Must-Watch Games, Matchups and Storylines from Patriots’ 2013 Schedule
Friday slideshizz is up, ranking the best games of the season, and holy hoodie, there are some doozies.
The Patriots will see the Bucs twice in about five weeks because of their preseason meeting. That might reduce the desire for joint practices or, at the very least, destroy any chance of a competitive preseason game between the starters.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-will-see-the-bucs-twice-in-about-five/
Unlike the 2012 schedule, when there were two prime-time home games in December, Patriots fans get a well-deserved break this year. The home prime-time games are Thursday, Sept. 12 (home opener vs. Jets) and Sunday, Nov. 24 (vs. Broncos). No potentially bitter cold nights at Gillette … until, perhaps, the playoffs (unless the flexible schedule alters that). The other prime-time games – vs. Falcons (Sunday, Sept. 29), Panthers (Monday, Nov. 18) and Ravens (Sunday, Dec. 22) are on the road.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/unlike-the-2012-schedule-when-there-were-two/
Quick hit reaction to the Patriots 2013 Schedule
My first reaction is that it’s not an impossible schedule, but it certainly has some big challenges, especially right out of the gate and at the end.
What worries me most is that the Pats will be vulnerable early in the season. They always blow a game in September, but this year they’ll be figuring out a new passing offense, possibly without Gronk. They’ll need time, and this year more than ever, they should be a better team at the end of the year than at the start.
The first thing we always look for is the bye week, and the later the better. So with it coming on week 10 this year it’s ideal.
Then we look at the division games, two right out of the gate opening with at Bills, then hosting the Jets on a short week on Thursday night. That’s a big test. Division games are always tough, even when they’re against two teams that are likely in transition. Would’ve been preferable to get an NFC team in there, since those games are less consequential, but it’s a chance for the Pats to take an early lead in the division.
The back-to-back divisional games in October will be a good test as well when they got to the Jets then host the Dolphins. Mark down that Dolphins game, it could be a big one.
Two road games vs. playoff opponents is never easy, and the Pats will go to Atlanta then Cincinnati in back to back weeks.
Most interesting though is the final six games. They’ll play three of the AFC’s top playoff seeds from last season, along with two divisional games vs. Miami and Buffalo.
Even if they start slow the Pats will have a chance to make a big push at the end, with their fate in their own hands. But the divisional games will come in back-to-back weeks at the start and in the middle. They’ll need to be on their game for those, because as always, winning the division is the primary objective.
Mark it down – Sunday November 24th on Sunday Night Football vs. the Broncos. We can all circle that one now. That will make back-to-back national games coming off a Monday Night tilt with the Panthers.
5 national games is a lot, and I love that they’ll go to Baltimore in Week 16 on Sunday Night Football. Should be a great atmosphere and excellent prep for the playoffs.
New England Patriots 2013 Regular Season Schedule – NFL.com
Patriots 2013 Mock Draft Tracker
Patriots 2013 Mock Draft Tracker
The Patriots.com mock draft tracker page has been updated. Some interesting picks. Lots of cornerbacks and wide receivers with a couple defensive ends and tackles sprinkled in, and even some safeties.
Personally I think we’re set at safety. There’s good youth and good experience and enough guys to compete and rotate and come out of camp with a solid starting tandem.
Slater’s message: Put life in perspective, and appreciate every moment you’ve got. “It really puts things in perspective,” Slater said today at Gillette Stadium. “It really puts a value on life, and really lets you know there are bigger things than football. I just want to let those people out there know, the people that were affected by that event that were injured, or had somebody they knew that was injured or killed or are still battling for their lives or had to witness that traumatic event, that we’re praying for them. I don’t think there’s ever been a time where I’ve ever been more proud to be a part of this city, this region, with the way people have responded to that tragedy, and I’m just proud to be associated with the people of New England and the people of Boston.”
https://www.patspropaganda.com/slaters-message-put-life-in-perspective-and/