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.
A few leftover thoughts on Nick Caserio, the Patriots, and the Texans.
The big question here: What does Caserio think? He’s always been an expert at keeping his cards close to his vest, and this situation is going to be no different. Ultimately, a sizable part of the answer to that question is going to come next offseason when his contract is up. If he leaves, it’s reasonable to think this episode had a factor in his decision. (It’s also completely plausible he wants to run his own team sooner rather than later, for what it’s worth.) If he stays, it’s also reasonable to think he could be part of some sort of succession plan once Bill Belichick is done. Either way, he’s set himself up as someone to watch going forward.
I also wonder what’s next for the Texans in all of this. They are apparently going without a GM this season — will they circle back around and try and make a run at Caserio next offseason? Or Nw England director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort? Or maybe Bill O’Brien finishes 7-9 and is fired by the McNair family? A lot to consider going forward when it comes to everyone involved.
Now, on with the links…
1. One last shoutout for my weekend notebook, which Includes some thoughts on Caserio, a breakdown of the Patriots roster by age, a look at how a former New England defensive back is doing as a college coach, and much more.
2. Greg had a weekend Q&A that ran the gamut. Lots of good stuff here.
3. Here are the details of the Texans calling off the pursuit of Caserio, as well as the news tight end Michael Roberts failed his physical.
4. Mike Reiss talks with Benjamin Watson about his new book.
5. Reiss and ESPN’s 31 other NFL reporters look at the surprise offseason standouts for each team. Mike singles out Jamie Collins. “Signed to a modest one-year deal in May, Collins flashed speed and playmaking ability on defense while being inserted into a top spot on the punt-protection unit,” he writes.
Gronk brought his big personality to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital – and he also brought the kids another big gift that will help them have fun even after he leaves ❤️️ https://t.co/fGNlRqokF0 pic.twitter.com/FJGkt9dirS
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 14, 2019