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.
A few quick notes to kick things off...
--There was some weather in Foxborough on Thursday, but the decision to practice inside the field house probably wasn't coincidental, given the fact Super Bowl LIII is going to be indoors. Wouldn't be shocked to see the Patriots do it again in the next few days before they leave for Atlanta on Sunday.
--Patriots are holding steady Friday morning as a 2.5-point favorite.
--On Thursday, the Patriots revealed the details behind their send-off rally on Sunday -- it will start at 10 a.m. on the Gillette Stadium field, and is free and open to the public. It will feature live music and entertainment, a cheerleader dance performance and giveaways for fans. Bob Socci and Scott Zolak will address the crowd, while Bill Belichick and some of the captains are also expected to speak.
Friday’s Schedule
12:30 p.m.: Media availability at practice
3:30-4:15 p.m.: Approximate time for player availability (locker room) and Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Jason McCourty (media workroom)
Now, on with the links...
1. Greg's recap of the AFC title game is as complete a look back as you're going to see. (Basically, this piece is worth the $4.99 monthly fee alone.) A really great read that breaks down the game and gives you an early look at what you might expect from the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
2. I went deep inside the numbers to look at some of the reasons the Patriots have excelled at running the ball down the stretch and into the postseason. One of the reasons? They are absolutely crushing other teams who come out in nickel and dime packages. Check out the full story here.
3. Looks like it's time to say farewell to Patriots' wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea, who is rumored to be joining Brian Flores' staff with the Dolphins as their new offensive coordinator. The notebook also looks at perfect attendance at practice for New England, as well as some of the best of Belichick from Thursday's press conference.
4. Miguel delivered the info with another mailbag. In this one, he answers questions about Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, Super Bowl experience ... and much more.
5. I talked Patriots with Bill Michaels of 105.7 in Milwaukee, and Kim Carrigan on the Boston Now podcast.
6. Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty and Rob Gronkowski all stopped by the media workroom on Thursday to chat. Here are the transcripts for each one of their appearances.
7. Mike Reiss writes on offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia and the challenge he'll have getting his group ready for the Rams. It's clear this year's group would lie down in traffic for Scarnecchia. “He coaches us hard, but he loves on us as well," left tackle Trent Brown said of the veteran coach. "I think everybody respects him here. He’s been doing it for a long time. I love him, that’s for sure.”
8. Rams GM Les Snead is aiming for one more big prize. "When you're in this position you're never irrational enough to think you're one or two players away," Snead said. "After winning the division last year, after contending last year, we sat back and said we definitely feel like we can do this. And we could do this consistently for a little while."
9. Los Angeles kicker Greg Zuerlein was apparently in a walking boot on his left foot, but the injury is not expected to be an issue for Super Bowl LIII, according to the Rams. "We're just being extra cautious with him," said coach Sean McVay. "But he'll be OK."
10. Robert Mays of The Ringer re-watched Super Bowl XXXVI between the Patriots and Rams, and has 10 observations from the game.
Extra Point:
#Patriots QB Tom Brady has faced a Wade Phillips led defense 9 times in his career. He's 6-3 and has thrown for 297 yards per game with 21 TDs and 7 INTs. However, in the 2015 AFC title game, the #Broncos forced Brady into one of the worst playoff games of his career. #Rams pic.twitter.com/yhDEE8aLpw
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 24, 2019