ESPN analyst Mina Kimes has named the biggest x-factor for the New England Patriots heading into the Super Bowl rematch.
The new NFL season kicks off next week when the New England Patriots head to the Pacific Northwest for a rematch with the Seattle Seahawks.
Having the Super Bowl rematch open the new season is always a fun treat for fans, and this game should tell us a lot about both teams. But for the New England Patriots, this game will be able getting some revenge while establishing itself again in the AFC.
New England is trying to duplicate its success from a year ago when they reached the Super Bowl. But the team could be even better with its strong offseason moves.
The Patriots traded for star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, giving themselves a legitimate weapon for quarterback Drake Maye. Brown now offers the Patriots something that they didn't have a year ago, and getting to test him out against Seattle first could be special.
But heading into the game, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes gave her biggest X-factors for each team. For the Patriots, it was simple: A.J. Brown in this new offense.
"I am so excited to see A.J. Brown in this offense. And I know that sounds like it would be an obvious X-factor for any Patriots game, but I would say it's uniquely important in the Seahawks game. Because the Seahawks corner, who I think you would have had on A.J. Brown last year, the one only that had the size and length to keep up with A.J. Brown, well Tariq Woolen is a Philadelphia Eagle now, so I'm not sure how Seattle is going to handle him. I'm sure they are going to take a group approach," Kimes said.
Kimes makes a good point regarding Brown, especially for this upcoming rematch with the Seahawks. In the Super Bowl, Seattle was able to neutralize the Patriots' offense, leading to all sorts of problems for the team.
But the Seahawks did lose a ton of talent this offseason, including Woolen. New England's offense should be even better with the acquisition of Brown and Romeo Doubs, giving Maye more weapons to throw to.
If the Patriots can come away with the big road win here, it could set the tone for the rest of the season. There are those who still don't believe that New England will be good again this season, and this will be a chance to silence any doubters.
Kickoff between the Patriots and Seahawks is set for Sept. 9 at 5:20 p.m. PT/8:20 p.m. ET.
