Good Bye

After seven games played, the Patriots get a much deserved and needed break, thanks to the bye week. While it’s great for the players and coaches, it is sometimes tough for the fans.

Without the Pats playing this week, there’s no build up of anticipation for the weekly gratification of game day. Sure there are other games on, but for some, without the Patriots, a football weekend feels hollow.

Filling the void will be repeated over-analysis of the same concerns on a daily basis and human interest stories on the players. That’s like rice cakes for dinner.

For all the sacrificing the players make over the course of the season, fans should return the favor and make a sacrifice of their own. And no, I’m not suggesting fans sneak into the Gillette Stadium locker room, borrow the players’ pads and uniforms, and play a game of football for the Pats.

All fans have to do is just be patient. Whether following the NFL without the Patriots playing satisfies or distracting oneself with an overdue weekend project does the trick, don’t let the absence get to you.

Think of the benefits the Patriots gain from the week off. RBs Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris will get closer to returning to action, as will LT Matt Light. QB Tom Brady might have his hands full, thanks to his wife Gisele (lucky), but I’m sure he’ll sneak in extra work to fine tune his game.

Brady has already come a long way. He didn’t flinch when a Tampa Bay defender rolled towards his feet on Sunday. Brady stood and delivered a perfect strike for a completion.

And maybe RB Laurence Maroney quits tap dancing for slam dancing.

Yeah, I know. That’s really stretching it. The point is, the mental break refreshes the mind and gives the body time to heal. The players deserve the chance to recover.

In the meantime, for the well-rounded New England sports fan, this bye comes at a great time. The Boston Celtics play their season opener in pursuit of Banner 18 tonight. The very next evening is the home opener at the TD Garden. The Boston Bruins try for their first winning streak of the season. And the World Series gets underway. Boston Red Sox fans get to see if the New York Yankees blow this chance at another championship.

A week without a Patriots game could be a little tough, but keep in mind that the Pats typically play their best football in the second half of the season. If a week off helps the team reach a higher level, so be it. Because there’s nothing better than the Patriots at their best.