Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Friday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
Two running backs. Two injury questions.
For the Jacksonville offense, Leonard Fournette is the guy who moves the chains, but he's dealing with hamstring issues he sustained last week against the Giants. He hasn't practiced this week -- if he can't go, it could radically alter the look of the Jaguars' offense, and cause the Patriots to alter their own defensive approach. Meanwhile, Rex Burkhead continues to progress through the concussion protocol for a New England team that has depth issues at running back, so much so it's worth wondering if Sony Michel might be pressed into service against Jacksonville. (Right now, there's not much else there past James White.) We'll find out more when the injury report is released Friday afternoon -- my guess is they'll both be active -- but their health will play a major role in Sunday's game.
--Greg has a Friday chat that is set to start at 6 p.m. Get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.
--I'll have a Rob Gronkowski-Jalen Ramsey piece coming later Friday morning.
Friday’s schedule
11:30 a.m.: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick press availability (media workroom)
12:05 p.m.: Media availability at practice until team drills
2 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room)
Now, on with the links...
1. I put together this week's scouting report on the Jaguars. Short version? This is one of the best -- maybe the best -- defenses the Patriots will face all season. The offense? Not so much, especially if Fournette is still struggling with his balky hamstring.
2. My Patriots notebook looks at a few different things, including this quote from Phillip Dorsett, who had some words of wisdom for Corey Coleman when it comes to succeeding as a new receiver in the New England system. “It’s going to be tough,” Dorsett said. “It’s going to take a lot of time, a lot of sacrifice. But I think he’s up for it.”
3. Mike Loyko delivers the first edition of his draft digest, with a look at some possible position fits for the Patriots, a sneak peek at the quarterbacks, and some BC prospects.
4. Greg and I make our Week 2 picks.
5. Mike Reiss spends some quality time with Cordarrelle Patterson, who has a unique philosophy. "I'm a happy guy, man," Patterson said at his locker, which is a few away from quarterback Tom Brady. "I'm always ready to have fun. No matter what the situation is, you have to smile it out."
6. Tom E. Curran says that of the three new guys the Patriots signed this week, Kenjon Barner could be the most important.
7. Pro Football Focus breaks down the Week 2 matchups, and when it comes to Patriots-Jaguars, there's a lot of talk about Gronkowski. "Gronkowski will still see waves of defenders as he did in Week 1, but Jacksonville has the athletes to control his playmaking ability," writes PFF.
8. Fournette says his hamstring is improving. "I like (his chances of playing) now since the day's been going on more and more," Fournette said Thursday afternoon. "It's feeling better and better."
9. Jalen Ramsey said Thursday he would tackle his own grandmother on the field. “I definitely would,″ Ramsey said. "She knows that. Grandma, I love you, but you know that. Grandma might not get up from one of my licks."
10. Ty Law, Richard Seymour, Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi and Corey Dillon are among the nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019. The roster of nominees consists of 47 offensive players, 39 defensive players, five special teams players and 11 coaches. The Modern-Era nominees will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and, from there, to 15 finalists in January.
Extra Point:
Bill Belichick stays shopping at the clearance rack ???? pic.twitter.com/JU74pQLNyd
— Patriots on NBCSB (@NBCSPatriots) September 11, 2018