Both teams playing in this year’s Super Bowl took the day off on Saturday, the day before the big game. The New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams didn’t even break a sweat Saturday in what was their final ”practice” for the Super Bowl.
More than 800 friends and family joined Patriots players, coaches, and front office staff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday morning. The Pats finished a week of work at Georgia Tech, and they did not hold a walkthrough, but came to the site of the game for team photos and a gathering with their guests. This is the same routine they have followed for previous Super Bowls.
”This breaks up the day and lets them participate in it with their families,” said coach Bill Belichick, who is working his record ninth Super Bowl as a head coach. ”This is a dream for every player to play in this game, so to be able to share it with loved ones and family is special. We have tried to embrace it.’’
Quarterback Tom Brady, also in his ninth Super Bowl, walked in the stadium holding the hand of his 6-year-old daughter, Vivian, with his wife and two sons. Brady also met up with his parents and sisters, while Vivian did cartwheels nearby.
Devin and Jason McCourty, the first twins to play together in the Super Bowl, wore shirts that read, ”All we do is twin,” with ”win” printed in contrasting red letters.
The Rams also had family time following meetings and a walkthrough, but at their hotel in Buckhead, then took team photos inside the stadium.
”It’s great,” McVay said. ”This is something I’ve never really been a part of. It’s really special. We’ve got a few players and coaches that have been a part of Super Bowls in previous years, but for a lot of guys it’s their first time, and I think it’s definitely something you want to cherish.”
McVay said his team enters the game healthy; both safety Blake Countess and kicker Greg Zuerlein, who were previously on the injury report with foot injuries, are good to go. Both practiced in full Friday.
”I feel really good,” McVay said. ”I think they understand the time where they can enjoy themselves right now, but when we’re doing football-related things, locking into the game plan, they’ve done a great job. And I think that’s kind of been this team’s personality really this whole season. It’s a good balance; they enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of allowing it to affect our focus and concentration.”
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