Philosophy clash between Patriots, Falcons with full-pads practices

HOUSTON -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. We've reached the point where there has been so much analysis of Super Bowl LI, it's almost too much, but here is one thing that might have been overlooked and could be a big factor in the game: How the contrasting philosophies the Patriots and Atlanta Falcons have with full-pads practices manifests itself in the game.

The Patriots practiced almost once a week in full pads right up through Wednesday of Super Bowl week. Meanwhile, the last time the Falcons were in full pads was more than two months ago.

To some, that is a tell-tale sign that the Patriots will be the more fundamentally-sound tackling team, as…