Dinged-up Patriots take advantage of bye-week rest

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FOXBORO -- In the two weeks before New England's bye, the team seemed to just start rolling via a hard-fought win against the Jets and a decisive pounding of St. Louis in London.

But easing off the gas wasn't too difficult.

"Not at all," Matthew Slater scoffed. "Your body does't mind hitting pause for a little bit. We understand the things that we were doing well and the things we need to improve upon. But we think rest is equally important and we were able to get that this past week."

Almost 20 Patriots were limited to some degree on the mid-week injury report before the Rams game; six were held out of practice completely. Slater said it's to be expected this time of year.

"Yeah, one would assume that you play 12 games . . . something's hurt a little bit," he said. "Fingernail, hangnail. Something."

Which is not to say he's whining. If a guy isn't banged up, he probably isn't working hard enough.

"It's an NFL season. I think that says everything you need to know. It's an NFL season; things are tough. Everybody gets nicked and nacked," Slater smiled. "But hey, man, we're living the dream. Can't complain."

Players have said before that head coach Bill Belichick has a favorite phrase: Football season doesn't really get in gear until Thanksgiving. With that holiday less than two and a half weeks away, the Patriots used their time during the bye week wisely.

"I think the health of our football team is huge moving forward, so that was big for us," Slater said. "And just had a chance to do some self-scouting -- that, again, was as individuals and as a team. That's two positive things. A lot that we learned and can build upon moving forward into the second half."

Slater said there's plenty good New England has done to be at 5-3, but there's just as much to tighten up. The weaknesses will be analyzed, over-analyzed and, they believe, worked out.

It all starts with practice.

As guys suited up for Tuesday's workout, it became clear the first day back would be in full pads. Slater looked overjoyed when asked about taking some contact on the field behind Gillette Stadium.

"Oh, no question," Slater said. "We had days off! We have no reason not to. Hopefully we'll go out and have a good one today."

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