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.
Busy morning around these parts for BSJ, as writers are heading in all directions, so we're just going to jump right into things today. (FYI, with the extra day, Tom Brady is scheduled to speak with the media on Saturday this week. Not sure what's in store for Rob Gronkowski -- if he is made available, it could be a good sign when it comes to his chances for playing Monday.)
Friday’s Schedule
11:30 a.m.: Bill Belichick Media Availability (media workroom)
12 p.m.: Media availability at practice
2:45 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room)
Now, on with the links...
1. Kyle Van Noy celebrated the two-year anniversary of his trade to New England with a strong statement, noting the deal "probably saved" his career. You can argue about his execution on occasion, but to hear him speak on Thursday, it was clear this is a guy who has completely bought into the system. “It’s been a blessing. Kind of changed my whole life,” he said of the trade that brought him to New England.
2. Most of the time, the team that ends up losing the Super Bowl has to deal with the hangover of the loss the following year. But with the understanding there's plenty of football to go, the 2018 Patriots have done plenty to flip that narrative, at least through the first seven games of the season. Can they keep that momentum moving forward Monday in Buffalo?
3. The notebook looks at the injury situation, as well as the news Gronkowski was back at practice for New England. One other note -- Trent Brown (ankle) and Dont'a Hightower (knee) were both limited at practice on Thursday.
4. My straight-up picks last week? Awesome. I'm going to keep things rolling this week. ALL I DO IS PICK WINNERS.
5. Phil Perry says all signs are pointing toward Gronkowski playing on Monday in Buffalo, a spot where he's had all sorts of success over the years. "When Gronkowski returns home to Western New York, he usually makes the most of it," says Perry. "Over the course of his career, in Buffalo, he's averaging 6.3 catches, 104.3 yards and a touchdown per game."
6. Mike Reiss says the Patriots always bear watching when it comes to the trade deadline.
7. Speaking of the trade deadline, this story from USA TODAY makes it sound like New England will be more of a buyer than a seller this year. "What exactly the Patriots might be in the market for isn't clear, though depth is a concern at several positions," writes Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz.
8. If LeSean McCoy can't go Monday night, Buffalo could turn to Chris Ivory or Marcus Murphy in the backfield against New England. “I’m confident in both of those guys. They’re good players,” offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said. “Both of those guys have proven when they have the opportunities that they do a nice job for us.” (If McCoy can go, he might have an expanded role in the passing game.)
9. Tom Brady has dominated Buffalo over the last several years, so it's no surprise he's eagerly looking forward to another shot at the Bills.
10. The Buffalo offense, which has struggled mightily to this point in the season, faces a sizable challenge Monday night.
Extra Point: Cordarrelle Patterson and J.C. Jackson's high-five during Patterson's kick return against the Bears has been immortalized on a t-shirt. Jackson showed it to us on Thursday -- he said they were made by the folks at the 500 Level.
Here’s the shirt. pic.twitter.com/ekjfC6e1CI
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) October 25, 2018