“This is our sixth practice,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after Friday’s hour workout. “We have hit everything. I think we are ready to go.”
ATLANTA – Game time is within sight and Bill Belichick says he has the Patriots ready for another Super Bowl.
“This is our sixth practice,” Belichick said after Friday’s hour workout. “We have hit everything. I think we are ready to go.”
The Pats' workout ended with former safety Lawyer Milloy breaking down a team huddle with the team’s familiar “Awww Yeah!” catchphrase. “He’s one of us,” Belichick said.
The team wore helmets and jerseys for the workout and every player was a full participant, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, and defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury.
“He did everything today,” Belichick said of Hightower. “You could hear him talking out there, and that’s usually a good sign with him. He has plenty of energy.”
Belichick said players would be free to spend Friday evening with their guests. On Saturday morning, the team will have a meeting and then head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a team photo and a get-together with family and friends.
“We’ve still got a few things to review and cover, but I would say everybody now needs to just gear up for how we want to play the game and be ready to go out there and play it that way," Belichick said. “I think the next 48 hours are going to be really important, like they always are. Fine-tuning it and really zeroing in. Being physically, mentally and emotionally ready to go Sunday night.”
Edelman hits the books: There was a point and time when Julian Edelman was a quarterback. Now, he’s one of the best wide receivers in NFL’s postseason history.
During this playoff run, Edelman has 16 receptions for 247 yards. He’s also entered the record books alongside some outstanding company.
This postseason, Edelman brought his playoff reception total to 105. He's the second player in NFL history to hit the 100-reception mark in the postseason, joining Jerry Rice (151 playoff receptions). Edelman also has five 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs. That's tied for the third most all-time. With one more 100-yard game, he would tie Michel Irvin for second place. Rice holds the NFL record with eight games.
When asked if he remembers when becoming a receiver click for him, after playing quarterback at Kent State, Edelman said he’s continuing to learn still to this day.
“I’m still continuing, continuously try to learn what you can do to get yourself a new route or a new stick or a new this or that,” Edelman said. “I think that’s a part of growing as a player and as person. You’re always trying to improve yourself. So, I wouldn’t say I could put a number on when I thought I had it because you’re always trying to get it better.”
Come Super Bowl LIII, Edelman has the chance to climb the NFL ranks for most postseason receiving yards. He's currently at 1,175, which puts him seventh all time. Edelman is currently behind Hines Ward (1,181), Andre Reed (1,229), Reggie Wayne (1,254), Cliff Branch (1,289), Irvin (1,315) and Rice (2,245).
Said Edelman: “I just go out and try to play as hard as I can. That’s what it is.”
Been there, done that: Tom Brady is getting used to this Super Bowl thing.
Getting to set to play in his record ninth Super Bowl, Brady doesn’t need to fret about the challenges of the sport’s biggest game. He knows what the media demands will be, how to deal with ticket demands, when the family arrives and, most importantly, how to prepare to win over two long weeks.
“The preparation is different but in some ways easier for me. I’m very efficient with what my routine is,” he said. “When I was a young player you’re watching tape but you don’t necessarily know what you’re looking at or looking for. Now I have a plan every time I sit down and study. Basically how to put together, with Josh, a plan that we can have a lot of confidence in.
Brady and McDaniels are close friends and the most successful quarterback/offensive coordinator in NFL history. That McDaniels turned down a chance to be a head coach with the Indianapolis Colts to remain with the Patriots through the end of Brady’s career says a lot about their unique bond.
“I think I have one of the best jobs in the world with the Patriots and the Kraft family,” McDaniels said. “I’m challenged at my job, I love to come to work and I learn every day. What more could you ask for from a boss?”
Unlike some Patriot fans, Brady seems to understand how fortunate he is to have won so much. Now his career is bookended with Super Bowls games against the Rams, one based in St. Louis and the other Los Angeles.
“I was so young and naïve as a young player,” he said. “I’m a little less naïve but I still love the competition and still love trying to win football games. It’s probably the first love of my life, thankfully, and I’m still enjoying it now.”