Chapter 5 Summary

Coach Belichick wanted his players to be prepared for as many contingencies as possible going into the Super Bowl. He also had the 'team' aspect stressed by not having the players introduced individually at Super Bowl XXXVI. The game started with the Rams returning the opening kick 38 yards which gave the Rams good starting field position; but the Rams' drive soon stalled and they kicked to the Patriots. The Patriots didn't manage to score, but they did manage to drive the ball from their own 2 yard line far enough to have the Rams start out on their own 20. Tom Brady was playing slowly but consistently; not panicking when the Rams took the lead with a field goal. Belichick made note that the Rams, although making progress on the field, were fighting harder than they were used to. The game was slow and demanding...