With all the changes the Patriots underwent this offseason, there were a lot of storylines to look forward to ahead of the schedule release. Besides analysts and fans having more optimism about the team's chance of putting together a successful season, there was also interest surrounding Mike Vrabel's return to Tennessee and Josh McDaniels leading the Patriots in a game against the Raiders.
Both coaches will have a chance at revenge against their former teams, with the Raiders coming to Foxboro in Week 1. They kick off a brutal stretch of defensive lines for the Patriots' newly put-together offensive line to go against, which will be a brutal test for two rookies expected to be starters on day one.
The schedule over the next few weeks doesn't get much easier for them either, inevitably forcing left tackle Will Campbell and center Jared Wilson to be as prepared as possible at the start of their NFL careers.
Patriots' rookie offensive linemen will face an early tough test of top tier defensive talent
The Patriots will welcome the Raiders to Gillette Stadium in Week 1, meaning Campbell and Wilson will line up against players like Maxx Crosby, one of the best pass rushers in the league, and dominating defensive tackles Malcolm Koonce and Christian Wilkins.
That is quite a welcome to the NFL type of game.
After that matchup, McDaniels hopes to lead the offense to a triumphant win. The Patriots will face another difficult test against the Dolphins in Miami. The Patriots have typically not fared well in this game due to the weather. But Campbell and Wilson will have some challenging assignments there, too, with players like Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson to deal with.
RELATED: Patriots’ offseason already has Bills media sounding a little nervous
The next test is against a Steelers defense led by T.J. Watt. The only benefit is that it will be a home game, and hopefully, that will be an advantage for the Patriots this year. Over the last few seasons, it has not been a benefit, but the hope is that Vrabel and Co. will bring the diehard fans back to the stadium.
Other than being an unfavorable situation for rookies to deal with, especially ones with essential roles to play for the offense's success, there might be a way to spin the early test positively. Lining up against some of the best defensive line talent in the league early in their careers could help them grow and learn much faster, allowing them to go against some of the best talent and see how they fare.
Of course, it could also go really bad, but given how highly regarded Campbell and Wilson are, there is a good chance they will be just fine. At the very least, that will be the hope most fans will hold out until it's time to watch them play.