Bill Belichick wasn't going to waste time watching the Rose Bowl.
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"I don't think this is the time to go sledding, go out and take on a lot of new projects and model airplanes and all of that," Belichick said Wednesday.
He's coaching a team trying to become the first to win three consecutive Super Bowls, and the playoff path starts Saturday night when New England hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both ended their regular seasons last Sunday, so they have one less day than usual to get ready.
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"I'm working hard. I'm staying late," said tight end Christian Fauria, a two-time champion after reaching the playoffs just once in seven seasons with Seattle. "I told my wife, `Listen, don't expect me home till later than usual.' She's like, `OK, I kind of know how it is now.' "
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Linebacker Larry Izzo made it clear there's much more at stake than in the regular season.
"Izzo's calling guys on Monday saying, `Where are you at? I'm in the weight room early Monday morning. It's playoff. Let's go.' " Beisel said. "So there's definitely an air of excitement."
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For New England, linebacker Tedy Bruschi is "fine," Belichick said, but is listed as questionable with a left calf injury that kept him out of last Sunday's game against Miami.
Bruschi worked out on the practice field with his teammates Tuesday and Wednesday. Afterward, Belichick did more planning. Watching Wednesday night's Rose Bowl between USC and Texas, the nation's top two college teams, wasn't on his agenda.
"Most of the college games that I'd watch are in the spring, in the college scouting process," he said. "I don't think I'll be spending a lot of time watching that one."
