FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots were back at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday to get in one final practice before embarking on their late bye week break, holding an in-stadium practice in frigid conditions that are sure to motivate some members of the team to head for warmer climates during their off time.
"[It's a] much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players, but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future," said Jerod Mayo on Monday. "That has to be our goal."
"Just refresh mentally, refresh physically, and be safe," said Christian Gonzalez of the coach's message to the team. "Enjoy your time off and come back ready to go."
With just four games to go against three formidable opponents, there are still strides to be made as the team looks to set a positive early tone when the offseason arrives.
"There's tremendous value in finishing off the season right?" said cornerback Alex Austin. "Just going to next year with some momentum, knowing we got a young group of guys looking to make some plays. So it'd be good to get the guys out there and let them do what they do and just have fun."
Austin has been part of that youth movement in recent weeks. After missing eight games due to a stint on injured reserve, Austin emerged on Sunday against the Colts as a rotational cornerback in the secondary.
Previously, Austin played just 14 defensive snaps against the Jets in Week 3. On Sunday, Austin played 26 snaps against Indy and registered two passes defensed. He received the second-highest defensive grade on the team from Pro Football Focus just behind Christian Gonzalez and should continue to be a part of the defensive game plan after the break.
"For me, for my season, being how it went for me, wasn't how I planned, getting hurt early in the year," said Austin. "I don't take a snap for granted. I'm ready to go honestly. I'm ready to be back from the bye, ready to get back at it."
Another young player to receive a renewed opportunity against the Colts was rookie guard Layden Robinson, who made his debut at left guard and played all 72 offensive snaps, a career-high.
"I thought Layden went out there and played his best game. It wasn't perfect by far, but definitely took a step forward," said Mayo on Monday.
Robinson started the first four games of the year at right guard, but as Michael Onwenu shifted back inside from tackle, it left Robinson searching for a new avenue to the game field. Now that opportunity has emerged at left guard, a new spot for the rookie, but one he's ready for.
"I take it in as a positive stepping stone," said Robinson of his performance. "I got a lot more stuff that I could have done way better on. I could have made that game even better than I did. So, you know, that's a positive note, but that's just to build off of, and I'm excited to get back to work."
Young players like Austin and Robinson will be key players to watch as the Patriots prepare to face three quality teams over the season's final four games. Both, like many others on the roster, have battled through the inevitable ups and downs of the NFL season but now have a final chance to refocus, heal up and show everyone that they should be part of the Patriots future.
"I've learned that it's a marathon, not a sprint," said Robsinson. "You know, take things day by day and just enjoy the process. You do have those up-and-down moments, but it's a love for the game that's going to end up pulling you through anything."
"I know the group of guys I'm in the locker room with every day, so I know how much work we put in with one another, blood, sweat and tears," said Austin. "So I'm very confident that as long as we continue to work hard, build that camaraderie every day, just trust one another, things will turn out the right way."
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