The weather can be a factor, especially when it comes to the snow and ice that covers the NFL’s New England Patriots.
It’s an issue that’s gotten some teams on edge since the start of training camp.
The Patriots have struggled to hold onto field position and have been on a five-game losing streak, but that’s all part of the fun.
It all started last year when they were one of just three teams in the league to lose at least four games and had just one playoff game in eight years.
But now, the Patriots have three straight victories, which is a new franchise record.
With that record in hand, Belichick said that he hopes his team can win at least two of its final five games to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
“We want to be on track,” Belichick said, per NFL Network’s Ed Werder.
“The only thing that can stop us is our focus.
I hope we can win those three games.”
With that, the Pats will go back to the New York City area for a four-day mini-camp on Saturday.
Belichick said it’s a good opportunity for players to get their bodies and minds ready for the upcoming season.
The players can go to different places to work on their craft, as well as to see a new place to practice.
For example, a few weeks ago, the players attended the team’s annual winter meeting in Las Vegas.
This summer, the team has been working on getting a new ice rink installed in their practice facility.
“Our players and coaches have been working really hard to get the rink going, and we feel like this is a great opportunity for us to get that done,” Belichick told Werder, per the Associated Press.
“When we look at this as a long-term thing, it’s important that we have this in place so we have the infrastructure to have a place to come in, practice and have a lot of fun, just to keep us fresh.”
With two games remaining in the regular season, the schedule has been tough.
But with all of that in mind, the Belichick and company are hoping to make it a success this time around.
“It’s the most important thing we have right now, and this is the one thing we want to do right now,” Belichick explained, per Werder’s report.
“I feel like we’re going to do this.
We have the ability to make a statement in this league.”
