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.
Good morning! A few thoughts while wondering why networks don't use more of Charlie Kelly on wild-card weekend. (The cool kids like Ty understand what this means...)
--The Patriots held their last practice of the week on Thursday, and then, they took off. Players are still expected in the building for treatment and lifting over the weekend, but there won't be any on-field practice work until next Wednesday. Honestly, on Thursday, the locker room felt a little like the last day at school before a long weekend.
--Reportedly, Josh McDaniels took himself out of the running when it came to the Bengals job, and so at this point, it's the Packers and Browns. As for Brian Flores, he will have a busy weekend -- we know he's set to interview with the Dolphins and Packers on Friday, and will meet with the Broncos and Browns on Saturday. All the interviews will take place here in New England.
Now, on with the links...
1. If McDaniels is going to take a head coaching gig, could Chad O'Shea become the next offensive coordinator? We take a closer look at O'Shea's background.
2. The notebook looks at Devin McCourty and Dwayne Allen being absent from the start of practice on Thursday.
3. Tom Brady said that when it comes to the 2018 Patriots, the story is still being written.
4. Video - the New England defense kicked off Thursday's workout with some ball drills, while Brady talked with reporters after practice.
5. Ty Law and Richard Seymour were named as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. I covered them both here in New England, and have a few thoughts on their careers, as well as what sort of shot they might have this time around.
6. Greg spent some quality time with the fellas from Felger & Mazz Thursday afternoon.
7. Here are the transcripts from the Q&A's involving Brady, David Andrews and Patrick Chung Thursday afternoon in the media workroom.
8. Mike Reiss wonders if Rob Gronkowski can rediscover some of his old magic... in what could be his final postseason.
9. Mike Giardi writes on Brady looking forward to another playoff appearance.
10. Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today looks at one weakness for every playoff team. The Patriots? Run defense.
Extra Point:
Maybe my favorite quote of the year. A #Patriots player on DL Trey Flowers. "Every team in the league should be lined up to pay that mother<bleeper>. <Bleep> all those other guys hitting free agency. Mother<bleeper> balls. Every week. I'd ride with that bad ass mother<bleeper>."
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 3, 2019