Patriots' schedule early on removes any worry of rough start
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Through three weeks of the 2018 season, the Patriots were 1-2 and struggling to keep average offenses out of the end zone. You would have thought they started 1-7 by the amount of negative buzz that was once again surrounding the team at such an early stage in the season. After the teams Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Patriots, as always, took a step back, regained their championship aspirations and began to fire on all cylinders as they went on to win six straight and positioned themselves for another Super Bowl run.
Although people are rightfully questioning New England's offense as we progress through training camp, it is okay if Bill Belichick and his staff take their time with this one. All questions do not need to be answered by next week when the preseason contests begin. There will certainly be times throughout August and perhaps even into the first few weeks of the regular season where things will look really rough. But it won't last for long.
The Patriots' first seven games are against opponents who combined for a 38-57-1 record in 2018 (they play the Jets 2x in this span). Aside from opening night vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is not a game that should pose too much of a challenge until Week 8, when New England squares off vs. the new and improved Cleveland Browns. This will allow the Patriots plenty of time to get things right. With a stacked defense, a promising run game and a relatively easy first half of their schedule, Brady and Belichick are awarded a bit of extra time to find feasible options in the passing game that will suit the team well into the latter half of the season.
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Despite Julian Edelman's thumb injury, he should be more than ready for opening night against the Steelers. For rookie N'Keal Harry, his progression looks to be right on track and it seems that he will be an immediate contributor. After those two guys, the next few spots are open for whoever wants it the most.
Newly-acquired wideout Maurice Harris has been killing it thus far and Brady continues to throw him more passes than any other wideout. Harris showed signs of incredible playmaking ability while with the Washington Redskins, including a game last year where he tallied 10 receptions on 12 targets for 124 yards in a loss against the Atlanta Falcons.
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In addition to Edelman, Harry and Harris, other potential targets like Phillip Dorsett and Braxton Berrios could create a receiving core that may be just enough for the Patriots to have a complete and efficient offense that balances a strong run game and a viable passing game. Belichick gets the most out of his players year in and year out. This season will be no different.
