The extended expansion of the New England Patriots away from the court has provoked other reactions from other players.
Some found it difficult to achieve optimal fitness without the gadgets and on-site education that was regularly held at Gillette Stadium, while others struggled to manage the brain while s spent hours in virtual meetings and preparing their own workouts at home.
Chase Winovich felt different.
The Patriots outback linebacker said Thursday that he appreciated the time he had been able to spend off the premises after Stephon Gilmore and Byron Cowart tested positive for coronavirus.
“I’d say anything that’s a pretty attractive dynamic,” Winovich said. “I would say that COVID definitely allowed me to spend a lot more time at home. In fact, I want to relax and unpack the first component of the season. I feel that every single time you face it, especially in such a stressful job, infrequently; other people will laugh when I say that; I feel like there are sure stressors that, just being a football player in the NFL, show up.
“And I am not simply talking about seeming ungrateful, but having a moment, which is essentially for what is the week off, in my mind, to unpack and untangle intellectual calculations and concentrate for the last push. I tried to do it and I feel good, I feel motivated and I look towards the last 12 games of the normal season ».
Gilmore tested positive last Tuesday, a day after the Patriots returned from their playable away game against the Kansas City Chiefs. From that day until the following Wednesday, the Patriots conducted official training: a low-intensity Saturday consultation in which players wearing masks. under their helmets and adhered to stricter estating guidelines.
Later on Saturday, Cowart tested positive, prompting the NFL to boost new England’s game with the Denver Broncos Monday through Sunday. The Patriots did not return to Gillette Stadium until Wednesday and did not practice until Thursday.
Breaking the same midseason routine, Winovich said, allowed him to rejuvenate himself mentally.
“I think it’s definitely a balance, and you can paint your hand, ” said Winovich. “. . . Sometimes taking a step back takes you one step forward in a safe way. And don’t take a step back in the sense. “that “OK, we’re going to take that off. “
“I feel that deep, emotional, intellectual or even soul disorders require serious introspection. You eliminate them and you just make sure that your priorities and your concentration are well aligned and to pass the offensive, I would say, intellectually, physically and emotionally. and don’t get caught.
“Then, yes, it’s a vital moment, that’s for sure. “
Winovich, a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has been one of the Patriots’ defensive players this season, leading the team in catches (2 1/2), tackled for loss (three), quarterbacks (six) and overall tension (15) through 4 games.