Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Thursday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
The fact the Patriots missed out on a potential clinch party in Miami last weekend now opens the door for them to secure the division for the second straight year in Pittsburgh. Their dramatic last-minute win over the Steelers last Dec. 17 was the victory that allowed them to win their ninth straight AFC East title, and New England can make it a 10th straight division crown on Sunday with a win and a loss or tie from Miami. (The Dolphins face the Vikings in a 1 p.m. kickoff.)
Thursday’s Schedule
12:30 p.m.: Media availability at practice
4-4:45 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and Devin McCourty and Rob Gronkowski (media workroom)
Now, on with the links...
1. Greg's latest looks at how now -- more than ever before -- the fate of the Patriots is tied to the health of the quarterback. "Brady is obviously dealing with an injury in the lower body," writes Greg. "What that is exactly, or where it is, is up for interpretation."
2. I was part of a group of reporters who were able to track down Danny Shelton for a few minutes after practice on Wednesday, and the defensive tackle talked abut his back-to-back healthy scratches. “All I can do is just be prepared every week,” he said. “Obviously, I’m going to show up and practice and do my part. When that time comes and my name is called, I’ll be ready. Honestly, it’s about just continuing to grind it out every week. Because we’re all about competition here, and we just have to keep on competing.”
3. The notebook leads with Bill Belichick disregarding the fact the Steelers might be downcast after suffering three consecutive losses. “I think if you guys around competitive guys, you wouldn’t see that,” he said. “I don’t really see that. I don’t give that any credibility at all. Competitive people compete. That’s what they do, and certainly that’s what the Steelers are. So, I’m sure we’ll get their best. I think they’ll get our best. We’ll see what happens.”
4. Miguel offers the latest when it comes to the Patriots and their incentive possibility. Why would Julian Edelman be especially bummed out about the loss against Miami on Sunday? Check out the reasons here.
5. Doc Flynn offers a look at the health of Edelman, Gronkowski and Tom Brady after the loss to Miami.
6. I spent some quality time with old pal Tim Benz Wednesday night talking Patriots and Steelers.
7. Here's the video from James White's turn at the podium on Wednesday afternon. And here's the transcript from Belichick's Q&A with the media on Wednesday morning.
8. This is a dynamite piece from our buddy Tyler Dunne on Brady and the aging process. Really smart and insightful look from one of our favorite writers. Worth your time. Lots of standout quotes, but I was struck by this one from his throwing guru, Tom House: "I actually think he's a better quarterback now than 10 years ago. Because in his head, he has 10 years of experience and his body has maintained. He's as good or better physically as he was 10 years ago."
9. We know Gronkowski has crushed the Steelers in the past, but the stars seem to be aligning for another big afternoon Sunday at Heinz Field.
10. And the numbers for Brady against the Steelers? Those are pretty good as well.
Extra Point: This was a fun thread to go back and wade through. Deion Branch, David Patten, and Donald Hayes.
Patriots-Steelers 2002 season opener thread:
These videos don't have sound, the audio is all messed up so I just muted it.
First drive of the game: Terrell Buckley picks off Kordell Stewart (Lol @ Ben Kelly getting into it with Hines Ward after) pic.twitter.com/cmPpiqwJPM
— #NobodyDied (@ftbeard_17) December 12, 2018