BIG GAME BEAT: Patriots honing game plan as clash with Rams nears

ATLANTA (WPRI) — With their media obligation behind them, the New England Patriots can now focus solely on getting ready for the big game.

Players and coaches held their final media availability on Thursday, just days away from their third straight Super Bowl appearance and their fourth in five years.

The Patriots returned to the practice field at Georgia Tech Friday as they put together their game plan for the Los Angeles Rams. Everyone on the team was a full participant, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower who missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness and defensive Malcom Brown who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury.

“He did everything today,” head coach Bill Belichick said of Hightower. “You could hear him talking out there, and that’s usually a good sign with him. He has plenty of energy.”

Belichick said he thinks the team is ready to go for Sunday.

Players who spoke with Eyewitness Sports said their preparations have been going well so far.

“You always put together the plan and… you wish it would always go to plan, it rarely does that,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “You try to scout the other team, you try to watch the tape, and you try to get a feel for how they play defense, and then you try to develop a game plan around that.”

In the meantime, fans from all over continue to arrive in Atlanta so they can cheer on their favorite team, as well as take part in all the festivities surrounding the game.

“Atlanta is awesome,” Louis Palino of Lincoln, R.I. said. “This is like the place to be if you want to be at the Super Bowl. There’s not a better spot. We’re just starting experiencing everything that’s here, and we’re having a great time.”

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