The New England Patriots first regular season game of the 2016 season is only days away and Bill Belichick‘s team face the longest odds of any season opener in the Belichick era. The Patriots’ Sunday night season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, one of the most fierce defenses and high flying offenses in the league, could be the start of four very long weeks. Fortunately, Belichick probably won’t let that happen. Below is a preview of the Patriots first for games of the 2016 season.
Previewing the New England Patriots First Four Games of the 2016 Season
Week 1 at Arizona Cardinals
In the first week of the season the Tom Brady-less Patriots take on the Cardinals. Coming into this game the Patriots open up as six point underdogs. At no point during the Belichick era has an opponent been favored by more than a field goal in a season opener.
The Cardinals defense finished the 2015 season ranked fifth in total yards allowed and eighth in passing yards allowed. This will also be the Patriots first match up against Chandler Jones, who the Patriots traded for the now injured Jonathan Cooper. Speaking of injuries, having his top target, tight end Rob Gronkowski, dealing with a hamstring injury, might make it a very long night on the road for Jimmy Garoppolo. Gronk probably could be a game time decision and if he plays he won’t be at 100 percent.
Week 2 vs Miami Dolphins
Thankfully, the Patriots return home in Week 2 to play the Miami Dolphins, the worst team in the AFC East. Many might be skeptical of labeling the Dolphins the worst team in the division because Adam Gase is now in Miami. Last year Gase served as the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and the Bears ranked 23rd in terms of points per game, while the Dolphins ranked 27th. It’s going to be up to the Dolphins defense to win this game, and they only scored two touchdowns on defense all season.
Week 3 vs Houston Texans
This week will be yet another test for the young Garoppolo when he goes up against a very stout Houston Texans defense. In 2015, the Texans ranked third in both points allowed per game and yards allowed per game. If the Patriots want any real hope of beating Houston, they need to convert on third down; the Texans ranked first in the league on third down conversion rates last season. This game is not an impossible win, but if the Patriots cannot be efficient and continue to move the sticks, they will lose.
Week 4 vs Buffalo Bills
Winning this game at home vs a division rival will pay dividends for locker room confidence. Very rarely has a Belichick led Patriots squad lost to a team with Rex Ryan at the helm. But in many of those match ups, the score ended up a lot closer than the game seemed. The Patriots can definitely defeat the Buffalo Bills, as long as the defense doesn’t let Buffalo stick around too long.
The largest points of emphasis for the Patriots through the first four weeks will be protecting a young and inexperienced quarterback, converting on third downs, finishing drives, and limiting turnovers. If the Patriots can do all of these things, they stand a very good chance of escaping Brady’s four game suspension with a 2-2 record, with the two wins coming against division opponents.
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