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.
A few random thoughts while I wonder just how much warmer it could get in Kansas City between now and Sunday...
--So the anticipated deep freeze that was supposed to park itself over Arrowhead Stadium come game time might not happen. Earlier in the week, we were looking at single-digit temperatures -- now, according to weather.com, it's going to be in the 20s. Wait another few days, and I'll be packing flip-flops and sunscreen this weekend.
--Looks like the line is still Kansas City by 3 right now -- that should help Julian Edelman move some more merchandise between now and kickoff. (For what it's worth, the Saints are still a three-point favorite in the NFC as well.) We got some other odds sent our way on Wednesday, including Super Bowl MVP.
--Thursday should be interesting -- we'll get another practice peek on Thursday afternoon for another check on the health of the roster. But barring a rogue running back gashing Tom Brady again (remember that story from a year ago?), this will be the healthiest the Patriots have been for a game all year long.
Thursday’s Schedule
12:30 p.m.: Media availability at practice
3:45-4:30 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and Patrick Chung, Stephon Gilmore and Rob Gronkowski (media workroom)
Now, on with the links...
1. Slowing Patrick Mahomes remains the ultimate challenge for the Patriots' defense. I talked with a bunch of people -- including ex-Kansas City defensive lineman Mike DeVito about how the young quarterback has changed and how New England might go after him this time around.
2. You want to get a sense of just how well the Patriots' offense is going to operate in any given game? Check out their first-quarter run totals. The splits from their first game against the Chiefs are certainly worth examining.
3. The notebook has another day of perfect attendance at practice, as well as Brett Favre's thoughts on Brady saying people think the Patriots suck.
4. Video - Tom Brady: "Bob Sutton is a hell of a coordinator"
5. I spent some quality time talking Patriots with the fellas on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver.
6. Here are the transcripts from Wednesday's podium sessions with Brady, David Andrews, Devin McCourty and James White. Oh, and here's Belichck.
7. Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus revisits the first Patriots-Chiefs game this season with an eye on some of the pivotal matchups and situations that could play a large role again on Sunday.
8. Safety Eric Berry was back at practice for the Chiefs on Wednesday.
9. Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Damien Williams and Justin Houston met with the media on Wednesday in Kansas City. Here's a good thumbnail look at the biggest takeaways from their respective Q&A's.
10. Kevin Clark of The Ringer says Belichick will need a "master-class coaching performance" if the Patriots are to beat Reid, Mahomes and the Chiefs this time around. This is a really fascinating look at the astounding versatility of the Patriots -- Clark notes this year, the final four teams are the four highest-scoring offenses in the NFL. Last season, the final four had four of the league's top five defenses. New England is the only team to make it both years.
Extra Points:
Brady walks through the locker room on the way to the podium in the media workroom. Dont’a Hightower yells out “Give em hell, 12!”
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) January 16, 2019
Mutual respect on both sides of the ball.@jbbigbear and Tom Brady recognize each other's game. ?@Chargers | #NFLMicdUp pic.twitter.com/6OSIR81IFC
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 16, 2019