Game by game projections for the 2022 New England Patriots
The 2022 New England Patriots’ season is about to begin. Let’s make game by game projections for the team. What record will they finish with?
On Sunday, the 2022 New England Patriot’ season kicks off against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami. The team took a bit of a step back this offseason, unfortunately, but still have a solid foundation in place. They appear to have a competent offensive line, good head coaching, and a promising second year quarterback.
However, in the loaded AFC, the Patriots might simply not have enough. I believe that most of us would feel way more comfortable if the team was in the NFC, but obviously that’s not the case.
The Patriots’ 2022 schedule is filled with excellent opponents that will test the team most weeks. There are very few ‘gimme’ wins, and teams who have been weaker in the past, like the Dolphins and New York Jets, look promising as well.
So, let’s take a stab at projecting the season for the team, going game by game.
Projecting the 2022 New England Patriots season, Weeks 1-2
Week 1: Miami Dolphins
This may be the only time during the season that the Patriots have an advantage over the Dolphins. Miami has added a ton of talent this offseason in hopes of getting more out of Tua Tagovailoa.
With additions like Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead, Tua has more high end talent around him than Mac Jones, but I think Jones is the better quarterback.
Even still, the Patriots tend to falter some in Miami, and they could also be like the Dolphins, or even most teams, and come out slower than expected.
Unfortunately, I am projecting a week one loss for the Patriots.
Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
The following week sees the Patriots travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers.
The Steelers somehow went 9-7-1 last season and clinched a playoff spot. I am just not buying into much of what the Steelers have done. Sure, they’ll have a good defense, but I think that’s it.
Mitchell Trubisky is fine, but won’t win you games. It’ll likely be a defensive slugfest that may come down to a field goal, and with the Patriots having a slight advantage on on offense, I’ll take them to win this game away.
Record: 1-1
Projecting the 2022 New England Patriots season, Weeks 3-4
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were ravaged by injuries last year and failed to make the playoffs. They had a killer draft and look ready to return to their old form. Lamar Jackson is likely playing for a massive contract extension.
This game is the Patriots’ home opener, but I just don’t see a path for the club to win. The Ravens are a disgustingly more talented team than New England, unfortunately, and Lamar Jackson is likely taking the game over at some point with a ridiculous play.
Week 4: Green Bay Packers
Weeks three and four are brutal games for the Patriots. They travel to Green Bay for this matchup against the back to back MVP Aaron Rodgers. The team lost Davante Adams in the offseason, so they’ll likely have to rely more on a offense by committee approach, which could work just fine.
Furthermore, their defense is quite loaded. The Packers have been a stellar team in the regular season ever since Matt LaFleur took over, and I don’t see how that changes. I don’t think the Patriots can win this game.