Week 1 is finally here as the Las Vegas Raiders begin the 2025 regular season on the road against the New England Patriots. To preview the game, Taylor Kyles from our friends over at Pats Pulpit was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Patriots for Raider Nation.
Q: In addition to Mike Vrabel, the Patriots hired former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. How has Drake Maye picked up McDaniels’ offense so far, and what are the expectations for Maye this season?
A:
The Patriots have high expectations for Drake Maye, who they’re hoping proves to be the face of the franchise. Mike Vrabel has made it clear that his job is to help Maye grow as a game manager and leader, while Josh McDaniels oversees development. With two accomplished NFL coaches in his ear and a much-improved supporting cast, Maye could establish himself as a top-12 or 15 passer in the league.
In terms of early returns, I’ve been impressed by Maye’s maturity and adaptability. He excels at attacking space and leverage, which the scheme caters to while providing answers to virtually any defensive look. Fewer turnovers and keeping his eyes downfield off-schedule were heavy focuses this offseason, and Maye took both to heart. It wasn’t a perfect summer, with inconsistent accuracy, aggressiveness, and end-of-half execution popping up as potential concerns. But overall, the team is happy with where Maye is at this stage, and it’s easy to see why.
Q: On a similar note, Stefon Diggs is now in New England after missing half the season with a torn ACL in Houston last year. How has he looked after the injury, especially considering he’s nearly 32 years old? Have Diggs and Maye formed immediate chemistry?
A: Stefon Diggs’ recovery has to be one of the most impressive in recent memory. He didn’t play this preseason, but was a full participant throughout training camp and isn’t expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1.
While Diggs disappeared at times during team drills, particularly in joint practices in Minnesota, he was Maye’s second-most targeted receiver this summer behind DeMario Douglas and has had plenty of dominant flashes. During 1-on-1s against the Vikings, Diggs sent Jeff Okudah to the shadow realm on a corner and used late hands to beat Byron Murphy on a fade. There’s still room for Maye and Diggs to grow, particularly with several mouths to feed on offense, but expect the veteran receiver to be heavily involved on Sunday.
Q: Going up against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defensive line, what’s the level of concern with the Patriots’ offensive line, especially considering the left side is starting two rookies in first-round pick Will Campbell and third-rounder Jared Wilson?
A: The offensive line’s age disparity overall is one of my top concerns this season. Starting a pair of rookies side-by-side is a massive question mark, but right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury are in their 30s and nearing the end of their careers.
This should be a quality run-blocking unit if Will Campbell and Jared Wilson establish chemistry, but their ability to pass protect is worrisome. Campbell and Wilson will have their early struggles, Bradbury can’t hold up 1-on-1 consistently, and Moses struggled against speed this offseason. Josh McDaniels will help as much as he can with the scheme, but Drake Maye and his receivers must work quickly to minimize the damage.
Q: The Patriots hit free agency hard on the d-line, signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Khyiris Tonga and former Raider K’Lavon Chaisson in addition to already having Christian Barmore at defensive tackle. Who do you think will have the biggest impact on Sunday? Also, how’s our old friend Robert Spillane looking so far?
A: Milton Williams is being paid to wreck games, and he did that as a pass rusher all summer. His run defense has been more hit-or-miss, but Williams’ quickness, power, and relentless hands make him a handful for interior linemen. If Christian Barmore returns to form, he’ll likely draw the attention Jalen Carter did in Philadelphia, making Williams’ job even easier.
Robert Spillane was just voted a team captain, and you can see why on the field. Spillane brings great energy and was constantly around the ball this summer, quickly diagnosing plays before flying to the action.
K’Lavon Chaisson has also left an early mark in New England. He took Keion White’s starting job after a strong summer as both a pass rusher and run defender, and he was voted a game captain for this week.
Q: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez appears to be questionable (at best) for the game with a hamstring injury. How significant of a loss would Gonzalez be to New England’s secondary if he can’t play, and who would need to step up to replace him?
A: Losing an All-Pro is never easy, but I mostly like how the Patriots match up with the Raiders’ receivers. On paper, Alex Austin vs Jakobi Meyers, Carlton Davis vs Donte Thornton, and Marcus Jones vs Tre Tucker should be competitive matchups. Austin isn’t a household name, but he’s shown impressive growth in year three and is a sticky man corner.
Christian Gonzalez’s absence will most be felt in passing situations, where I was hoping he’d shadow Brock Bowers. Safeties Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson are good athletes, but Bowers might be above their pay grade. Of the safety/linebacker group, I’d be most comfortable in Marte Mapu’s length and range getting the job done. If New England puts Davis on the tight end, expect competitive sophomore DJ James to replace him on the outside.
