After losing their third game in four weeks, the Patriots are clinging to a one-game lead in the AFC East. Yesterday was the first day for players to return to the field after last Sunday’s loss in Miami, and even if weather conditions were not ideal, it would be difficult to accept that as an excuse considering quarterback Tom Brady was at the stadium less than 24 hours after the birth of his son Tuesday.
Leadership has been a question surrounding the Patriots, with Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison retired and Richard Seymour and Mike Vrabel traded. Following last Sunday’s loss, Brady said he and his teammates need to find ways to close out games and improve in all aspects.
“I think that’s the most important thing and being mentally tough to overcome adversity,’’ he said. “And when things don’t go your way, you’ve got to fight back. That’s a challenge for all of us. At times I think we do, and other times I don’t think we fight very hard.’’
Yesterday, Brady expanded on his comments, saying he doesn’t doubt the team’s energy on game day.
“It’s not like we think we’re not fighting out there in the game,’’ Brady said. “I think what Coach tells us and what I was alluding to was probably more of just the other six days of the week. We’ve got to make the commitment to each other. And if it’s Monday and it’s Tuesday and Coach wants us to come in on Monday and work or stay for a 2 1/2-hour practice on Wednesday and Thursday, then with no bitching and complaining, just [do] the job.
“I think at times we all feel a little bit sorry for ourselves and you’re beat up and you’re tired and you’re sore and it’s the end of the year and you go, ‘Why is [Belichick] doing this?’ But in the end, you’re either gaining ground on a team or you’re losing ground, and I always prefer to be gaining ground and getting ahead and staying ahead over the course of the week through walk-throughs, through meetings, through post-practice film, through your film study on Tuesday, through all of the treatment that you’ve got to do.’’
Brady’s comments were accepted by his teammates.
