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.
So Josh McDaniels is sticking around.
The truth of the matter is that no matter what happens this postseason, when you consider Tom Brady's public statements a few weeks ago that he wants to play in 2019 and you look at a list of some of New England's free agents this coming offseason, it's looking like a lot of the offensive principals will be back next year. (With that sort of continuity at some of the key spots, maybe that means Rob Gronkowski ends up eventually committing to a 2019 return as well? We shall see.) But even as the 2018 playoffs get cranked up, with the news from Brady and McDaniels, it's hard not to at least think about what things are going to look like offensively for the Patriots in 2019 and beyond.
--As for Brian Flores, it sounds like his only real suitor at this point on the calendar is Miami -- however, it sounds like the Dolphins came away very impressed after his interview. That may take some time to play out, but right now, he remains in the mix.
--Ron Torbert will serve as the referee for Sunday's game. The veteran official is in his fifth season as a referee -- this will mark the seventh playoff game of his career. He didn't work any New England games this year, but was the lead official for last year's Patriots-Titans divisional clash in Foxborough.
--Should be a lot coming out of Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, as we'll hear from the coach, get the opponents on the phone, and get our first look at practice. Keep it here at BSJ all day for the latest.
Wednesday’s Schedule
11:45 a.m.: Bill Belichick press availability (media workroom)
12:30 p.m.: Media availability at practice
2:20 p.m.: Conference Call with Philip Rivers (media workroom)
2:40 p.m.: Conference Call with Anthony Lynn (media workroom)
3:45-4:30 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room), as well as James White and Patrick Chung (media workroom)
Now, on with the links...
1. Greg says facing the Ravens twice will help the Chargers when it comes to dealing with New England's amoeba defense.
2. Here's the story on McDaniels closing the door on any other jobs this offseason, complete with a closer look at what this means for the New England offense going forward.
3. I looked at every Desmond King return from the regular season, and one thing really caught my eye -- with so many wild-card games turning on special teams, the Patriots ability to contain L.A.'s excellent return man will play a big role in success or failure come Sunday.
4. Miguel has a really good look at how guys get paid when it comes to the postseason.
5. Greg spent some quality time with the fellas from Felger & Mazz on Tuesday afternoon.
6. Ty Law is impressed with the work of Stephon Gilmore this year.
7. Mike Tanier wrote a piece about Brady Tuesday that moved the needle a bit around these parts. Not sure I agree with all of it, but it's an interesting column nonetheless.
8. This report out of Southern California says the Chargers are preparing to have Melvin Gordon come Sunday, but there's a question as to just how effective he might be because of his knee issues.
9. L.A. officially activated tight end Hunter Henry, but there's a question as to just how effective he might be if he does play Sunday because he's been on the shelf for such an extended stretch.
10. The Chargers are feeling good about kicker Michael Badgley a.k.a., the Money Badger.
Extra Point:
It'll be Nantz/Romo on Sunday. W-L record for #Patriots w/ various TV teams since start of '17 season:
Nantz/Romo: 10-2
Eagle/Fouts: 6-3
Michaels/Collinsworth: 4-3
Harlan/Gannon: 1-0
Tessitore/Witten/Booger: 1-0
Buck/Aikman: 2-1
Gumbel/Green/Arians: 1-0
McDonough/Gruden: 0-1
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) January 8, 2019