New England Patriots links 4/20/18 - Patriots’ 2018 NFL schedule: Predictions, prognostications

TEAM TALK

• Statement from Robert Kraft on the passing of Patriots Hall of Fame broadcaster Gil Santos.
• Erik Scalavino analyzes the Patriots schedule. After the home-opener, the Pats will be on the road two-straight weeks.
• Media Access Transcripts: Troy Niklas and James White.
• Angelique Fiske reports on Mama McCourty’s tips on telling her twins apart.
• From 2017: Gil Santos’ top ten calls.
• From the NFL - Patriots record forecast: Maurice Jones-Drew predicts every result on New England’s 2018 schedule. (1.54 min. video)
• From the NFL - Patriots war room: Projecting New England’s first four selections in 2018 NFL Draft. (2.22 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss offers his annual “laugh at me now, and then laugh at me more later” game-by-game predictions for the 2018 Patriots.
• Zack Cox breaks down the Patriots schedule and shares his thoughts on all 16 games.
• Ryan Hannable offers 10 quick thoughts on the schedule: 1. Unlike years past, there doesn’t appear to be a tough stretch that stands out at first glance.
• NBC Sports Boston looks at the Patriots’ week-by-week schedule, how they performed against each opponent the last time they met, and links to some of the more interesting things from each game.
• Mike D’Abate (FullPressCoverage) NFL top ten: Most intriguing matchups for 2018.
• Ryan Hannable hears from James White on how the Patriots will replace Dion Lewis.
• Alex Reimer suggests Tom Brady’s end game might just be ‘sweet revenge’.
• Karen Guregian relays TE Troy Niklas and his “kind of crazy story” about his path to becoming a Patriot - and a father.
• David Latham (LastWordOnSports) New England Patriots recent second round draft history: How have they fared?
• Phil Perry takes a look at a few draft prospects that could meet New England’s main three criteria for what they want on the O-line.
• Doug Kyed points out the offensive tackle options for the Patriots with each of their eight draft picks.
• Ian Glendon (FullPressCoverage) Thoughts on the three 2018 finalists for the Patriots Hall of Fame.
• David Latham (LastWordOnSports) Patriots of the past: Ty Law.
• Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Season starts with Houston at Foxboro.
• Doug Kyed Patriots Mailbag: What are Patriots’ various options in 2018 draft?
• Mike Reiss shares some thoughts on Gil Santos, whose love for the Patriots was reflected in his work.
• Ryan Hannable presents his 7-round mock draft. Pats pick South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst and Georgia OLB Lorenzo Carter.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Andy Benoit (SI) Brady and Gronk stay home; What does that mean for the Patriot way?
• Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent’s Take: Gronk’s discontent can be solved with a contract that helps both TE, Patriots.
• Dan Wetzel (Yahoo! Sports) Tom Brady has firm grip on Patriots’ draft board.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) James White on Tom Brady: He knows what he’s doing.
• News Services (ESPN) Gil Santos, who called 743 Patriots games over 36 seasons, dies at 78. Includes statement from Bill Belichick.
• Peter King (SI) NFL schedule release: Inside the process that gave us the 2018 256-game slate.
• Chris Chavez (SI) 2018 NFL schedule release news and rumors.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) ESPN picks NFL teams to win 289 of a possible 256 games.
• Shalise Manza Young (Yahoo! Sports) 2018 NFL schedule: Top 10 prime-time games we’re looking forward to watching.
• Eric Edholm (ProFootballWeekly) Ten early-season NFL games we can’t wait for: Week 1 is actually loaded with good storylines.
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) 2018’s toughest NFL schedules: Hard road for NFC East, Rams.
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) 2018’s most forgiving NFL schedules: Packers, Broncos sit pretty.
• Scott Polacek (Bleacher Report) NFL Primetime Schedule 2018: List of Monday, Thursday and Sunday Night games.
• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Sunday Night Football mixes it up a bit.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Tom Coughlin’s return among Week One highlights.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Fox Thursday night schedule starts with Week 2 Ravens-Bengals.
• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Dates of international games announced.
• Jarrett Bell and Lindsay H. Jones (USA Today) Sports NFL agent poll: Redskins, Bruce Allen get low marks on preparedness, trust. Bill Belichick 2nd most respected.