Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Monday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
--That was really something on Sunday. I'm not sure -- at least from a percentage perspective -- how much of the outcome was because of the Patriots' level of execution or the fact the Chargers wanted no part of things by late in the second quarter. (I'm going to put it at 65-35, but I'll have to take a closer look at the film to really figure it all out.) But that was the most complete performance I've seen New England submit this year, and I don't think it's even close. I have no idea if the Patriots are capable of playing like that on the road, but if they are, well, the rest of the way could get very interesting.
--The win was remarkable on a few levels -- many of which we will get into -- but maybe one of the most astounding things is that a look at the gamebook reveals Rob Gronkowski had one catch for 25 yards. As a blocker, he helped clear a path for Sony Michel. "That was a real fun game out there," Gronkowski said afterward. "Whatever coaches call, whatever plays we call, we practice all week. Blocking, receiving -- no matter what is, whatever play is called, just got to go out there and do your job. We had a lot of run action, running plays, and you've just got to do your best job at it. It was a great overall offensive unit -- we went out there and just put plays together and put up points."
--With the Chargers in the rear-view mirror, now, it's on to Arrowhead and the Chiefs next Sunday. "They're the number one seed in the AFC, so they deserved it. They’re the best team. We'll see how it goes," said Bill Belichick. "Well-coached, they have a lot of explosive players. We had a tremendous game with them here earlier. That was a long time ago. We'll see where we are now and see where they are."
--The Patriots have opened as a 3-point underdog next Sunday. And the forecast for Sunday at Arrowhead? High of 17, low of 11, with a 10 percent chance for precipitation.
--We have Overreaction Monday happening at 2 p.m. Get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.
--No player availability on Monday, but we will get conference calls with coaches.
Monday’s schedule
2:15 p.m.: Conference Call with Bill Belichick
2:30 p.m.: Conference Call with Josh McDaniels
2:45 p.m.: Conference Call with a Patriots defensive coach (still TBD)
Now, on with the links...
1. A moment of silence for the Cover 3. It died peacefully on Sunday at the hands of Tom Brady, somewhere midway through the first half of the Patriots' win over the Chargers.
2. After the game, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen said the Patriots looked like the Patriots again. I believe that if that's the case, the rest of the league should be put on notice.
3. It didn't take more than a few minutes in the New England locker room after the game for the focus to turn immediately to the Chiefs. Can we take anything from the October meeting between these two teams and apply it to the AFC title game?
4. Conor had the story on the Chargers getting vanquished in the chill of Foxborough.
5. Greg's game report looks at the total domination of Los Angeles from start to finish.
6. The #StayCovered Defensive Play of the Game actually went to special teamer Albert McClellan, who scooped up a muffed punt in the second quarter.
7. I kept Live Coverage humming all afternoon long.
8. Our guy Adam Richins has an awesome series of photos from Sunday's win.
9. Greg spent some quality time after the game with the fellas from the 98.5 Patriots Postgame Show.
10. We have a ton of video - Julian Edelman, Duron Harmon, Stephon Gilmore, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Devin McCourty and the Chargers.
Extra Point: Last home game of the season...
(Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
Patriots
First and 10: Wrapping up Patriots' thunderous playoff win over Los Angeles
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