Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots: Ranking the 2019 regular season opponents

By Patrick Morgan

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots makes a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots makes a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 17
Next
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Houston Texans (AWAY)

Dan Graziano of ESPN has the Houston Texans representing the AFC against the NFC’s New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl 54. Granted, Graziano titles his article “bold predictions” and acknowledges that many of his ideas are way too early to accurately forecast, but still… it should provide the Patriots with something to think about all offseason if they’re interested.

New England defined much of its 2018 run to glory as a prove-it campaign against naysayers and detractors, and it stands to reason they should carry some of that chip-on-the-shoulder attitude over to 2019 if they’re smart. While the “nobody believes in us” mentality might be laughable to everyone else – particularly after winning the Super Bowl – all that matters really is that the Patriots themselves buy into it.

When New England travels to Houston next year, they will find an angry, hungry, determined team waiting for them, most likely. The Texans have been a proverbial punching bag for the Patriots for years now, and head coach Bill O’Brien (formerly Bill Belichick’s offensive coordinator) must be absolutely sick of it at this point.

Houston has all the pieces: ferocious defense, exceptional receivers (when they’re all healthy), dynamic quarterback, experienced and intelligent leadership. If they can shore up their offensive line through free agency, the draft, and better overall coaching, this is a team that can challenge the Titans and the Colts in the AFC South for years to come.

And specific to next year and the matchup against the Patriots, the aforementioned revenge factor cannot be underestimated.

Home/Patriots News