FOXBOROUGH – There’s always a sense of the unknown during Week 1 of the football season.
There will be teams that surpass expectations and surprise everyone. There will also be teams that aren’t nearly as good as expected. It’s why it’s so hard to predict what will happen when a team’s schedule initially comes out.
For the Patriots, there are many unknowns as the team prepares to play its regular-season home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sunday’s matchup is going to teach us a lot about Mike Vrabel, his new system, and the new Patriots roster.
The Patriots are also taking on a team with a new head coach, Pete Carroll, and a new system. The Raiders are also starting a new quarterback in Geno Smith.
Sunday is just the first step in the journey this season. It’ll be fascinating to see how this new chapter in Patriots’ history starts.
Here are five things to watch:
Drake Maye
Sunday marks a new era for the Patriots and Drake Maye, as this is his first game with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. This season, the young quarterback has a more experienced coaching staff around him. The hope is that his development will reach new heights.
Maye’s first test is a Raiders team led by Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby. All eyes will be on the quarterback this season. Maye’s development is the most important storyline in Foxborough this fall. He has a chance to start fast on Sunday inside Gillette Stadium. It’ll be fascinating to see how Maye looks in McDaniels’ system.
Patriots offensive line
The Patriots recognized the need to rebuild their offensive line this offseason. That’s why it looks like they’re going to start four new players on Sunday with Will Campbell (left tackle), Jared Wilson (left guard), Garrett Bradbury (center), and Morgan Moses (right tackle). Right guard Michael Onwenu is the only returning starter from last season.
The group gets a good challenge with Crosby, a Pro Bowler. The Raiders also have Malcolm Koonce, who had eight sacks in 2023, but missed last season with an injury. The Patriots need to better protect Maye after giving up 52 total sacks last season. We’ll find out quickly if they’re up to the task.
TreVeyon Henderson
The most exciting player in training camp was TreVeyon Henderson. He was also the fastest. That was seen when he returned a kickoff for a touchdown to start this preseason. The second-round pick looks like he’ll be a capable offensive weapon for the Patriots. He could be one of the most dynamic players on the field.
Of course, Henderson has to prove that in the regular season. He also has to stay healthy. That’s why he’ll likely be in a rotation with Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson’s debut, however, will be one of the bigger things to watch on Sunday. It’s possible that the Patriots found an exciting new talent.
Stefon Diggs
It’s been a remarkable recovery for Stefon Diggs. He suffered a torn ACL last October. The fact that he started training camp on time was impressive. This week, Diggs was a full participant in Patriots practice and will play in the team’s first game.
At age 31, there are questions about Diggs’ ability. Is he still a capable No. 1 receiver? Will he put together his seventh 1,000-yard season? The Patriots have long searched for a top-flight receiver. After striking out with Chris Godwin in free agency, we’ll find out if they accomplished that goal.
Patriots defense without their star
Among the players the Patriots can’t afford to lose, Christian Gonzalez is near the top of the list. The All-Pro cornerback is arguably the best player on the roster. However, Gonzalez hasn’t practiced since July 28 after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp. Now, the team is set to start the season without their No. 1 cornerback.
It’ll be interesting to see how this new-look defensive scheme plays on Sunday. Will an improved pass rush from newcomers Milton Williams, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Robert Spillane make up for Gonzalez’s absence? Will the team be OK at cornerback with Carlton Davis alongside either Alex Austin or D.J. James? We’ll find out.
Prediction: Patriots 23, Raiders 17
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