Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

One of the best things about covering the Patriots at this time of year (besides free access to Conference Championships, Super Bowls, and food…LOL!) is how the same old boring routines change a bit.

First of all, only during the national press conference before the AFC title game or the Super Bowl does Bill Belichick discard the frumpy sweats and break out the business suits. Remember how during the 2001 playoffs, Lawyer Milloy kept referring to the trip to Pittsburgh for the Conference Championship as "a business trip." Well, you can bet that started from the top, and the attitude continues to this day.

The coach also speaks differently than he does to the regular media horde that covers the team in Foxboro. The tone is different, the responses even more humble than usual, and you almost get a sense of accomplishment at his team even being there.

Not that the coach gives out any more info than at other times, but with more national writers there that aren’t familiar with what he’ll talk about and what he’ll deflect, you often times get interesting questions and funny exchanges. Like this one:

Q: Coach, if you were preparing a defense to oppose Tom Brady, what would you most be concerned about?
COACH BILL BELICHICK: "You think I want to answer that question? (Laughter) I'm glad I don't have to play against Tom Brady."

Amen! I think we're all with the coach on that one!

Then there was this discovery by Tom Brady in the midst of a question about Colts safety Bob Sanders, which led to the surprised look in the picture:

TOM BRADY: "Yes, I think he's one of their best play makers. I just found a few bucks in my pocket, isn't that nice (chuckling). That's a good feeling, isn't it? About 40 bucks."
Q. It might not be your suit? (Laughter)
TOM BRADY: "Might not be. Lucky day."

When you’re Tom Brady, it seems like every day’s a lucky day, doesn’t it?