Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
A few random thoughts heading into Wednesday.
--Sure, the white jersey thing is a little overblown, but it's one of those things that we get to talk about between now and when we all arrive in Minneapolis that makes this whole run-up to the Super Bowl so much fun. And besides, if you're a Pats fan, it's good news: they're 3-0 in the BB/TB12 era when they wear white jerseys.
--Saw an advance screener of "The Two Bills," the upcoming "30 for 30" ESPN documentary on the coaching careers of Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells. Holy cow, that was fun, if only for the sight of a young Belichick in a mustache. I'll have more on that in the coming days -- maybe in the weekend notebook -- but it was a blast to watch. It airs Feb. 1 at 9 p.m. Here's the trailer, if you haven't seen it already.
--Getting some fans reaching out about holding a BSJ meet-and-greet some time out in Minneapolis. Greg and I will both be out there, and we are going to try and hook something up for subscribers. Even if it's just something at a local bar where we can sit and catch up.
Wednesday's schedule
--Belichick media availability (media workroom): 9 a.m.
--Patriots player availability (open locker room) and press conferences with one or two Patriots team captains: approximately 3:15 p.m.
Now, on with the links...
1. Belichick tackled a few things in a conference call with the media on Tuesday, including the fact the Patriots coaching staff is still getting up to speed on the Eagles.
2. Our own Doc Flynn looked at what Tom Brady went through to get ready for the AFC title game. Sure, it wasn’t open heart surgery, but it was still impressive.
3. I had a serious Q&A on Tuesday. Some great Q’s, and hopefully, a few good A’s.
4. Greg was on with the boys from F&M, and they engaged in their usual hijinks.
5. I talked with my pal Scott Seidenberg of NBC Sports Radio about the AFC title game and the Super Bowl.
6. Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount are excited to face their old teammates
7. Philly defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz says that when it comes to figuring out a way to slow the Patriots' offense, you can't just focus on one guy.
8. Why the Eagles have nothing to fear when it comes to the Patriots.
9. Andy Benoit of SI.com has an early breakdown of the game, and picks a winner.
10. Vincent Verhei of Football Outsiders also has an early look at the game, with an eye toward how to stop the Patriots.
Extra Points:
Tom Brady will be 40 years, 185 days old in the Super Bowl. He surpasses Jerry Rice (40 years, 105 days) as the oldest non-kicker/punter to play in the Super Bowl.
Four older kickers/punters have played in the Super Bowl: Matt Stover, Jeff Feagles, Matt Bryant and Mike Horan.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) January 24, 2018
Happy birthday, @dharm32! pic.twitter.com/sAhcmET4zi
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 24, 2018
Road trip. Our friends @fedex are stopping by @NFL345 today to pick up the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy. Next stop - Minnesota for #SB52 @MNSuperBowl2018 #goodjobFraioli pic.twitter.com/OuUDIs0U5J
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) January 23, 2018