Patriots, Fans Battle Cold In Regular Season Finale

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Not even record cold could keep Patriots fans away from Gillette Stadium Sunday.

Frigid conditions and a negative wind chill meant that most Patriots jerseys in the stands were hidden under layers of clothing as extra precautions were needed for those attending the Week 17 showdown against the New York Jets. Game time temperature was 13 degrees, with a wind chill of -5, making the regular season finale the team's second coldest home game of all time and coldest regular season home game.

The only game to be played in Foxborough in colder weather was the 2003 NFL Playoffs on Jan. 10 against the Tennessee Titans. At kickoff, it was 4 degrees outside with a wind chill of -10.

Those historical facts, nor the weather probably mean much to Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. For those who think Belichick is cold blooded, here's some evidence for that. Prior to the game, he could be seen walking around the field in only a t-shirt and shorts. He later switched to a more sensible attire that included his signature hoodie and a ski mask to cover his face.

On the Jets side, there was one player that, at the least, pretended that he wasn't affected by the cold. Safety Jamal Adams was caught on the field shirtless during his pregame routine.

The freezing weather prompted the team to order 65,000 handwarmers for fans to take as they entered the stadium. Fans were also encouraged to bring blankets. In the crowd, fans came prepared with hats, gloves, ski masks, and in one case, a Mexican wrestling mask. Many, however, stayed at home as it was evident during kickoff that there were many unoccupied blue seats around the stadium, especially in upper levels and red club seats.

On the field, players are expecting the weather to be somewhat of a factor. This week, special teams captain Matthew Slater said the weather will affect the kicking game before other aspects.

"The ball’s not going to carry as far. Obviously, Stephen [Gostkowski], Ryan [Allen], it makes their job a little bit tougher navigating, ‘OK, do I want to project it this way and do I have to play the wind,’ and things like that. So, and then from a coverage standpoint, the blocks are going to be on you quicker, things are happening a little bit faster because of the distance of the kicks," Slater said Thursday.

Defensive captain Devin McCourty was optimistic when asked about the weather, noting that practicing in the weather will help them come game day.

"The games are not as cold as practice. We've got a heated bench. We've got heaters on the sideline. But when we go outside on a day like today, you see us in walkthrough and we're kind of walking and standing.," McCourty said Wednesday. "Honestly, dealing with the cold is easier on game day than it is day-to-day in practice."

If there's one team that would welcome sub-freezing temperatures, it's the Patriots. Since 1993, the team is 42-10 in games 34 degrees or colder.

Image Credits: Photos 1-2: Steven Senne/AP Images, Photos 3-4: Charles Krupa/AP Images