FOXBORO -- The Patriots practiced inside the practice bubble today at Gillette Stadium, with Bill Belichick opening his pre-practice press conference by saying they would "crank up the temperature" before heading to the much warmer Miami weather for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
But then when asked if that will help New England's chances of winning the division title on Sunday, Belichick said, "I think it helps if you have a good team and you play well. That helps."
"We've been out on the grass for a could days," said Belichick. "Today's really a good concentration, mental day."
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich enjoyed it, and somewhat acknowledged that the purpose was to try and replicate Sunday's warmer temps in Miami.
"Yeah, I got a nice sweat going," said Ninkovich after practice. "I'm sure it doesn't necessarily replicate the exact temperature that it's going to be, but it's close enough, rather than 32 degrees like it is outside right now. I was cool with it. I like to get a little sweat going."