As is the case with any trip to the Super Bowl — and Belichick is a seasoned veteran when it comes to those — the first day or two can be consumed by planning the actual trip. But after that, the football aspect has to run its course.
"It's certainly a great honor to be representing the AFC in this game," Belichick said Tuesday. "We're looking forward to that opportunity versus the Giants, who are a great team. They've had a great year, and we know this is going to be our toughest game. We've had two tough ones and we know this one is going to be on a higher level. We have a lot of work cut out for us ahead, but it's exciting to be able to have the opportunity to meet that challenge.
"[Monday] in particular was a big organizational day, getting a lot of the logistics, at least the process started — maybe not all completed, but at least get things started that come with playing in the game. That's just part of the process. The coaches and the rest of us are really now started to really work to full steam ahead on the Giants. We've probably still got a few more logistics to iron out until we can put all that behind us. Again, it's a great opportunity and thrill to be in the game. We're looking forward to the challenge."
Part of the Patriots' team meeting Monday was delegated toward the logistical aspect of the game — handling ticket reservations and travel itineraries for family at the fore of the matter — and that should all be finalized soon.
The players got two days off before returning to Gillette Stadium for practice Thursday, and that's when they'll really make the transition toward the game. Since this is a bye week, too, attendance at practice might be a little thinner than it has been, as Belichick also wants to concentrate on the health of the team before Sunday's flight to Indianapolis.
"I think there are a lot of things [to take care of this week], but the logistics and all that, that's part of it," Belichick said. "That's something that we have to deal with on any away trip. This is an extended away trip so it has some elements of that, but there are additional things. But that's part of it. The health of the team is always important. That's what a team is — the healthy players that you can put out there on the field. That's always something that we try to be mindful of and do everything we can to get it to the highest level. We can get started on our opponent, and understanding what they do, and what we need to do against them, and how those things match up, and what adjustments we can anticipate or we've seen them make. I'd say it's all those things."
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