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.
--It's Wednesday of Bears' week, which means the focus will really start to shift from the Sunday night win over the Chiefs to Chicago and this coming weekend's game against the Bears. We'll obviously have a ton on Chicago the next few days, but the thing that's really going to be worth keeping an eye on this week will be the health of pass rusher Khalil Mack. The ankle was apparently an issue in last week's loss to Miami, and he's clearly the centerpiece of that defense.
--Can confirm the report of the news the Patriots worked out the following players on Friday: DE Will Clarke (West Virginia), QB Connor Cook (Michigan State), LB Kasim Edeball (Boston College), WR Devin Ross (Colorado), TE Shane Wimann (Northern Illinois).
--Got a couple of good pieces coming later this morning from Miguel and Coach Cory Bailey you'll want to look for.
Wednesday’s schedule
12 p.m.: Bill Belichick press availability (media workroom)
1:05 p.m.: Media availability at practice
3:30-4:15 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and Rob Gronkowski media availability (locker room)
Now, on with the links...
1. The new edition of the BSJ NFL Power Rankings dropped Tuesday afternoon, and while the Rams are still No. 1 on our big board, there's still plenty of movement as we near the halfway point of the regular season.
2. I had three thoughts on the state of the Patriots' passing game, including a take on James White, the Phillip Dorsett/Josh Gordon debate, and some of the reasons behind a sharper play-action game.
3. Direct from Houston, Greg spent some quality time with the fellas from Felger & Mazz Tuesday afternoon.
4. Miguel's latest salary cap recap is another look at how the Patriots' available space continues to shrink.
5. Mike Reiss writes on how Gordon is climbing the depth chart at wide receiver.
6. Brian Flores had some good things to say about Adrian Clayborn and his work so far this season.
7. Chicago's young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky had an impressive second half against the Dolphins, another indication things are going well for him this season.
8. It sounds more and more like Mack will be limited this weekend against the Patriots.
9. Mack may be having health issues, but old buddy Akiem Hicks had himself a great game last week for the Bears against Miami.
10. Brady is going to have his own TV show in China that includes a dog that predicts NFL games.
Extra Point:
A certain 41-year old QB - who believes the offense still isn't where it needs to be - has had a couple prolific outings of late. #Patriots #TomBrady pic.twitter.com/lBMXdR833M
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 16, 2018