Yeah players are required to talk to the media, but the players are not required to show off their egos to the public and most teams understand how to handle these situations. Did Belichick talk up his own team when asked about the Cowboys? Nope he went on to sign their praises, meanwhile the Cowboys continue to talk up themselves. I would love it these guys had total confidence inside the locker room and spoke that way, but to the media you give the borning answers...."NE has a great duo of backs and we have to step up our game in order to stop them" is along the lines of what needs to be said.