(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season is nearly here and the New England Patriots will kick off the year on Sunday at home against the reigning NFC Champions the Philadelphia Eagles.
Drawing the Eagles in their first game isn’t optimal, but the Patriots under Bill Belichick have always found a way to make games more competitive.
New England remains in the midst of rebuilding their program after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though there has been some progress since the future Hall of Famer left.
Belichick has managed to keep the defense at a respectable level, though the offense could certainly still use some work despite marginal improvements from Mac Jones.
Things haven’t been the same since Brady’s departure, but the franchise clearly hasn’t forgotten him as they plan to honor him at their home opener.
Seeing Brady back at Gilette Stadium will evoke plenty of positive memories for fans, though media members like Phil Perry believe that could also pressure the team to perform via NBC Sports Boston.
Brady’s return: Pressure or motivation for Patriots? @PhilAPerry weighs in with @tomecurran pic.twitter.com/mYCPPWfJLD
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) September 5, 2023
Perry argues that the offense is going to have to be at its best in order to prevent the fans in attendance from getting too restless, especially with Brady watching.
It’s hard not to compare any Patriots offense to when Brady was running the show, but those sort of expectations are what lead to disappointment.
Making things even more difficult is that Philadelphia boasts quite the stout defensive unit, so New England will really need to be on its A-game if they hope to keep pace.
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