NFL Schedule Released: A Look at the Pats

[Donoghus]

NFL released their schedule today.  Pats get the midseason bye which is always nice but, on paper, this is a tough schedule.  Lots of '08 playoff teams on there.  Real tough stretch before the bye week and that includes a game in London against Tampa.

Patriots

BUF
@NYJ
ATL
BAL
@DEN
TEN
TB
BYE
MIA
@IND
NYJ
@NO
@MIA
CAR
@BUF
JAX
@HOU

[yall hate]

It is the 3rd hardest schedule based on last years results (which means next to nothing since last year is irrelevant to this year).

pro's
we start with a lot of home games (4 of 6).  hopefully off to a hot start. including two games against division rivals.

con's
we finish with a lot of road games (4 of 6).

for a more in depth analysis then I care to type:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

[xmuscularghandix]

another pro is that it'll be cold here against miami for the home game, and it wont be insanely hot down there for the road.

[Cman]

I think having the early home games is key.  It will make it a little easier for Brady to get back into the swing of things, and his health is key to the Pats success next season.

[ma11l]

Haven't really discected the schedule yet, but from an eyeball look it looks like a pretty tough one no?

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

Does look tough indeed...

Must say I'm happy the Pats get the bye week right after being in London. I don't know if that was mandatory based on a condition in the CBA stipulation for an overseas game, but if it wasn't thank you NFL for not sticking it to the Pats.