Patriots gridiron news: Josh McDaniels to reunite with Jacoby Brissett in Indy
As expected, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be the head coach of choice for the Indianapolis Colts, reuniting with Jacoby Brissett.
Super Bowl LII will be Josh McDaniels last game as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.
While this was already anticipated, the Indianapolis Colts are expected to make it official when they announce the 41-year-old McDaniels as their new head coach following the big game. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, league sources have confirmed the intended hiring after the Patriots OC met with the Colts on Friday.
A couple of years ago, this move would’ve been considered repulsive by Patriots fans. With Colts former general manager Ryan Grigson involved in blowing the whistle on the Deflategate scandal, the Colts were considered public enemy No. 1 on and off the field. Since his firing, relations have been civil.
Not only has the Patriots granted the Colts a chance to interview Josh McDaniels, the two teams pulled off a couple of trades prior to the season. One of which involved former New England Patriots backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett who McDaniels will know very well.
The main attraction for the job, however, is the expected return of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. The team also owns the No. 3 overall pick so Josh McDaniels should have a chance to get the Colts back to their winning ways quickly. Not only that, he may be able to lure a couple of Patriots impending free agents.
Running back Dion Lewis and wide receiver Danny Amendola are players McDaniels could target. For Amendola, it will depend on if he will return for another season. The veteran receiver has taken pay cuts to stay in New England the last few seasons. That could change with Josh McDaniels in Indianapolis.
Malcom Brown says he’ll be ready for Super Bowl LII
The Patriots received more good news on Sunday. Defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who missed three days of practice last week, returned to the practice field and says he’ll be ready to go for the big game.
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The run stopper was limited on Wednesday due to an injured foot, but has been making progress as Super Bowl LII draws near.
"“Just getting my body where I want it to be and just keep on making sure it’s better every day I go out there,” Brown said, via the Boston Herald."
With the Eagles running back tandem of LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi, Brown’s presence will be necessary to keep Philadelphia’s power running game in check.
Tom Brady’s hand still an issue
Tom Brady didn’t let stitches on his throwing hand stop him from torching the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 4th quarter of the AFC Championship Game. He likely won’t let it affect him in Super Bowl LII, but the 40-year-old quarterback admitted Sunday his hand isn’t where it needs to be.
"“I am still working on it,” Brady told ESPN, via WEEI. “It was only 11 days ago when I hurt it, but I think we are in a decent place and hopefully it can get better over the course of the next seven days. I am not quite where I want to be right now, but hopefully by game-time it should be.”"
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Brady reportedly had 12 stitches removed over the weekend. While the hand is not where he feels it should be, it will at least be a lot better than it was in the AFC title game.
As Patriots fans, we’ll take that.