CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Patriots fans in western Massachusetts are preparing for the team’s season opener Wednesday night against the Seattle Seahawks, the same team that beat New England in last season’s Super Bowl.
For Agawam’s Chris Worden, being a Patriots fan goes back to when he learned what football was. He has watched several New England teams win championships and come close.
“It’s going to be tough (in Seattle). I think if Drake (Maye) just keeps his eyes forward and puts the game where it needs to be, then they’ll do just fine,” Worden explained.
Despite last season’s loss to Seattle, Worden has high hopes for the Patriots this year.
“The Patriots are definitely back, definitely back. It’s going to be a great season. It really is,” Worden added.
Worden noted he is also excited by the moves the team made during the offseason. The Patriots traded for veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown in June and announced late Monday night that they had signed cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a four-year, $135 million extension.
With kickoff about 24 hours away, sports bars such as The Dugout in Chicopee are preparing for large crowds.
“When you drive by (The Dugout), the parking lot is full. Usually, there is a body in every bar stool. People love it. It’s part of the New England culture,” said Jordan Benoit, owner of The Dugout.
Benoit said last year’s Patriots opener was good for business. This year’s game falls on a weeknight, but he still expects more customers.
“The job wasn’t finished, so I hope that that bodes well and people would love to see a 1-0 start against a team that blew our doors off in the Super Bowl,” Benoit added.
Worden plans to watch some games at The Dugout with friends. He also has a prediction for the season.
“I think we’ll make a run at it again. We’ve got a great team. They’re all young, we’ve got a great coach, we’ve got a great system, and, let’s face it, we’ve got the reputation. If we put all of those things together, I could see us run it back,” Worden said.
The Patriots are scheduled to kick off against the Seahawks just after 8 p.m. Wednesday in Seattle.
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