Schedule, Schedule, Schedule

First, props to Ogor for posting the 2008 schedule.  I'll have a more in depth look at the schedule in a future post, but here's a few thoughts:

Week 1 has us opening with the Chiefs in Foxboro.  Given a 4-12 2007 record, who sees this as anything but a tuneup for the regular season?

Weeks 2 & 3 have us playing the Jets and Dolphins, 2 teams we cruised through last year.  However, it'll be interesting to see what "The Tuna" does with the gang from Miami.

Week 4 is a BYE.  Not an ideal spot, but necessary given Weeks 5 & 6 are back-to-back west coasters with the 49ers and the Chargers.

Week 9 at Indianapolis - what can I say?  Always a huge game (probably the biggest of the year) and it'll be in the Colts's new Lucas Oil Stadium.  Ya think they'll be looking for revenge in their new digs?

Weeks 14 & 15 - What the...??  Another back-to-back west coast swing with the Seahawks and Raiders.  This must be the NFL's version of a governor in NASCAR.  You know, a method of slowing down the car?  Whatever.  Supposedly we have a very soft schedule  according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.  Soft or is it the fact NE has been winning regular season games since Dec 10, 2006?  And most every game in the first half of the season, sans The Colts, will be, well, not much of a challenge?  Ok, blatant homerism, but there doesn't seem to be too much to worry about.

It'll be interesting to see what Belichick does for the back-to-back west coast games.  Stay on the left side of the country or fly back home?  I'd say stay, but I don't understand the logistics involved in that (getting a practice field, hotels, etc...).  Maybe it's easier than packing up all the gear and heading back to NE just to turn around and go back after a few days.  I've traveled enough to know it takes a day or so to adjust.  But these guys are young bucks and I'm an old fart.  That could have something to do with it.