Tom E. Curran Boldly Predicts Patriots Win After Schedule Release originally appeared nbc sports boston
The New England Patriots have A Tough 2023 NFL Schedule,
In fact, it's the fourth toughest in the league based on their opponents' 2022 winning percentage. The first four games are against the defending NFC champion philadelphia eagles, rival Miami Dolphins, Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys – in that order.
But a tough schedule doesn't mean the Patriots are destined to finish at the bottom of the AFC East. And it doesn't mean they're guaranteed to miss the playoffs.
Perry's game-by-game predictions for the Patriots' 2023 schedule
How many games can the Patriots really win? Even though the first eight games are tough, our Patriots insider Tom E. Curran thinks this team is capable of winning more than 10 games.
“They don't play (below average) quarterbacks until Week 9 when they play Anthony Richardson and Sam Howell back-to-back and then they have a bye week,” Curran said on “Boston Sports Tonight” on Thursday. ” “After Daniel Jones (bye) and then Kenny Pickett. But they've had nothing but very good quarterbacks to deal with in the first nine weeks. So that's a problem.
“I'm cheering on the Patriots in 2023. They're going to win 10, 11 or maybe 12 games. They're going to be a good football team.
How can the Patriots get to 10, 11 or 12 wins? Curran doesn't look at the AFC East as strongly as some others.
“The Jets (were bad) last year, and Aaron Rodgers isn't going to take them from the 28-touchdown offense they had last year, and immediately have them score 26 or 27 points per game,” said Curran. Said . “There's going to be a little bit of an assimilation period. They're going to beat the Jets the first time. I don't think the Bills are what we've seen the last two or three years. I think they're in a slight decline.” . I think the Patriots will be able to match him. And then Miami, it's been a problem but I don't think it should be a problem if you can play offensively.”
What is the path to the Patriots winning 10 or more games?
Well, they clearly need to get better offensively. The Patriots scored 21.4 points per game in 2022, and that's not good enough in the AFC when so many teams have quality quarterbacks and high-powered offenses.
The passing attack, in particular, should show dramatic improvement after ranking 20th in yards and 21st in touchdowns last season. The offensive line needs to be more consistent with its pass defenses and cut down on penalties. The Patriots didn't make any significant additions to the skill positions, but hiring a true offensive coordinator in bill O'Brien should make a positive difference. His coaching ability and play-calling are a massive upgrade over the Matt Patricia-Joe Judge tandem that led the offense in 2022.
Defense was the Patriots' strength last season, and this unit could be the key to unlocking the team's true potential in 2023.
When you look at how many good quarterbacks New England is determined to play this season — Patrick mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen (twice), Aaron Rodgers (twice), and others — the defense is high performing. The Patriots need that level to be a playoff team. After upgrading to cornerback, defensive end and linebacker with their first three picks in the 2023 NFL DraftIt seems as though the Patriots agree that the defense will need to lead them to success this fall.