Amid a massive snow storm that hit the Northeast, the New England Patriots still practiced indoors despite having a bye week. The Patriots will see action on January 13 in the divisional round against a still-to-be-determined opponent. Despite this, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t want his players to relax, emphasizing the importance of each game, especially in the playoffs. “Every day is a work day,” Belichick said as he explained the importance of keeping the team sharp despite a bye week. The snow storm forced the NHL to cancel the showdown between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers.
However, Belichick kept his schedule of holding two practices during the bye week by holding training inside the Dana Faber Field House. “It’s a one-game season, so I don’t know how much more pressure you can get than that,” Belichick told reporters, adding that players who don’t have playoff experience should embrace that mindset. Belichick earlier warned his team not to use the snow storm as a reason to be late for Thursday’s practice.
Brady: Patriots still writing story
Veteran quarterback Tom Brady believes in the importance of staying sharp on a bye week, saying Thursday’s practice was a welcome thing before the team gets a weekend off. “I think it’s still trying to stay sharp. It is still football season so it’s not a week off at all,” said Brady, adding that the Patriots are “still writing our story and hopefully we write a good one.” Brady also discussed the team’s indoor practice, saying it was nice being in a bubble amid the blizzard conditions in Foxborough.
“Its been abnormally cold, but I think its been good for us to get out there and practice in it. So, I think today would have been impossible,” said the 40-year-old Brady, who ended the regular season with a league-leading 4,577 passing yards to go with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Brady became the oldest quarterback to lead the league in passing yards.
Only one Patriot missed practice
During their Wednesday practice, the Patriots welcomed the return of running back Rex Burkhead and defensive tackle Alan Branch. On Thursday, the Patriots got back defensive edge Eric Lee, who missed yesterday’s session due to an ankle issue that has hampered his performance over the last two weeks.
The 23-year-old Lee will be ready in time for their divisional round game on January 13. Running back Mike Gillislee did not join practice due to a knee injury that caused him to miss their Sunday showdown against the New York Jets.
