The Patriots will kick off the 2018 season hosting the Houston Texans, a talented team that has run into the New England buzz saw seven straight times. Last year’s three-point defeat was as close as the Texans have been since 2013 and they should enter Gillette Stadium with something to prove and a confidence they can finally win in Foxboro. Had it not been for a last-minute Tom Brady miracle the Texans would’ve pulled the upset last year and should have every reason to think they can make it happen here in 2018.
There’s always such an element of unknown for week one. Often the games are sloppy as no one has really tackled yet, nor is anyone in true game shape. Penalties and special teams play perhaps the biggest role of all.
We are all aware that the Patriots of September are not the Patriots of January and February, even though the reaction will be as if they are. The Pats will likely continue to audition players, use rotations where they might not later in the year and generally be straightforward in their approach as they try to figure out what they’ve actually got this year.
So it’s important not to overreact to the outcome or sloppiness of any of these first few games. Still, it’s an AFC opponent and a win would be a good first step in the conference standings.
Here’s what the Pats need to do to survive Bill O’Brien and the Texans and get the 2018 season rolling.
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