Quarterback Tom Brady seeks his fourth ring while age catches on him. As the key piece of the New England Patriots roster, Brady needs to defy his detractors as well as the New England Patriots 2013 schedule which is a daunting task.
With weak division rivals except of course against the New York Jets, expect again for the Patriots to be in the playoffs as long as Brady is on the roster. The presence of Brady will be the determining factor for the Patriots to stay competitive as he excels arguably the best quarterback of all time.
Patriots opening regular season game is on the road against the Buffalo Bills on September 8, 2013. Without a doubt, the Patriots are expected to beat the Bills unless there's that upgrade for Buffalo. A tough quick turnaround as they will be going home to play Thursday night September 12 against the New York Jets. Thursday to Sunday is not a big distance for the old legs of the Patriots to have a chance against the Jets though playing at home will help the Patriots.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers will post a threat against the Patriots on September 22, a 10 day rest for the Brady-led team. A Sunday Night Game against the Atlanta Falcons is the biggest challenge for the Patriots on the road. This is the time to see Matt Ryan against Brady. This is also a defining moment for the Patriots to face a team that was so strong in the NFC last season.
In October, the Patriots will open up against the Bengals on the road. Cincinnati can beat the Patriots in so many ways. October 13 will be against the New Orleans Saints. This is a game to see the Patriots offense against the offense of the Saints also. It will be a shootout between Brady and Drew Brees. A second game against the New York Jets this time on October 20, 2013. Adjustments will be made with just a month after their first encounter. The Patriots finish the month of October against the Miami Dolphins.
November is a challenging month for the Patriots. The hungry Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Patriots. Ben Roethlisberger wants to win in New England. This could be critical game for the Patriots especially on how much they improve defensively. A Bye Week then they will travel to Carolina. This could be a defeat for the Patriots. After Carolina, then they have to host the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Game which showcase the old rivalry of Peyton Manning and Brady.
The Patriots have a decisive December Schedule but only the Baltimore Ravens on December 22 will be of the measuring stick going to the playoffs. By then the Patriots has already secured another AFC North Title.
2013 PATRIOTS PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time TV Coverage
Friday, Aug. 9 at Philadelphia Eagles 7:30 p.m. ET Patriots Preseason Network
Friday, Aug. 16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:00 p.m. ET FOX
Thursday, Aug. 22 at Detroit Lions 7:30 p.m. ET Patriots Preseason Network
Thursday, Aug. 29 New York Giants 7:30 p.m. ET Patriots Preseason Network
2013 PATRIOTS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time TV Coverage
Sunday, Sept. 8 at Buffalo Bills 1:00 p.m. ET CBS
Thursday, Sept. 12 New York Jets 8:25 p.m. ET NFL Network
Sunday, Sept. 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00 p.m. ET FOX
Sunday, Sept 29 at Atlanta Falcons 8:30 p.m. ET NBC
Sunday, Oct. 6 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 p.m. ET CBS
Sunday, Oct. 13 New Orleans Saints 4:25 p.m. ET FOX
Sunday, Oct. 20 at New York Jets 1:00 p.m. ET CBS
Sunday, Oct. 27 Miami Dolphins 1:00 p.m. ET CBS
Sunday, Nov. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25 p.m. ET CBS
Sunday, Nov. 10 BYE WEEK
Monday, Nov. 18 at Carolina Panthers 8:40 p.m. ET ESPN
Sunday, Nov. 24 Denver Broncos 8:30 p.m. ET NBC*
Sunday, Dec. 1 at Houston Texans 4:25 p.m. ET CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 8 Cleveland Browns 1:00 p.m. ET CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 15 at Miami Dolphins 1:00 p.m. ET CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 22 at Baltimore Ravens 8:30 p.m. ET NBC*
Sunday, Dec. 29 Buffalo Bills 1:00 p.m. ET CBS*
