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Breaking down the Patriots 2019 schedule

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As the Patriots began OTAs last this week their 2019 schedule was released. When you break it down it looks a far easier task than last year. Similar teams, but those teams have become weaker with off season moves. This means once again the Patriots should be in the playoffs for a record breaking 16th season.

The Patriots will open their season at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The change comes as the NFL have chosen to start the season with a Thursday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. This is as part of the NFL 100 promotion celebrating the leagues 100th season.

The steelers are a much different looking side as they have been in the past. A literal off-season from hell for Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff. After Le’Veon Bell chose to sit out the entire 2018 season, he moved on to the NY Jets, and star WR Antonio Brown forced a trade to the Oakland Raiders. In the past this has been a crucial fixture in deciding home field advantage for the playoffs. But this year it may be nothing more than a game the Patriots win on their way to another playoff appearance, while the Steelers could miss the playoffs for a second year running.

The AFC East

There’s the usual 6 games in the division against the Jets, Dolphins and Bills. The Jets on the surface have gotten stronger with the offseason signing of running back Le’Veon Bell. Sam Darnold, heading into a second season, should show signs of improvement at QB after a full season leading the offense.

The Bills are very much the same as last year. A few new signings in Cole Beasley from the Cowboys and Frank Gore from the Dolphins will add weapons for Josh Allen. He will be the starting QB for the Bills again this season.

Finally the Dolphins round out our division. However, with former Patriots defensive coach Brian Flores taking over, their focus isn’t so much on winning this season. They are focused on tanking for the number 1 draft pick in 2020 to hopefully draft Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. A campaign the fans and local media are calling #TankforTua. So although normally a tough game in the heat, this year the Pats could get the win down in Miami.

Looking at the division again this year, the Patriots should be confident in grabbing 6 wins from 6. Though I could see the Jets stealing the win in week 7 on Monday Night Football. Miami could be a tough game down there. But this year, with the way Miami will be setting up to tank, we should come away with the win.

The Tough games

Looking at the schedule there are a few potential tough games that I can see the Patriots losing. The Patriots will welcome the Cleveland Browns to Gillette in week 8. The new look Browns aren’t going to be the push overs they have been in the past. With a potentially good QB at the helm, and some very good weapons out wide like Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry to partner an already good established Tight end in David Njoku. They also have a good running attack with Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson Jr. One of the saving graces for the Patriots is that the Browns will be coming to Foxboro, a place were not a lot of teams come and win.

In week 11 the Patriots travel to Philadelphia for a big game against the Eagles. This is a team that I think poses the greatest threat to the Patriots for a loss. They are hard to play in Philly. They have a very good QB in Carson Wentz when healthy, some good wideouts having added Golden Tate to that depth chart, and a very good TE in Zac Ertz. But their defense is something the Patriots can and have exploited in the past, like Super Bowl LII.

The last of the potential tough games for the Pats is week 14 when the Chiefs come to town. A team that doesn’t seem to fear coming to Gillette stadium as we saw week 1 in 2017. The night the Patriots raised their 5th championship banner. The Chiefs will be a different team than that of 2018.

While Pat Maholmes is showing signs of greatness, they are already without Kareem Hunt, who was cut after an off-field incident. They may well be without Maholmes main strike weapon Tyreek Hill after his own off-field indiscretions. They’ve lost some main parts on the defense as well. Releasing safety Eric berry and LB Justin Houston, along with trading defensive end Dee Ford.

Potential Challenges

One game that may challenge the Patriots is the week 9 game away to Baltimore. While the Ravens aren’t what they used to be, they still have a good defense that may challenge the Patriots. They also have an enigma at QB with Lamar Jackson. While his passing game isn’t the best, he has the ability to extend the play with his legs and can break through for big chunk plays, or touchdowns in the redone.

This season will see somewhat of a marquee match up for the Patriots if for nothing more than TV ratings. The Dallas Cowboys come to town for the 1st time since 2015 in week 12. The Patriots also haven’t lost to the Cowboys since 1996 in a game that ended 12-6. While it will rate well throughout the country, this is a game the Patriots will expect to win. But it could be the type of game that exposes the Pats, especially since Ezekiel Elliot’s running game could cause problems for the defense.

My Prediction

When I look at the schedule for 2019, I honestly can see the Patriots going 15-1. That loss most likely being against the Eagles in week 11. Obviously, with the way the team is presently constructed, a lot of work through the draft and trades is needed to build a roster to compete like last year’s. Never the less, they have Tom Brady. And while last year wasn’t his best, the Patriots adapted to play a style to suit the roster they had.

Obviously they could lose more than the 1 game I have picked. An unexpected loss at Washington or the Texans wouldn’t surprise me. One thing is for sure, after last season, and the panic from media and fans alike during the pre-season, I put my trust in the coaching staff lead by Bill Belichick to deliver a roster or game plan capable of making it to another Superbowl in 2019, continuing this amazing dynasty that is heading towards its 3rd decade. Unbelievable.

For the record Prediction: 15-1(loss to Philly)

Jamie Brown

New England Revolution home stand preview

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The New England Revolution are about to begin their only three game home stand for the 2019 season. Over the next three games they welcome Atlanta FC, New York Red Bulls and the Montreal Impact.

Obviously the Revolution haven’t started the season the way they expected. When you look at the moves they made in the offseason, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, with just one win in their opening six games, is disappointing. The side will be hoping to kick start their season over the next three games and gain some momentum to push for a playoff spot.

I’m sure the Revs will be looking to address their lack of offensive production. They are 4th overall In the MLS for touches inside the opponents 18 yards box, but have only registered 11 shots on target, which is 2nd fewest in the league. Add to that the pressure starting to mount on head coach Brad Friedel, and these games are crucial to the Revolutions season.

Revolution v Atlanta Fc

Both teams have started the 2019 season in poor form, creating pressure on both teams head coaches. The defending champions Atlanta Fc haven’t recorded a win in their first 4 games, but have had a busy schedule to start. They have had to balance both MLS games and CONCACAF Champions League games, but now that the Champions league has ended they may begin to improve.

One negative heading into this match is the loss of Centre back and Captain Michael Mancienne. He was given a 1-match suspension after picking up a 2nd yellow card during their home loss to Columbus Crew. Luckily for the Revs, Antonio Delamea will fill the gap competently as he started the season as Manciennes defensive partner. The revs will need their defense to be on its game against Atlanta, who have last seasons record breaking goalscorer Josef Martinez. He has only one goal in his first four games, and will want to find the net to kick start his season.

  • Photo Credit: MercedesBenzStadium.com
    https://mercedesbenzstadium.com/atlanta-united-vs-philadelphia-union-3/#gallery1-14
Revolution v New York Red Bulls

The next team visiting Gillette Stadium on the stand is the New York Red Bulls. New York have had a very similar start to the season as the Revs, but also have a congested schedule to start the season with CONCACAF Champions League matches. But before they visit the Revs they have an away game at Sporting Kansas City to navigate, a game that could pose a significant challenge for them considering their last regular season home game they put seven past Montreal in a big win.

Assuming things go to plan for the Revs, and at worst they grab a draw from the Atlanta game, this game could help lift the Revs four points clear of New York. Depending on how the New York v Sporting KC game goes. A boost for the Revs in this game should be the return of Captain Mancienne to bolster the defense.

  • Anibaba rises over Wright-Phillips to win a header last season
    Photo Credit; Red Bulls News Network
Revolution v Montreal Impact

The third game of the home stand is against the Montreal Impact. The Impact are coming off back to back 0-0 draws, which followed a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Sporting Kansas City. They also have two pretty tough fixtures before arriving in New England. They play top of the eastern conference Columbus at home, then the Philadelphia Union away, a side also performing well to start the season.

Theres a very real chance that the game versus Montreal could see New England jump them on the ladder with a win, depending on how their other results go.

  • Sporting Kansas City attacking the Montreal Impacts goal in their 7-1 win.
    Photo Credit: Diane Scavuzzo

It’s hard to predict how these games will go. But if the New England Revolution are to have any chance of making the playoffs this year they need to take at least five points from the next nine. I honestly believe they can get the win over Atlanta and Montreal, but the New York game I can see being a draw. Anything less than 5 points could see the Revs well behind the playoff positions. Although it’s early in the season, if they can’t find form with three games at home in a row, it’ll be hard to find it throughout the rest of the season.

Jamie Brown

Lack of WR depth could open the door for Berrios

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Heading into the 2019 season, the New England Patriots have a serious depth problem at wider receiver. This could open the door for Braxton Berrios.

Last season, Jordan Matthews, Eric Decker, Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman were all brought in to help Tom Brady. Unfortunately for the Patriots, none of them worked out. Matthews and Britt sustained hamstring injuries in training camp and were released. Eric Decker decided to retire.

The current crop of wideouts is very similar to last year. Brady will have the ageing Julian Edelman, although he continues to defy the odds. He also has Phillip Dorsett, a player who Brady appeared to go cold on during the season. The Pats let him go to free agency before bringing him back at a reduced salary. Bruce Ellington was brought in through free agency, but he won’t be a go to receiver for Tom Brady. Josh Gordon is another option for the Patriots. However, he is subject to a potential suspension and may not play until mid-season at the earliest.

The lack of depth at WR opens the door for Braxton Berrios, a player drafted in 2018. Braxton was drafted out of the University of Miami in the 6th round (pick 210 overall). Once drafted he was compared to Danny Amendola, and was viewed as a replacement if Amendola left in free agency. And he did, signing a 2-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

It was reported after Danny was released from the Dolphins this offseason, both the Patriots and Amendola were interested in reuniting. Instead Amendola signed a 1-year deal with the Detroit Lions. A move that wonā€™t have concerned the Pats front office and coaching staff too much with a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings.

During the 2018 training camp, Braxton suffered an undisclosed injury and was put on IR prior to the regular season. Obviously, a slight setback for the young wide receiversā€™ career, but the signs are obvious as to what he will add to the Patriots offense in 2019. He is a slot receiver, but can get down the field if needed, particularly in the Red Zone. He can create separation from defensive backs, and has the speed to turn a small 5-yard pass into a 60-yard touchdown.

His UM career was full of highlights. As a junior he saw action mainly as a punt returner, and had 12 returns for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a senior he started all 13 games. He had 55 receptions for 679 yards and 9 touchdowns, including a 21-yard TD pass in a big win over their rivals Florida State, who UM beat for the first time since 2009.

Berrios scores his 1st of 2 touchdowns against fierce rivals FSU
Photo Credit; Miami Herald

When you look at the depth chart, and how hard they went after players like Adam Humphries, Cole Beasley and Golden Tate, they obviously realize how dire the situation is at WR. In the draft I would expect them to address this situation with at least 1 of their 12 draft picks. But on the plus side they have a young talented wideout waiting in the wings to showcase his skills on the big stage. I’d expect to see him getting a lot of reps during training camp, and to get a lot of time on the field during the pre-season.

Jamie Brown

Is Brad Friedel on the hot seat already?

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The New England Revolution went in to the 2019 MLS season with high expectations. After a very disappointing 2018 season where the side failed to make the playoffs in Friedel’s first year in charge, all the expectations are that he will have the side playing playoffs this season. Unfortunately for Revs fans, the season hasnā€™t started the way Iā€™m sure they all expected it to. Because of this the pressure from the fans, is Brad Friedel on the hot seat already?

New England Revolution head coach Brad Friedel already feeling the pressure after slow start.
Photo Credit; Yahoo Sports.com

Through the first 5 games of the season the Revs have only one win. After starting the season with a draw at FC Dallas, they followed that with three straight defeats to Columbus, Toronto and Cincinnati. Of those three games were two home defeats where Brad Friedel’s side failed to score. However, in their last home game they managed to grab a 2-1 win over Minnesota, which the fans are hoping is the turning point for the season.

Last season the top 6 got in the playoffs, and the Revs finished 9 points out. The way the playoffs are structured in 2019, the top 7 from each conference make the playoffs. Finishing 5 points off 7th last year shows not a massive improvement is needed to make the playoffs this year. However, they have not started the 2019 season well, and already find themselves behind the eight ball.

In 2018 scoring was a great concern for the revs, and in the off season the side worked to address that issue. They brought in Juan Fernando Caicedo and Carles Gil on international contracts to bolster the attacking ranks in the squad. They also exercised the transfer option on Luis Caicedo to bring him to the squad permanently. They strengthened the defense as well by bringing in Edgar Castillo, and with Michael Mancienne having a full off season with the squad, I think he will bring more stability to the back 4 in 2019.

Photo Credit; revolutionsoccer.net

Considering the moves the side made in the off season, itā€™s not hard to see why Brad Friedel is on the hot seat already in the 2019. One win in five games, a disappointing start at home leading to reduced fan turnouts, players brought in to help the side score more and thus win more games, and yet the results arenā€™t there.

Heā€™s not the only coach already on the hot seat this early in the season. Frank De Boer, the new head coach of defending champions Atlanta FC is also under pressure from fans and media. The new Atlanta coach has no wins through his first four in charge and after the season they had last year under Gerado Martino you can understand why heā€™s feeling the pressure already.

The difference between the two is, however, Friedel is into his 2nd season as head coach, while de Boer is in his first season so may have more leniency from management. Friedel has had a full season and preseason to develop the squad to his playing style and has also brought in players to match the style he wants to play. De Boer has largely inherited a squad (all be it championship winning squad) so he may be given more time to develop the squad to his style.

The good news for Friedel is the patience the Kraft ownership group show towards coaches. Obviously, they have had the same head coach of their Football team the New England Patriots for nearly 20 years now, and donā€™t tend to sack coaches of their MLS teams too frequently. Jay Heaps served as head coach for 6 years. Despite a horrible 2012 season kept the job until 2017, when he was eventually fired. Steve Nicol was given 9 years in the top job, and is arguably the club’s greatest ever head coach. But after his success between 2002 and 2007 the squad fell off during the 2008 season. But they kept him in charge until the end of the 2011 season.

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

I personally think he will be safe this season despite their poor start this year. This could be a great thing for the team. Consistency in the coaching ranks breeds success. Who knows, in 3 or 4 years time we could witness the New England Revolution back at the top of the MLS under Brad Friedel. We as fans just need to be patient.

-Jamie Brown