FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- From the it-doesn't-always-have-to-be-so serious department:

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After Bill Belichick was asked a final question in his news conference on the sad news of Colts coach Chuck Pagano being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia (Belichick sent his wishes), the coach stood at the podium a bit longer, perhaps with the thought that he didn't want things to end on such a down note.

That's when Belichick was asked about his choice of sideline attire, and in the process, we might have just discovered the true key to the Patriots' 52-28 victory over the Bills.

It was the hoodie.

After losing two straight games, Belichick donned his trademark gray hoodie (this one designed by new NFL outfitter Nike) with cut sleeves in Sunday's game. Belichick wouldn't confirm if that was a game-time decision, but after being on the inactive list for losses against the Cardinals and Ravens, the hoodie was back.

"That might have been the problem the last two weeks," he said, smiling.