The NFL continues to get the hint that maybe waiting to release the next season's schedule until a primetime slot on nightly television might not be the smartest idea. The schedule leaks continue on Wednesday morning, with 12 hours left until it's released in its entirety, and that means the Patriots are beginning to find out what theirs might look like already.
Based on the leaks so far, the Patriots will not be traveling overseas for an international game this season, which could have been in far more countries than in years past. This year, games will take place in Berlin, Dublin, London, Madrid, and Sao Paulo, with even some teams having multiple international games to be played. The Patriots won't have the chance to prove they're not a laughing stock this year, something they made sure was the case over the last two seasons.
They also know they will have a primetime game against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in December. It will be their first MNF game since the 2021 season, the year rookie quarterback Mac Jones took the team to the playoffs after missing the season before.
With the latest leak, now Drake Maye can mark off his calendar when he's able to play his hometown team.
The Patriots will face the Panthers in the first month of the 2025 season
As the leaks continue, we have found out that the Patriots will end the first month of the season by welcoming the Panthers to Gillette Stadium in Week 4.
This will be the first time Maye will line up against his hometown team, which is hoping to turn around their downward spiral with the hopeful triumphant return of quarterback Bryce Young as the unquestioned starter and the debut of first-round draft pick, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
A lot of eyes will be on that game for that reason, but UNC will also be highlighted far more than they have in recent years due to Bill Belichick becoming their new head coach. Given the proximity and the connection to Maye, it will inevitably become part of the news lead up to the game, which is certainly not something to look forward to.
However, it will be a solid opportunity for Maye to play in front of his family and friends from home and give an impressive performance. It would be a great way for the Patriots to end the first quarter of the season by taking home a win, with a little added motivation for the quarterback to show up in a big way against a familiar team.