They had perfect attendance at practice for the first time all season, and they were in pads for the first time since Dec. 7, which made it clear that the postseason message was strong, and it was clear. After three and a half days off, the Patriots came back ready to work.
"We got off to a good start [Tuesday]," quarterback Tom Brady said. "Guys are really attentive and focused on what we need to do."
There was a good buzz in the locker room, and there was a lot of energy for the start of practice. And with their health intact, the Patriots clearly made use of their time away.
"Definitely excited, it's always fun getting back together with your teammates," tight end Rob Gronkowski said. "You had a couple days off and everything. To see them again, it's exciting.
"Your bumps and bruises go away and everything if you take care of them. I'm feeling good. My body is feeling good, and I'm ready for a good practice week."
There were some other messages, too. The Patriots, as much as ever, had little to say about anything that happened in the past, whether it was a previous Super Bowl, a playoff loss or even their Week 15 victory against Denver.
It's a new week, and they were amped to get it started.
"This is the postseason now," defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said. "You have to understand the battle you're going into. It started last week for us, just coming in and getting some things done. Hopefully it can transfer over to this week and onto the game Saturday."
