Here are 24 random thoughts on the Patriots’ regular-season schedule.
1. Obviously, LeGarrette Blount and Le’Veon Bell are currently unavailable for the regular-season opener at Gillette Stadium. The Blount storyline would have been fascinating.
2. Assuming Steelers receiver Antonio Brown doesn’t hold out into the season, the Patriots will get an immediate reminder of what life is like without Darrelle Revis when they attempt to contain one of the best wideouts in the league.
3. The Patriots are 3-0 when they raise the Super Bowl banner, including a 2002 victory against the Steelers.
4. The Patriots shouldn’t have any weather-related travel issues when they visit the Bills in Week 2, so that’s always a plus.