Bill Belichick wanted to make sure no one had forgotten about his safeties.
En route to shutting out the Falcons, 25-0, Belichick's defense had held the Falcons to 2.5 yards per carry. Of Atlanta's 16 rushing attempts, 12 went for three yards or less. It was a dominant performance by New England's front, with Ja'Whaun Bentley, Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Matt Judon all helping to stuff ball-carriers at different points.
How much of an emotional lift do the Patriots get when their linebackers play as physically as they did Thursday night, Belichick was asked afterward?