Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Wednesday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
The Patriots have had a handful of workouts over the last few days. I can confirm the reports of the following players who have been spotted in Foxborough for free-agent workouts.
Monday: DB David Amerson (NC State), WR Dontrelle Inman (Virginia), QB Landry Jones (Oklahoma).
Tuesday: DT Michael Bennett (Ohio State), DE Ryan Delaire (Towson), DE John Simon (Ohio State) and LB Azeem Victor (Washington).
Not suggesting there are signing imminent. As we’ve said in the past, New England likes to keep tabs on a handful of available players in case of emergency. However, given the lack of depth at receiver, the Inman note is interesting — he’s a 6-foot-3, 198-pounder who has spent four seasons in the league, and has 130 catches for 1,797 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2016, he had 58 catches, 810 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers.
--I have a Malcom Brown story coming later this morning -- I got some one-on-one time with the defensive tackle Tuesday afternoon. Keep an eye out.
--Happy Birthday to former Patriots linebacker Larry Izzo, a guy who has inspired some truly bizarre stories with his sideline antics.
Wednesday’s schedule
11:30 a.m.: Bill Belichick press availability (media workroom)
12:35 p.m.: Media availability at practice
3:45-4:30 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and Rob Gronkowski media availability (media workroom)
Now, on to the links...
1. My latest Power Rankings gave a lot to love to the Rams, Chiefs and Dolphins, while more than a few teams tumbled down the big board.
2. Are the 2018 Patriots headed for an "On to Cincinnati" moment this weekend?
3. Video: Deatrich Wise talked about the importance of bringing energy to the field. (Can we just start calling him the Secretary of Energy?)
4. Miguel's latest mailbag takes a look at a bunch of stuff, including some players who could be asked to take pay cuts this coming offseason.
5. Greg spent some quality time with the guys from Felger & Mazz on Tuesday.
6. Mike Reiss had the news the Patriots were bringing back Kenjon Barner. Maybe a signal that Rex Burkhead isn't ready for full-time duty?
7. Our buddy Armando Salguero from the Miami Herald takes a look at the film from the Dolphins' win over the Raiders and offers up a few thoughts.
8. A look at the trick play that sparked the Dolphins to a win over Oakland and a 3-0 start to their season.
9. Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel says the Dolphins have never been more equipped to knock off the Patriots.
10. Mike Lombardi of The Ringer has a TON of Patriots-related thoughts in the latest edition of his podcast, GM Street, including an intriguing idea -- move Dont'a Hightower to defensive end.
Extra Point:
Here's some eye-opening numbers for you: Tom Brady is 1-for-9 throwing to wide receivers outside the numbers over the last two weeks (for a grand total of 12 yards). #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 25, 2018