New England Patriots Gameday: Tom Brady confident entering 19th season

The New England Patriots face off against the Houston Texans in a season-opening AFC showdown at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  Tom Brady enters his 19th NFL season with extreme confidence.

NFL Kickoff Sunday is here and like seemingly every season prior the New England Patriots enter the season as an AFC favorite.  But, unlike other seasons there will be some questions marks following a drama-filled offseason that will shine the spotlight even brighter on the long-standing dynasty.

The man standing tallest in that spotlight is 41-year-old quarterback Tom Brady.  Entering his 19^th NFL season, the reigning NFL MVP will have to put together perhaps one of his best seasons of his career.

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With a receiving group that consists mainly of unknowns and projects, Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have to find creative ways to move the ball.  They will also rely heavenly on tight end Rob Gronkowski and a group of versatile running backs who will create offensive mismatches in the open field, especially against aggressive defenses.

So, how will a receiving group of Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Chad Hansen and Riley McCarron stack up against the Houston Texans in Week 1?

While none of those players exactly scare any opposing secondary, Tom Brady has confidence in his group.  He has certainly been there before and knows the receivers he is entering the season with has the ability to strive.

"“I have confidence in them, certainly,” Brady said Friday, as transcribed by WEEI. “Phillip [Dorsett] and Chris [Hogan] have obviously … I played a lot with them last year. Cordarrelle [Patterson] is new. He’s done some good things. That’s the reason why he’s here. He’s a really good player. He’s been productive in the league. To be on this team, you have to be a good football player. And the guys who are out there, I certainly have a lot of confidence in. We’re all going to be learning on the fly, and you’ve got to build as the season goes. We’re in a certain spot now, but this is not where we want to be as we get through the season. Every week, we want to build on things, and there’s no way to replicate what we’re about to go up against. That’s why you have to go through it. We’ll see where we’re at.”"

Perhaps is the challenge Brady’ most intrigued by, but he also acknowledges how tough it will be to get the passing game flowing consistently without the services of Julian Edelman the first four weeks of the NFL season.  But, keep in mind, if there is any quarterback or team that can make a star out of unknown receivers, it is Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

How to watch Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts

Kickoff: Sunday, Sept 9, 1:00 p.m. ET

TV: CBS (Check local listings)

Streaming:  fuboTV

Week 1 Prediction:

All signs point to a Houston Texans upset to start the 2018 NFL season.  The New England Patriots had problems stopping Deshaun Watson during last season’s Week 3 matchup in which Tom Brady led the team to a late comeback win.  Going against a tough Texans’ defense, New England will have to find firepower from unlikely sources to prevent an upset.

Coming in as 6 ½ point favorites, don’t be surprised if the Patriots unveil some offensive wrinkles to catch the Texans pass rush off balance.

Rob Gronkowski will be a consistent force going against Houston’s secondary and expect the Patriots running backs to be the major reason the reigning AFC champions pull off a 27-13 Opening Day victory.