While not in the room for Bill Belichick's impromptu and unforgettable news conference on Saturday as a result of being on an airplane, one didn't have to be there to have this main takeaway: Belichick came out extremely strong in defense of the New England Patriots.

He was decisive, detailed and dogged at a time when the Patriots' integrity has been under public siege, as well as he has been personally along with quarterback Tom Brady.

This was an "all-in" news conference, Belichick in full blitz mode.

The merits of what Belichick said will be debated, but from an "instant reaction" standpoint, this is what I will focus on: Part of covering a Belichick-coached team is attempting to understand Belichick himself. That is never easy, even after 15 years, because he doesn't often open himself up to outsiders.

By so aggressively stating his case publicly on underinflated footballs on Saturday, Belichick basically is saying “prove it” to the NFL, a league with which he has sparred with in the past.

There simply hasn't been a Patriots-based news conference such as this with Belichick, from both its impromptu nature (he wasn't supposed to address reporters until Monday) and the passionate and angry delivery.

Usually "it is what it is" with Belichick.

But not Saturday. Not even close.