Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Monday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
Welcome back to the work week. There's a lot to catch up on, but a few quick notes to kick things off.
--Kenny Britt spoke with us on Sunday afternoon. And if I'm trying to read the tea leaves when it comes to his situation, it was good to hear from him for a few reasons. He looked good in the spring, but after tweaking a hamstring, he was off the radar, at least when it came to us. He said all the right things, at least when it came to wanting to return. He talked about bringing positive energy, and wanting to be out there with the guys. But we'll see how it all shakes out moving forward.
--The Patriots will have media availability on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They'll have walkthrough with no media availability on Thursday before heading to Carolina for Friday's game. One procedural thing worth keeping an eye out for -- no team technically has to start making cuts for another couple of weeks, but in year's past, New England has made a few moves before the deadline. (By way of example, last year they cut Kony Ealy before they had to.) Could have the same sort of scenario this year.
--I've got my usual Monday afternoon Q&A all lined up, but we're calling an audible -- because player availability is scheduled for 3 p.m., we're bumping things up an hour to 2 p.m. Get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.
Now, on with the links...
1. My weekend notebook looks at a bunch of different things, including the fact the Patriots' best offseason deal was likely with the Niners. In addition, with the regular season now just around the corner, there's a look at a handful of guys who have to start displaying a sense of urgency, as well as a whole lot more.
2. Britt talked with us in the media for the first time since ... (checks notes) ... Super Bowl week? Man, it's been a long time. Anyway, the receiver was in pretty good spirits, talking about his offseason, his hamstring injury, and when he might be able to return. “Coming into spring, I was focused and ready to go out there and prove myself mentally and physically,” Britt said. “But that was in the spring. I can’t hold on to that. It is what it is. Right now. I’m just focusing on trying to get back out there.”
3. Cordarrelle Patterson also chatted with us on Sunday afternoon. An interesting guy, he touched on a bunch of stuff. Check out the video here.
4. Miguel's Mailbag is back! Our resident capologist took your questions on a lot of things, including Julian Edelman, cap space for 2018 and beyond, and the financial ramifications of a few possible deals.
5. Greg has his film breakdown of Thursday's preseason game -- offense and defense.
6. With training camp done, Greg also has the final tally of his one-on-ones -- defense and offense.
7. I have my three biggest takeaways from Bill Belchick's Friday morning conference call -- he hits on Patterson, Keionta Davis and the new helmet rule. On Davis, it sounds like he's impressed the coach. “He’s done a good job. He’s in good condition. He’s worked hard. I like what he’s been doing,” said Belichick.
8. Greg says that if Marcus Cannon is going to be OK, the Patriots should be able to absorb the loss of Isaiah Wynn for the 2018 season.
9. Greg also had a weekend Q&A that covered a wide variety of stuff.
10. Phil Perry notes Britt might be putting Bill Belichick's old adage of "dependability being more important than ability" to the test.
Extra Point: The Karras Family has some serious hardware. (They're the only family with three generations of NFL championships.)
Dad made it out for the last two games, brought the new family bling! pic.twitter.com/k4sIxiV6uG
— Teddy Karras (@_teddy_k) August 18, 2018