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.
Good morning! A few thoughts while wondering if a couple of members of the New England coaching staff spent the last day or two updating their LinkedIn pages...
--The coaching carousel is already at high speed, with multiple reports indicating both Josh McDaniels and Brian Flores are drawing lots of attention. McDaniels is reportedly interviewing with the Packers on Friday, while the Browns are also expressing interest in the Patriots' offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, Flores is apparently on the radar screen of the Dolphins, Broncos, Browns and Packers. Still believe the Cleveland job would really intrigue McDaniels (an Ohio native) above all others. Man, that Green Bay gig ... I'd have to think both would be really interested if they were offered the job. There's a lot of pressure there, and the quarterback is reportedly no picnic to work with. But the upside is if you win, you become a absolute legend.
--When it comes to the postseason, you're allowed one padded practice a week, and so the thinking is the Patriots will have that either Wednesday or Thursday. Regardless, we will get a small snapshot of the health of the roster Wednesday afternoon. We'll be looking for the key players, including Devin McCourty (head), who was injured toward the end of Sunday's win over the Jets. Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) also missed the regular-season finale -- he'll be another one we'll be looking for on the practice field.
--If YOU are interested in being a presenting sponsor for "First and 10," drop me a line at price@bostonsportsjournal.com.
Wednesday’s Schedule
12:15 p.m.: Bill Belichick press availability
1:10 p.m.: Media availability at practice
4:15-5 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and James White (media workroom)
Now, on with the links...
1. The final regular-season edition of the BSJ NFL Power Rankings dropped, and there's more than enough for everyone to think about.
2. Miguel looks at which players cashed in on their incentives in the regular season and who missed out.
3. Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus says Trey Flowers ended his season on a high note and is bound for a sizable payday this offseason.
4. The Colts added ex-Patriots defensive end and special teamer Geneo Grissom.
5. When you stack the Patriots' record against the rest of the playoff teams when it comes to wins over other teams that made the postseason, things look pretty good.
6. Willie McGinest ranks the AFC playoff field. Where does he have New England?
7. “The Patriots aren’t winning a playoff game this year.” —T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
8. Bleacher Report lists the No. 1 reason to be concerned for every playoff team this year. The Patriots? It's Rob Gronkowski.
9. Despite all that, New England is still getting good odds when it comes to this year's Super Bowl.
10. Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com looks at a bunch of things you need to know about the upcoming postseason, including a look at the Patriots standing on the cusp of a potential playoff run.
Extra Point:
AFC East head coaches since 2000. #Patriots #Jets #Dolphins #Bills @BostonSportsBSJ pic.twitter.com/khr1eO14BO
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) December 31, 2018