He has no time for and no interest in chasing the 1989-90 San Francisco 49ers or the 1972-73 Miami Dolphins or the 1933-34 Chicago Bears or the other three teams that have won 18 straight.
"Right now, a streak of one division win is what I'm looking for," said Belichick, between gritted teeth.
Aw, that's why we love the big lug. Belichick's demeanor can be annoying and refreshing at the same time. He is a student of history, and will undoubtedly, someday, appreciate his team's accomplishments. The operative word here is someday. While the building of a legacy is in session, there's no talking or laughing in class.
After the Patriots won their second Super Bowl, Tedy Bruschi said, "I can finally allow myself to enjoy it. We've been doing `one game at a time' for so long, and it was the key to our success, but it's great to let loose and acknowledge we're really good."
That feeling is history. It's a new team with new players.
"What does the streak do for us?" newcomer Keith Traylor asked. "It doesn't get us into the playoffs. It doesn't win us a Super Bowl ring. I could care less about it."
Traylor played for the last team that won 18 in a row, the Denver Broncos of 1997 and 1998. He sees similarities in Belichick and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
"You've got two hard-nosed coaches who don't take any b.s.," Traylor said. "And they both go with the attitude of, `Win one. OK, now win another.' "
Richard Seymour understands why people are interested in New England's run at a new milestone.
"It's always nice to go down in history as one of the best," he said, "but even if we did break the record, we wouldn't be able to enjoy it anyway. We'd have other things on our minds."
He has a point. The Red Sox celebrate a postseason berth with champagne and bouquets; the Patriots don't celebrate at all. They simply keep their heads down and plow forward.
