The fact Belichick was feeling good bodes well for the Patriots entering next Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants. Not that Belichick will ever tolerate on-field slacking in practice or outrageous media comments from his players. But the laid-back demeanor he displayed is a reminder of how much less outside pressure this New England squad is facing than the last one that played for a Lombardi Trophy. The stakes were so much higher for the 2007 Patriots. They were on the verge of posting the first 19-0 record in NFL history. They also had beaten the Giants in the regular-season finale. Dubbed a 13-point underdog by oddsmakers, New York entered as a far looser team and posted a 17-14 upset victory.