1. If there was one thing that was clear from being in the Patriots locker room this week, it was the team has been to the Super Bowl before. It was evident the team is all business for the game, but also loose at the same time. Multiple groups of players have been seen gathered at lockers joking and laughing each day after meetings and practice — a sign they aren't stressed at all by the game or anything associated with it. By playing in the Super Bowl last season, many players know exactly what to expect when it comes to handing ticket requests, etc. It may also have been a reason why the Patriots only got Tuesday off this week. Last year they got two days off to get everything in order for the game. New England also seemed positive when it came to Rob Gronkowski (concussion) playing in the game. There didn't appear to be any hint of concern surrounding his status. It seems clear the Patriots are a confident and stress-free bunch as they get ready to embark on Minneapolis, which is a good sign as it relates to Super Bowl LII.
2. When speaking Saturday, Tom Brady had a lot of praise for Dion Lewis. "He's done such a great job since he's been here," Brady said. "When he got here, there was a lot of people kind of vying for that spot, and he really took advantage of it and has played so well for us. [He] really is a feature back and plays well in the passing game, run game, inside runs, outside runs – kind of does everything – real good in blitz pickup and Dion's very smart." In his last four games overall, Lewis has 101 touches (runs and receptions) for 493 yards.
3. One thing worth noting from the press conference was Brady didn't want to talk about his "Tom vs. Time" documentary. With four episodes coming out between now and the game, and Brady speaking on four different days, he's bound to get even more questions on it and sooner or later he's going to have to give something. If Brady truly didn't want to talk about it leading up to the Super Bowl, why release it when he did?
4. Speaking of Brady, with his mom and mom's side of the family being from Browerville, Minnesota, located just over two hours from Minneapolis, expect this to be one of the bigger storylines of the week. Don't be surprised to see a video or two of the farm Brady spent summers milking cows with his grandfather on. A Minnesota TV camera crew spent the AFC championship game with the family. Here is the video.
5. Lewis is one of a few Patriots players who could be playing in their last game as a member of the team next Sunday. He's a free agent and with how good he has been this season, he may be seeking a contract more than the Patriots are willing to go. Keep an eye on the Colts and Lions as possible destinations since Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia know better than anyone what he can do, and Lewis may like the familiarity.
6. Bill Belichick had high praise for Patrick Chung on a conference call about a week ago. "The guy is a really good football player," he said. "He's one of the best players in the league, one of the best players on our team." When speaking about him again this week, Belichick admitted he made a mistake with the way he used him during his first stint with the team. He used him as more of a free safety, when he's best used playing closer to the line of scrimmage. Chung will play a big factor in the game, as he will be used as a run-stopper, but also will be assigned to covering star tight end Zach Ertz.
7. For those looking ahead to the next week, here's when the Patriots players will be speaking. Monday- Opening Night, 8:10 p.m. EST; Tuesday- 12 p.m. EST; Wednesday- 5 p.m. EST; Thursday- 5 p.m. EST. Tuesday will feature a select players, while Monday, Wednesday and Thursday the entire team and coaching staff will be available. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is scheduled to hold his state of the league address Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST.
