Stephen A. Smith admits why he does not believe in the New England Patriots

As the new NFL season approaches, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has openly admitted that he does not fully believe in the New England Patriots. This sentiment is mirrored by the Seattle Seahawks as they prepare to face the Patriots at Lumen Field in a rematch of last year's Super Bowl. Mike Vrabel and the Patriots are seeking revenge after their loss to the Seahawks in February, while the Patriots have made some noteworthy offseason additions, including A.J. Brown to bolster their offense.

However, Smith's skepticism extends beyond the Patriots' roster. Last season, the Patriots enjoyed a relatively easy schedule, with their opponents collectively posting a win percentage of just .380. In contrast, the Patriots' upcoming opponents will present a more formidable challenge. Vrabel's team will kick off against the reigning Super Bowl champions, only months removed from their previous encounter.

The comparison to the 1999 NFL season, where the Patriots faced a similarly weakened schedule, serves as a reminder of how challenging their path will be.

Injuries have further hampered the Patriots' preparations. TreVeyon Henderson, their starting running back, is nursing an injury that will sideline him for the season. Additionally, the Seahawks, although set to be without Nick Emmanuel, demonstrated a well-rounded performance in their recent game, suggesting they may pose a greater obstacle for the Patriots than initially anticipated.

While the Patriots have faced scrutiny due to off-field issues involving Vrabel and the contract situation surrounding Christian Gonzalez, Smith believes that any loss would only underscore his skepticism about the Patriots' capabilities. The upcoming game will provide an opportunity for the Seahawks to disprove any lingering doubts about their ability to compete against the Patriots.