RonF
Per Ardua Ad Astra
seems to have the breaks in the schedule that they have? For example here are some thoughts from a New England sports writer:
The Patriots seemingly catch a break by facing the Colts after Indianapolis has a “short” week. The Colts are at Tennessee on Monday, Oct. 27 -- in what is usually a physical AFC South clash -- then must turn around host the Patriots in a Sunday night contest. The Patriots host the Rams before traveling to face Indianapolis.
No opponent on the schedule is coming off a bye week, which is also a positive for the Patriots.
The bye is at the earliest time possible, in Week 4. That is generally earlier than clubs prefer, as the ideal time is as close to the middle of the season as possible. The Colts, Dolphins, Lions, Seahawks, and Giants are also off that week.
The Patriots will look to fill up their tank in the off week, because what awaits them the following two weeks is a game at San Francisco, followed by a game at San Diego. It will be interesting to see if coach Bill Belichick keeps the team out west, which could contribute to developing team chemistry. With back-to-back trips out west on Dec. 7 (Seattle) and Dec. 14 (Oakland), there is also the possibility of the team remaining there for a week.
For a point of comparison, the Jets also have four games out west -- Week 3 at San Diego; Week 7 at Oakland; Week 14 at San Francisco; and Week 16 at Seattle. If the Patriots can make arrangements to stay out west, they seemingly would have the better setup.
The Steelers will have extra time to prepare for New England, as they play on Thursday, Nov. 20 – at home against the Bengals – before traveling to face the Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 30.
The Seahawks also will have extra time to prepare for New England, as they visit the Cowboys on Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving), before hosting the Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 7. Seattle has one of the loudest stadiums in the league, and it should be rocking for a night game.
When the Patriots return home after their trips to San Francisco and San Diego, they will benefit from an extra day of rest, with a Monday night game at home (Broncos) next on the schedule.
With two division games in the first three weeks – at the Jets in their home opener, and at home against the Dolphins – the Patriots will have a chance to set an early tone in the division.
The Dolphins travel to New England in Week 3 after a trip to Arizona the week before, which seems to be a good spot for the Patriots.
A season finale at Buffalo almost surely will bring difficult elements into play.
The Patriots seemingly catch a break by facing the Colts after Indianapolis has a “short” week. The Colts are at Tennessee on Monday, Oct. 27 -- in what is usually a physical AFC South clash -- then must turn around host the Patriots in a Sunday night contest. The Patriots host the Rams before traveling to face Indianapolis.
No opponent on the schedule is coming off a bye week, which is also a positive for the Patriots.
The bye is at the earliest time possible, in Week 4. That is generally earlier than clubs prefer, as the ideal time is as close to the middle of the season as possible. The Colts, Dolphins, Lions, Seahawks, and Giants are also off that week.
The Patriots will look to fill up their tank in the off week, because what awaits them the following two weeks is a game at San Francisco, followed by a game at San Diego. It will be interesting to see if coach Bill Belichick keeps the team out west, which could contribute to developing team chemistry. With back-to-back trips out west on Dec. 7 (Seattle) and Dec. 14 (Oakland), there is also the possibility of the team remaining there for a week.
For a point of comparison, the Jets also have four games out west -- Week 3 at San Diego; Week 7 at Oakland; Week 14 at San Francisco; and Week 16 at Seattle. If the Patriots can make arrangements to stay out west, they seemingly would have the better setup.
The Steelers will have extra time to prepare for New England, as they play on Thursday, Nov. 20 – at home against the Bengals – before traveling to face the Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 30.
The Seahawks also will have extra time to prepare for New England, as they visit the Cowboys on Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving), before hosting the Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 7. Seattle has one of the loudest stadiums in the league, and it should be rocking for a night game.
When the Patriots return home after their trips to San Francisco and San Diego, they will benefit from an extra day of rest, with a Monday night game at home (Broncos) next on the schedule.
With two division games in the first three weeks – at the Jets in their home opener, and at home against the Dolphins – the Patriots will have a chance to set an early tone in the division.
The Dolphins travel to New England in Week 3 after a trip to Arizona the week before, which seems to be a good spot for the Patriots.
A season finale at Buffalo almost surely will bring difficult elements into play.
