Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
Despite the presence of the Brady-Manning angle, the big story of the week leading up to the Pats-Colts matchup is the return of Adam Vinatieri.
Vinatieri’s former teammates are handing out plenty of praise for the man who helped the Patriots win three rings. But those looking for flowery words of praise from Bill Belichick shouldn’t hold their breath. Perhaps sensing what he’s in store for him this week, the coach was extra short with his answers and cranky during Wednesday’s press conference:
Q: What is Adam [Vinatieri’s] Patriots legacy in your mind?
BB: I think we all know what it is. He did a lot for this franchise and a lot for this team. I think we all know that. He did a lot for this team.
Q: Are there moments that standout to you personally?
BB: He made a lot of good plays for this team. They were all important.
Q: In your mind, is that something not worth talking about this week?
BB: We play the Colts this week. We’re getting ready for the Colts. We’re trying to improve our game and get better as a football team. That’s really where our focus is, right there.
Q: How does his presence change that dynamic?
BB: He was a good kicker. We all know that. He was a good kicker.
Q: How concerned are you about having a three point game near the closing seconds?
BB: Whatever we need to do to win the game, that’s what we’re going to prepare to do. I can’t tell you what the situation is going to be at the end of the game. I have no idea. We’ll prepare for all of them. I don’t know what they’re going to be.
Q: Do you regret not having him?
BB: I never said that. I think you build your team and do the best you can to build your team every year. That’s what we do.
Q: What sense did you have with Adam and his desire to stay?
BB: It's about us improving. We have a game on Sunday. I'd be happy to answer those questions. Other stuff, we've been through a thousand times.
I bet Belichick is one guy who can’t wait to get this game over with. Unless of course, Vinatieri’s or Gostkowski’s leg decides it in a negative way for