The optimism is high as the new-look New England Patriots open up their 2025 season at home versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Coming into this game, all eyes will be on former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders: 2025 Game Preview
Vrabel stated in his introductory press conference that he wants to change the identity of the team. He has done just that, as the team has moved on from all six of the 2024 team captains.
Along with new head coach Mike Vrabel comes a very familiar face in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels took a year off from coaching after being relieved of his duties as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. This will be his third stint with the Patriots, last calling plays in 2021 for rookie quarterback Mac Jones. That year, the Patriots’ offense ranked 15th in total yards, sixth in points per game, eighth in rushing yards, and 14th in passing yards.
On defense, Vrabel brought in Terrell Williams, who served as the Detroit Lions’ defensive line coach in 2024. Under Williams’ guidance, the Lions finished the season with the fifth-best run defense.
New England vs. Las Vegas: Keys to the Game
Players to Watch
Will Campbell, Offensive Lineman
Throughout the preseason, the Patriots have been very pleased with No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell. The offensive lineman scored an 86.2 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) preseason grade, which ranked fourth among all offensive tackles. You can expect the Raiders to give Campbell the matchup against veteran edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
The Patriots went into the offseason with the most cap space. They did a great job not just spending cash, but also bringing in a new No. 1 receiver for Drake Maye.
The addition of Stefon Diggs has brought in the much-needed trust and consistency that is imperative in developing a young quarterback. Throughout the entirety of the offseason, questions surrounded Diggs’ availability after tearing his ACL last season. Yet, when asked about Diggs’ ability for Week 1, head coach Mike Vrabel said, “As of today, he’ll be out there”.
Drake Maye, Quarterback
The expectations for Drake Maye has increased tremendously entering 2025. Maye finished his rookie season with flashes of promise. However, it also featured a few mental mistakes that will need to be coached out for him to take the next step in his development.
One major issue expected to changed is Maye’s protection of the ball. During Maye’s rookie season, he went on a stretch of seven games with an interception. With a new offensive coordinator and a revamped offense, can expect to see much cleaner play from Maye.
How the Patriots Win in Week 1
Stop the Run
This will be the debut of No. 6 overall pick for the Raiders, Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty showed flashes in college and throughout the preseason that he doesn’t run around contact; he embraces it. It will be vital that the Patriots’ defense slows Jeanty down and doesn’t give up any extra yards due to bad tackling.
Bring the Pressure
The Patriots will be showcasing a revamped defensive line. The unit has added interior defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Harold Landry III. The Patriots will also have interior defensive tackle Christian Baremore back in the lineup after missing the 2024 NFL season recovering from blood clots.
If the Patriots can successfully slow the run game down, the next step will be making Geno Smith as uncomfortable as possible.
Score Points
The Patriots have struggled the last couple of seasons finding their way into the endzone, but with the offense changing its identity under Vrabel, it will be exciting to see what Josh McDaniels has in store.
Going into Week 1, the Patriots are favored by 2.5 points.
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
