FOXBORO -- It's been said before that Patriots coach Bill Belichick is at his best when he's breaking down film, gathering information that can be used to help his team win football games down the road.
In his first "Belichick Breakdown" video of the regular season, which can be found on Patriots.com, he went beyond the Xs and Os to point out moments when his players had a little fun.
After Rob Gronkowski's second touchdown in a 28-21 win over the Steelers -- a product of a play-action fake, a nice route from the All-Pro tight end, and an accurate throw to the back of the end zone from quarterback Tom Brady -- he spiked the ball with authority and celebrated with just about every one of his teammates that was on the field for the play.
"Good energy here from the team," Belichick said, watching Gronkowski hand out hugs. "Like to see that. There they all are going into the end zone. That's good. Love to see that."
Thumbs up from the coach.
Later in the segment, hosted by Scott Zolak, Belichick took a look at safety Duron Harmon's fourth-quarter interception of Ben Roethlisberger. Harmon ranged from one side of the hash marks all the way to the opposite sideline in order to pick off the attempt.
"As the ball's released, Roethlisberger's letting go of the ball, Duron is still inside the hash marks when the ball is in the air," Belichick pointed out. "His range to be able to get over the top of this -- really outstanding. To have one guy back here, whether that's Harmon or [Devin] McCourty, to be able to have that kind of range from sideline to sideline is very valuable for the defense."
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After the play, which Belichick compared to Harmon's pick of Joe Flacco in last season's AFC Divisional Round win, Harmon and McCourty leaped up simultaneously to bump each other in mid-air. When Harmon's feet hit the ground, he fell over backwards.
"Looks like they gotta work on this a little bit," Belichick said with a smile.
Belichick also took a close look at Gronkowski's 52-yard reception, which was made possible when the Patriots offensive line blocked a Steelers overload blitz. Belichick took a close look at Jabaal Sheard's tackle of D'Angelo Williams during a third-and-goal situation at the six-yard line as well, calling it a "four-point" play since it forced a field goal.