The New England Patriots only scored 13 points in their season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Four of their eleven drives resulted in three-and-outs, while another ended in a Drake Maye interception.
Despite the loss, there were some [bright spots](https://nesn.com/2025/09/seven-takeaways-from-patriots-mistake-filled-loss-raiders/) offensively. Tre’veon Henderson looked like a dynamic runner when he found open space. Antonio Gibson was effective in the return game as well.
The receiver position rotation wasn’t entirely entering the season. Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams were all new additions who were candidates to play significant snaps. On Sunday, however, it was a returning receiver who stood out — Kayshon Boutte.
Boutte finished the game with six receptions for 103 yards. He was targeted by Maye eight times. He led the receivers in snaps played and lined up outside on the majority of his snaps.
Boutte worked almost exclusively down the field. His average depth of target was 17.4 yards; all of his targets came at least ten yards down the field. They came in a variety of ways, too. Lining up on the outside, Boutte was able to create separation several times on comeback routes. When his defender stayed close on two occasions, he remained strong and completed the catch through contact.
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Boutte was a projected first-round pick by some outlets entering his final year at LSU. In his third NFL season, he’s starting to show why scouts believed he could be an impact receiver in the NFL, and why the Patriots stuck with him despite a slow start to his career.
The Patriots travel to Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins next Sunday. Miami is coming off a 25-point loss to the Indianapolis Colts, during which they allowed 272 passing yards and a 76% completion rate. Boutte will have an opportunity to build on his strong start to the season.
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Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images