Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
One week removed from the Super Bowl. How is everyone doing?
In this case, I think Gronk speaks for all of us. A few quick thoughts.
—Interesting to hear Philly’s Lane Johnson say he believes the Patriots are a fear-based organization. I’d love for him to talk a little with guys like Martellus Bennett, Rob Gronkowski and others who have appeared to take tremendous amounts of joy in playing the game of football while playing in New England. I also think — as BSJ commenter “Brian” posted following Sunday’s NFL notebook — that “many players who come from looser environments enjoy or come to appreciate the seriousness and focus that forms the atmosphere here. Many flourish, and many stay because of it. And for so many young players, they form the habits here that become the foundation for NFL career success.”
—Talking with some people around the league about a to-do list for the Patriots, and in the course of multiple conversations, I was stuck by just how much talent New England should have coming back for the 2018 season. On offense, that group will include receivers Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell, along with right tackle Marcus Cannon. On defense, linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Shea McClellin, cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine also figure to return. (We haven’t even mentioned the likes of Derek Rivers, last year’s third-round pick who was sidelined all year.) I'm not going to assume all of them will come back as good as before without missing a beat, but there's a lot of talent there that will make it tough to put together a depth chart.
--I’m not breaking any news here, but keep an eye out for Jones. I remember a conversation I had with Malcolm Butler at one point this past season where he compared Jones to a younger version of himself. Something to think about if New England stands pat at the corner position this offseason.
Now, on with the links...
1. My NFL Notebook: Josh McDaniels is keeping low-profile since his change of heart. Plus, a look at the Patriots' most popular personnel packages from 2017, combine updates, some terrific Next Gen stats, a history of New England and the franchise tag ... and more.
2. Bedard’s Offensive Breakdown from Super Bowl LII: McDaniels called a near-flawless game, but will have one regret. (Greg's breakdowns from a week ago might give Pats' fans uncomfortable flashbacks, but they're worth the $4.99 a month. You're going to learn something.)
3. Greg's Defensive Breakdown from Super Bowl LII: Marquis Flowers’ role among bigger failures than Butler issue.
4. I talked Patriots with Matt Chernoff of NBC Sports Radio.
5. The latest edition of Miguel's mailbag features questions on Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and some fearless forecasts for free agency.
Extra Point(s):
Since you guys got jokes! pic.twitter.com/qfA7muSwbx
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 11, 2018