July 4th Is Over, So Now What?

So it’s now the beginning of July and we get to bide our time, waiting for the preseason camps to start.

It’s the NFL’s version of the dead zone, where there’s little to report and even less going on; the time of year where the most dedicated and devoted fans suffer from “football withdrawal." This is a painful condition of both a physical and emotional nature, which can take heavy doses of Patriots.com just to alleviate the depression.

Seriously, though, from the sorrow comes joy. In this case, that “joy” comes from fans on various sites such as this one, where misery finds a great deal of company.

During this down time, the world shifts, for just a little while. Redskins fans and Cowboys fans carry on discussions that can go five minutes without arguing. It is at this point in the season where Jets and Patriots fans chat without threats of violence or untoward commentary regarding one’s parentage, where Raiders fans shake hands with Bronco believers in a civil manner.

Okay, so maybe it’s not that good.  This isn’t all peace and love after all; it’s FOOTBALL!

Still, we need to pass the time.

So for those Patriots fans out there, I’ll make my game by game preview of the season.

For the anti-Patriots out there, this is an opportunity to use up some of that negative energy by telling me how your team (or someone else’s team) will whip my Pats between the lines.

Don’t hold back!

Week 1: vs. Buffalo

The inclusion of Terrell Owens into the Bills offense will bolster their spirits.  However, the bigger issues in this game are the return of Tom Brady and the absence of Marshawn Lynch. Expect the visiting team to fight hard, but I do not foresee this as being a close game.

Patriots win, 31-13.  1-0

Week 2: at NY Jets
This is a heated rivalry, despite—or perhaps because of—the familiar faces on opposite sides. 

The absence of Calvin Pace will not have a huge impact, as the Jets staff are well aware of it. The offense of the Jets needs work, and will be a weakness at the start of the season. Their defense should be improved, though, and a great deal tougher.

However, the Patriots defense at this point (one game played) looks quicker, on the ball faster. It’ll be a hard-fought affair, not a blow-out.

Patriots win, 27-17. 2-0

Week 3: vs. Atlanta
Matt Ryan looked good last season. I do not expect a sophomore slump from this guy; he’s too determined, and the team is 100 percent behind him.

However, he'll be facing a faster, quicker and younger Belichick defense, which will make up for inexperience with speed.

Michael Turner is the big one in this game for the Falcons.

For the Patriots, Tom Brady will have a stellar game against a solid Atlanta defense. With Moss doubled for most of the day, it’ll be up to Galloway and Welker to get it done early, then for the Taylor-led backs to pound it home.  This will be a good game.

Patriots win, 30-20.  3-0

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