“Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.” Dan Reeves

The football mindset is not an easy one to come by as it is built over time. For Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, their mental toughness has been trialed this past week and will  continue to be tested up until the Super Bowl.

Coming off a huge 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts nine days ago, the Patriots looked forward to a Super Bowl and the weeks following up to the Super Bowl, but instead they have been facing constant criticism and agony because 11 out of the 12 balls they used in the first half had a lower PSI than the standard. The balls were replaced in the second half with  footballs inflated to the proper PSI.

Instead of being able to celebrate a win, the team is being questioned, criticized and mocked by both the local and national media.

As a result, multiple press conferences have been held with a variety of different Patriots personnel, including players, captains, coaches and front office members. Most of the criticism is aimed at starting quarterback Tom Brady; head coach Bill Belichick, the ball boy allegedly in  charge of deflating footballs and the team’s owner, Robert Kraft.

While being interviewed, coach Belichick showed toughness and composure, not  allowing the heated topic to get to him. He pleads ignorance on the incident, saying Tom Brady might know a little bit more on the topic.

Brady on the other hand, was not so happy about the allegations, and insisted  that weather played a factor.

The New England Patriots have won three Super Bowls in their long and storied history, all of which have come in the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. The quarterback and coach look to win their fourth Super Bowl here and it is their third chance to win a fourth ring.

For Brady and Belichick who have lost their past two Super Bowls, football confidence, mental toughness and mental preparation will be important as they head into the biggest games of their lives.

Looking forward to their game on Sunday, the Patriots must maintain a strong football mind and remain focused on what they are playing for. They are four quarters away from hoisting Lombardi Trophy, so as long as they are able to prepare for their opponents one day at a time while not allowing the media to become a distraction, the chances of them coming up with a victory this Sunday are much greater.