The guessing game regarding whether the Patriots will play to win or not Sunday continues, with Wednesday not providing any great hints.
Yes, Tom Brady and Randy Moss both were absent from the start of practice. But that was the case the last three weeks as well.
On a conference call with Houston reporters Wednesday, Belichick was asked if his usual starters would open the game. He “laughed heartily” according to the Associated Press, then said, “I would expect they’d be there.”
Then he asked if the Patriots stars were on the reporter’s fantasy football team. (Silly Belichick -- most fantasy leagues end last week.)
We don’t know if Brady will play four quarters Sunday, but we do know the Patriots are taking this week’s practice seriously. Belichick even moved up practice time an hour to mirror local time in Houston.
Belichick was asked if it was difficult to prepare for Houston and an undecided playoff opponent in the same week.
“Only one ball in the air this week,” Belichick said, in a sunny mood this week. “Just one game. Not playing a doubleheader.”