Patriots Party Sunday Night, Return to Work Monday to Start on Super Bowl Preparation

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots made a slow transition Monday from celebration to preparation.

While they didn't want to completely relinquish the feeling they earned during their dramatic AFC Championship victory against the Ravens, the Patriots knew they had to start to move toward the Giants.

"I think the switch was slowly being turned over [Monday]," wide receiver Matthew Slater said. "I think we're still enjoying what we did [Sunday], but we know it would be a terrible feeling to come all this way and not finish the job. So I think that switch will be fully on [Tuesday] and realize, 'Hey, we have to prepare for the Giants.'"

After Sunday's win, the party spilled over into a few bars and restaurants at Patriot Place, where the Patriots watched the Giants topple the 49ers. During the victory party, the players reminisced about the season and everything they've gone through to get to this point. From there, they went home and got some rest.

The Patriots ran through a typical film session Monday at Gillette, but they also got their travel arrangements in order for their family and friends. Then, they departed from the facility and will have  Tuesday and Wednesday off before reporting back Thursday to bear down on the Giants.

"It was great," safety James Ihedigbo said of Sunday's party. "Right now, it's taking care of family things, traveling, settling down, starting to watch film on the Giants and getting ready for the biggest game of our lives."

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