At the halfway point of the Patriots’ season, New England is 5-3 and in first place in the AFC East.
The concerns of New England fans fall mainly on the play of the
secondary and the inability to stop opposing quarterbacks midway
through 2012. Even though those concerns are valid, the Pats are still in position to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
However, the road to the playoffs will be significantly tougher than the team’s opening slate has been. The Patriots will return from their bye to take on the Buffalo Bills in Foxboro, before hosting Andrew Luck and the now 5-3 Indianapolis Colts. Two games with the surprising Dolphins remain on the schedule,
along with huge matchups against the 49ers and Texans that will cement New
England’s position in the AFC playoff race.
Of course, another game against the Jets on Thanksgiving will bring a week of talking and excitement — especially if Tim Tebow replaces Mark Sanchez as the starter under center.
With all that being said, what matchup left on the schedule could pose the biggest problem for Bill Belichick and the Patriots? Can Luck lead the resurgent Colts into Gillette Stadium and pull off the upset? Or will the powerhouse back-to-back week combo of Houston and San Francisco cause problems for the Patriots? Vote below for who you think will be the toughest opponent remaining for New England, and catch the results on Sunday’s NESN Daily.
Which of the Patriots’ second half opponents is the most threatening?
