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Bill Belichick all charm as Patriots land in Indianapolis

Print | Comments () Posted by Staff January 29, 2012 06:10 PM

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By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick was all smiles and full of good humor when he took the podium for the first time in Indianapolis after landing just an hour prior.

"It's nice to be in Indianapolis," Belichick said. "It's about the nicest to be here in February as I've ever seen. It's awesome."

Asked about the hospitality of the city, he had some good natured ribbing to dish.

"I've never had too much hospitality here. Not until I went for it on fourth and two," Belichick cracked.

Asked again about the comparisons to Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, a 17-14 loss, Belichick was uncharacteristically giving to the media throng gathered for the press conference.

"All the games [in the past] I don't think really mean too much," he said. "There really aren't too many of us, coaches and players, that were really involved in that game."

Today's send-off at Gillette Stadium had an estimated 25,000 fans to see the Patriots off.

"Our fans have been great all year likey they usually are," Belichick said.

Belichick said the Patriots will practice on Monday and take Tuesday off to keep the team's schedule as normal as possible.