New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was his typical dry self when asked about the frosty weather that is expected in Foxborough when the Los Angeles Chargers arrive for the Divisional Round.
“They’re a good football team,” Belichick said, per Zack Cox of NESN. “We’re playing the Chargers. We’re not playing the weather. Whatever it is, it is.”
Belichick’s words are true and are also a compliment to a Chargers team that won on the road in the Wild Card playoffs in Baltimore. And if Belichick thinks his team has an edge over the Chargers, he is not inclined to admit it.
“I don’t think it’s any advantage. Last week (in the wild-card round), three of the four road teams won. The advantage is the team that plays well, so that’s what we’re going to try to do. Play and coach our best game Sunday afternoon — that’s our goal.”
Of course Belichick is not going to tip his hand. When does he ever? Taking this game seriously is the only approach for the Patriots. The Chargers have been incredible this year winning seven of their eight games on the road during the regular season.
We will see soon enough if a bye week and home-field advantage pay off for the Patriots. Either way, this showdown between veteran quarterback greats Tom Brady and Philip Rivers should make for an amazing game.