MINNEAPOLIS -- Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
--It’s only Tuesday, but as someone who has attended multiple Super Bowls, it feels like the media count has dipped when compared to previous years. Not sure if we’ll see a spike later in the week, or it’s because media outlets are cutting back in coverage, or just that so few people wanted to deal with the cold. But it sure feels like there’s less of the media herd here this year than in previous years.
--Not as much nonsense on Opening Night, either, at least in my experience. I ended up sticking with the Patriots’ coaches for most of the night, simply because I thought they had some good stories (like Brian Flores and Chad O’Shea) and because we only get to talk to them a few times a year. One of my highlights? Talking to O’Shea about this story, which he said was one of his favorites of mine. (Seriously.)
--A few other thoughts about the coaching staff: I always learn something when I talk with Dante Scarnecchia. Brian Flores is a good guy to interview. Maybe that changes if he becomes defensive coordinator, but I understand what some of the defensive players say about him when they say he can "command a room." I saw Matt Patricia in a leather jacket envelope Deion Sanders in the world's biggest bear hug before his NFL Network interview. And defensive line coach Brendan Daly now has a beard that makes him look a little like Daniel Bryan. (Maybe a tribute to Patricia?)
--Yeah, it's cold here. But the people are all crazy nice and there's been plenty of coffee to go around, so we're all good, at least to this point. Make sure you hit my Q&A on Tuesday afternoon, and feel free to blast the comments with thoughts/questions/story requests. We'll get more players, and dive deeper into the matchups as well.
Tuesday's Schedule (all times EST)
12 p.m. — 12:50 a.m.: Patriots media availability with head coach Bill Belichick and 10 players, including quarterback Tom Brady.
1:40 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.: Eagles Media availability with head coach Doug Pederson and 10 players, including quarterback Nick Foles.
Now, on to the links....
1. Greg isn't a fan of the way Super Bowl week has started.
2. Nearing the end of his 46th season as a football coach, Dante Scarnecchia has a simple reply for anyone curious about his future.
3. Brian Flores and Chad O'Shea talked about the possibility of them getting promotions this offseason.
4. Video: Flores talked about his head coaching interview with the Cardinals.
5. According to a league source, there's a sense of optimism around the health of rookie pass rusher Deatrich Wise.
6. We've got a photo gallery of the Patriots send-off rally Monday from Monday morning.
7. I'm doing a Q&A Tuesday afternoon, so get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.
8. James Harrison doesn't think Super Bowl experience is an advantage. "If you play a (expletive game, you're going to lose."
9. Patrick Chung isn't dwelling on his time in Philly.
10. With Rob Gronkowski missing, one Philadelphia writer says the Eagles won media night.
Extra Point(s):
Asked Adam Butler what was the weirdest question he got tonight. “What is the name of Kanye and Kim’s baby?”
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) January 30, 2018