BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLII, the Patriots had some ragged practices. That was one of the factors that led to the crushing defeat at the hands of the Giants. And prior to some of their five previous Super Bowl wins, New England's pre-Super Bowl stretch was marked by some good practices.
So what's the word this week? Several players have said over the last couple of days that practices have been crisp and efficient, and even though Rob Gronkowski wasn't officially cleared until Thursday, the work has been very positive. You never really know until the ball is kicked off until just after 6 p.m. EST on Sunday, but it certainly appears that the Patriots' week of practices here in Minnesota have been productive.
A couple of quick notes:
--Deatrich Wise was also cleared from concussion protocol on Thursday. I had a chance to speak with him for a few moments on Thursday afternoon, and he was in pretty good spirits -- I'll have that story coming up a little later on Friday. He also marveled at the fact that his rookie season is about to come to an end -- we discussed how the season is like a marathon, but he said that it's gone by so fast, it's felt more like a sprint.
--Had a great conversation with running backs coach Ivan Fears, one for a story that's coming up later this weekend, but I got this quote that was simply too good to sit on. I asked him why he feels like his running backs are like his sons, and he said sometimes it takes longer to get to that point than with some others. "I tell you what — I was scared to death of Corey Dillon," he said with a chuckle. "But after our first meeting, after that first meeting when we sat down and talk and I was able to talk frankly to him, I fell in love with him as a player."
--The last in-season media availability of the year happened Thursday, and it was marked by the news about Gronkowski. Kudos to Steve Burton, Mike Reiss, Steve Buckley and others who were in the media scrum with me for an hour or so, keeping things light while we staked out spots while waited to talk to the big tight end. But sometimes, this job is simply standing and waiting. (Screengrab from the NFL Network via my pal John Cockrell.)
Friday’s schedule (all times EST)
No media events, but Greg is doing a Q&A here at 3 p.m.
Now, on to the links...
1. Rob Gronkowski is cleared: ‘We knew the whole time I would be good to go’
2. Video: Gronkowski talks about being cleared after his stint in concussion protocol.
3. Scout’s Honor: Brian Hoyer and the rest of backups have big role when it comes to Super Bowl preparation.
4. Despite a disappointing season, Mike Gillislee is keeping his head up and looking toward 2018.
5. Patriots at full health in Thursday’s practice; Wilfork addressed team.
6. How not to blow a big lead against the Patriots.
7. I talked to a bunch of radio stations about the game, including Atlanta and NBC Sports Radio.
8. This is a pretty deep dive into what has made Eagles' coach Doug Pederson so successful this year.
9. The Eagles don't appear to be too cowed by the big stage, at least so far.
10. Nick Foles wants to be a pastor after he leaves football.
Extra Point(s):
A postcard from Minneapolis and Super Bowl LII, via @ronberk1: pic.twitter.com/RCFsU0zprP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 2, 2018
Alex Trebek roasted these Jeopardy! contestants who knew nothing about football. ? pic.twitter.com/BTNvGaucvE
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2018