Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
Good morning, Patriots’ fans. Your offensive coordinator is still here. A few thoughts:
—Regardless of whether or not he’s ultimately chosen as Bill Belichick’s successor, this move fundamentally leaves Josh McDaniels radioactive when it comes to future head coaching opportunities. Given the way it ended for him in Denver, how he washed out as a coordinator in St. Louis, and how he backed out at the last minute with Indy, he’s not going to get another chance as a head coach. It’s not going to matter if McDaniels leads the New England offense to a zillion points next year. Given his track record when it comes to dealing with new job opportunities, it’s going to awfully tough for him to overcome the perception of being a guy who has the potential to embarrass a franchise like this. Even if he does convince another owner, it's going to be just as hard to convince assistants to join him.
—I know a sweeter deal in New England, not wanting to uproot his young family and uncertainty when it comes to dealing with this guy are three reasons that have been given for him staying, but I seriously wonder if the health of Andrew Luck’s shoulder played some sort of role in all of this. Adam Schefter went out of his way to remind people Tuesday night that he and Chris Mortensen reported last Sunday there are still questions as to whether or not Luck needs more surgery. If Luck isn’t in the picture, the Colts’ job is nowhere near as attractive as if he was somewhere close to 100 percent.
FWIW: On Sunday, ESPN's @mortreport reported there still are doctors who have concerns about Andrew Luck's shoulder and whether he could wind up needing additional surgery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018
I feel bad for the Irsay family. Must hurt to have someone promise one thing and then go somewhere else without warning.
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) February 7, 2018
Dearest mother —
I write with most distressful news. The men have been hoodwinked. The deserter McDaniels is on the lamb, likely headed toward New England, my best scouts report. Was this a ploy to merely spy? We shall never know. Irritating.
— Andrew
— Capt. Andrew Luck (@CaptAndrewLuck) February 7, 2018