New England Patriots: Dates and times set for 2018 preseason games

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots holds the Lamar Hunt trophy as he is interviewed by Jim Nantz after the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots holds the Lamar Hunt trophy as he is interviewed by Jim Nantz after the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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While we knew who the New England Patriots would be playing in the preseason, we now know exactly when it will be happening.

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl last season, the New England Patriots are surely anxious to get back on the field. While the 2017 season was certainly a good one for the Patriots, they did come up short of their ultimate goal.

This offseason, the Patriots went through a lot of changes, as some key players left in free agency this offseason. However, the Patriots made some good additions and had a strong draft class coming in that can help them get back to the Super Bowl.

Even though many don’t like the preseason, it is important for players to get into game shape and knock off the rust. While we knew who the Patriots were playing, we now know when it will be happening.

Here is a list of the games, dates, and times for the Patriots in the preseason.

Week 1: Washington Redskins vs. New England Patriots, August 9th, 7:30 P.M. ET

Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots, August 16th, 7:30 P.M. ET

Week 3: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers, August 24th, 7:30 P.M. ET

Week 4: New England Patriots at New York Giants, August 30th, 7:00 P.M. ET

As you can see, the Patriots will be starting their preseason with two home games. Generally, the first game of the preseason sees little to none of the starters playing much. However, that second game at home should see the starters for about a quarter.

This season, the Patriots will be facing off with the Panthers in the all-important third preseason game. The third game will be the true final gear up for the regular season, as starters generally sit in the final game of the preseason.

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With the summer almost here, that means football is almost back. In the month of August, three Thursday’s will feature Patriots football.