The Patriots’ walk-through practice today was a lighthearted affair that demonstrated once again the way that coach Bill Belichick has been relaxed and enjoying himself throughout the week.
Belichick told pool reporter Tom Curran that he thought it was great to see the players having fun on Saturday.
“These guys have worked hard, they’ve earned this trip,” Belichick said. “We know we’re here for a job but it’s also a fun thing to be part of this game so it’s fun to be seeing them enjoying it. This is what we all work for. To be here. You want to be here, you want to enjoy it, there’s a job to do but you want to be able to enjoy the trip.”
The Patriots posed for their final team picture and included 70 players -- the active roster, the practice squad and all the players on injured reserve. The most-watched player on the roster this week, tight end Rob Gronkowski, showed no signs of being bothered by his sprained ankle.
Now the Patriots will get down to business and attempt to cap off a fun week by winning the Super Bowl.