Belichick strives for consistency

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Season opener or Super Bowl, every game is a big game to Bill Belichick.

His consistent approach to preparation for the next opponent, whether a powerhouse or a pushover, is the cornerstone of the coaching that has brought the New England Patriots to their fifth Super Bowl in 11 years.

The more intense the practices, the more prepared his players are for the game.

“You know what to expect week in and week out with him,” wide receiver Matthew Slater said. “The attention to detail is always there. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bye week or if it’s a divisional playoff round. He’s committed to winning, and that commitment never falters, no matter what the circumstance, no matter how much success we’ve had or how many games we may have lost in a row.

“That commitment to winning is always there.”

During practices, Belichick strolls the field, sometimes twirling his whistle on a lanyard, other times stopping to talk with players. His daily message is simple – get the fundamentals right and do your own job while preparing for the uniqueness of the next opponent.

That’s resulted in 10 consecutive wins, eight in the regular season and two in the playoffs. Another win Feb. 5 against the New York Giants would give the Patriots their fourth Super Bowl championship.

“I think every game is a big game,” Belichick said Tuesday. “Every time we get an opportunity to compete then we try to take advantage of the time leading up to that opportunity – the practice week, the preparation, the film study, understanding our game plan and our adjustments, all of those kinds of things.

“What else is there to work on but the game, the next one on your schedule, the one that you’re playing?”

Right guard Brian Waters played his first 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. But when he signed with the Patriots on Sept. 4, eight days before the season opener, he quickly sensed the difference in Belichick’s style.

“I wasn’t here in training camp but, from Day 1, I can tell that he’s all about the details,” Waters said. “He’s all about everybody doing their own job and staying in their lane. Everybody has their own responsibilities. That’s something that you learn early on, and that’s something that he still makes sure that we understand today.”