And it all had to do with the site of Monday's monstrous clash - the Louisiana Superdome.

For those who have relegated memories of the Superdome Super Bowl XXXVI triumph against the St. Louis Rams to only hats, T-shirts and DVDs, Belichick is breaking them out. The Superdome brought it all back, our source said, after putting a tear-stained gray hoodie into a waste basket.

Belichick went on and on about the ``Dome,'' especially how last-second, 47-yard field goals travel true and how on Feb. 3, 2002, a post 9/11 nation heard ``We are all Patriots today.''

Rex Ryan tears didn't follow, but Belichick did get choked up, bringing Tom Brady to his knees, crying ``Hallelujah.''

Belichick went on about what the Superdome means to the franchise, and that will be felt by all on Monday night. (Oh, and Bill noted the concession stands there sell a pretty mean chicken gumbo, too.)

Belichick then held up the ring, spit-shined it in front of the team, and joyously recalled, ``This place will always mean a lot to me and the team.''

Now that's monumental. The Pats' past does exist, and the future lies waiting Monday night at the Superdome.

Patriots at New Orleans (-2) - Adam Vinatieri may not be walking through that door but Tom Brady is, and that's more than enough. Pats, 31-24.

Gone shopping:

Indianapolis (-3 1/2) at Houston - The Texans played early Santa, giving away a gift to the Titans. And Mr. Claus has no gift for them. Colts, 24-20.

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-14) - Either the Bengals will be as angry as a postgame Eric Mangini, or they'll revert to past, normal (losing) behavior. Bengals, 34-10.

Chicago at Minnesota (-10 1/2) - Bears coach Lovie Smith is thinking honestly about the playoffs. ``I think it's more of a realistic approach to where we are.'' Which is bye-bye, Bear-die. Vikings, 30-17.

Washington at Philadelphia (-9) - The Redskins' recent boost began when they found they were first in line for swine flu shots as part of the health care reform bill. Eagles, 19-13.

Miami (-3) at Buffalo - First snow in Buffalo. Fans sing ``Frosty The Snowman.'' Dolphins chill out. Bills, 16-10.

Arizona at Tennessee (-3) - Vince Young's dancing around, Chris Johnson's running around, but the Titans won't be getting around. Cardinals, 27-14.

Seattle (-3) at St. Louis - The Seahawks are a mess, maybe right now even worse than the Browns. Rams in a rout. Believe it. Rams, 33-10.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta (-12 1/2) - Excuse me while I burp my ever-scrumptious Turkey Day dinner on this game. Falcons, 27-10.

Carolina at N.Y. Jets (-3) - Ryan won't have anything to whine about after his Jets beat a team that's bigger chumps than they are. Jets, 24-16. Jacksonville at San Francisco (-3) - The Jaguars are 6-4? In the playoff chase? Come on! Can't allow that. 49ers, 26-20. Kansas City at San Diego (-13 1/2) - When will Norv Turner wreak havoc on his Chargers' success? It's gonna happen but not just yet. Chargers, 36-14.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (off) - When you dislike both teams and the loser probably is out of the playoff chase, it comes down to who you dislike more. Ravens, 20-17.

Last week: 5-10

Season: 80-75-2

- jlazar@bostonherald.com