Bill Belichick Goes Full Confucius About Road Games On A Short Week
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Bill Belichick is known among his current and former Patriots players as a coach who can masterfully explain complex ideas with a single statement. He's done the same thing before in his press conferences, answering questions about the complex challenges facing the Patriots in a given week by sounding more like Confucius or Aristotle than a football coach.
Belichick had one such moment during his Wednesday press conference at Gillette Stadium, where he was asked about the Patriots' tough situation preparing for the Denver Broncos. They have a short week of preparation before flying out to Denver for their Sunday afternoon showdown, which could be played in temperatures in the 20s.
Belichick will have none of your fear-mongering over the team's tough spot.
"It's just like every other team in the league; we play half our games at home, half on the road. ... It is what it is. With every long week is a short week, with every short week is a long week. It is what it is."
And with that one statement, Belichick told the whole room how little he cares about any kind of circumstance that's beyond the Patriots' control. They've always had a short week to Denver on the 2016 schedule; nothing has changed during the season. They've had long weeks and short weeks, just like everyone else does every single year. Don't expect him to bring up the short week as some kind of excuse.
What Belichick is really concerned about is Tom Brady's 2-7 career record in Denver, including the playoffs. He and the rest of the Patriots simply need better results in that stadium, whether it's a big game or not. It's always a challenge, regardless of how much time the team has to prepare for it.
Belichick was also asked if the Patriots would use the 2015 AFC Championship Game in their preparation, and he said the game is "definitely a reference point." This week just has a little less time than usual to go over the film.
Belichick often brings up short weeks when discussing the Patriots' preparation, and he also brings it up with the players. But it's never a crutch; it's just his way of telling them how quickly they need to get back to work and focus on the next opponent. It's a system that has seemed to work over the years.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.