Going into a game against an opponent like the Raiders had many Patriots fans and NFL analysts believing there was a good chance the home team would come out the victor. Although both franchises underwent massive changes this offseason, a lot appeared to be swinging in the Patriots' favor, giving them some momentum for the season opener.
Then there was the storyline of Josh McDaniels facing the team that fired him in 2023 for the first time, with fans hoping he would seek some revenge in his return to the Patriots. But that's far from what happened, despite the sporadic moments of impressive play throughout the afternoon.
It immediately reminded fans of what Mike Vrabel had been preaching all offseason, but especially in the days leading up to Week 1.
Vrabel said 12 of the 16 week 1 games last year were won by the team that won the second half.
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) September 7, 2025
The #NEPats have not been winning the second half.
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Unfortunately, a second-quarter surge to keep the game close with a defense that appeared to be finally disrupting Geno Smith's ability to make any sort of positive play didn't last into the second half, much like the Patriots have done over the last few years.
Those issues boiled over in the fourth quarter, as the Patriots had a chance to gain some ground and get back in the game, only for Vrabel to do his best 2023 Bill Belichick impression instead.
Mike Vrabel doesn't embody the kind of attitude Patriots fans hoped for in Week 1
With under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Patriots found themselves in the unfortunate position of 4th and 10 while down ten points.
Initially, the offense stayed out on the field, signaling they were going to go for it on fourth down, as many assumed they would, given the position they were in. But at the last second, Vrabel pulled them and put the punt team out there, with ensuing boos from the fans in the stands.
It was an uncharacteristic move that seemed to go against what Vrabel had preached all offseason, especially regarding how teams won in Week 1 last season. Perhaps it was the safer move, as the offensive line completely fell apart in the second half, yet at the same time, the defense began to play soft. However, there were no real safe bets.
Regardless of the thought behind the decision, we need to see better play from this team next week, or fears of another doom and gloom season are inevitably upon them. This team was expected to look better than they did one year ago, and that was far from what was seen on the field on Sunday.
It's a long season, and there is plenty of time left to improve, which the Patriots will hopefully do. However, it seems clear that any playoff talk was far too premature, and fans need to temper their expectations for the rest of the season more realistically.