The Patriots’ First Shot

Good morning! The First Shot provides you with a healthy helping of links to the top Patriots-related stories around the internet to get your day started. Enjoy your breakfast, your coffee, put off your work (just keep an eye out for the boss), and get your early morning football fix. The links begin after the jump…

• Which team should the Patriots fear the most in the AFC playoffs? Vote HERE.
• Should Bill O’Brien leave for a head coaching job and Josh McDaniels get fired from St. Louis, we could see the Pats’ former offensive coordinator return.
• Bill Belichick discussed why Bill O’Brien has done such a good job for the Patriots.
• You can listen to Bill Belichick’s weekly appearance on WEEI sports radio HERE.
• The Miami Dolphins interviewed former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher for their vacant position, which could make them an even tougher opponent for the Pats every year.
• ESPN Boston breaks down the Patriots’ roster by contract length.
• Could Gillette Stadium be louder? Brian Waters wouldn’t go there…
• Both Bill Belichick and Tom Brady released comical statements honoring the retirement of Miami Dolphins DE/OLB Jason Taylor.
• Tom Curran of Comcast Sports Net proposes a theory at explaining the Pats’ slow starts.