a week without Patriots football. Things don't figure to get much tougher the stretch, either, as New England is scheduled to face many top quarterbacks.
With the Seahawks set to take on Buffalo tonight on "Monday Night Football" it offers Bill Belichick a chance to get some rare TV scouting in. The Boston Herald offers some awards for the Patriots from the first half of the season.
Tom Brady made his weekly appearance on WEEI radio in Boston and was asked about the growing concerns of CTE and the future of football.
The Providence Journal offers its mid-term grades for the Patriots. The times will be changing (games times at least) in the second half of the season for New England.
MassLive.com says a decision will be made soon on Dion Lewis and offers some thoughts on what to expect if and when he is activated. They also include five final thoughts on the Jamie Collins trade.
CSNNE.com says the Patriots are taking a wait-and-see approach with Barkevious Mingo.
NESN.com has Belichick talking about the team’s ability to avoid injuries thus far in 2016.
