The New England Patriots under Mike Vrabel and company had an inauspicious debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. They lost 20-13, but it seemed they were outplayed by a much wider margin. There's a lot to improve upon, including a lackluster running game that only managed to gain 60 yards. That's not a prescription for winning any NFL game.
Also underwhelming was Drake Maye's passing offense. They gained only 287 yards through the air. Maye completed 30 of 46 passes, a decent 65.2 percent, but it's not good enough when you score only one touchdown. And continuing 2024's pattern, he was sacked four times. All that adds up to a loss and a poor offensive showing.
The running game has to be better. The offensive line has to pass-block better. And Maye has to pass better. Yet, a critical component of all those aspects is the coaching and scheme dialed up by Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels. It was flawed from the outset and doomed to fail. If that doesn't change, expect a long season ahead.
Who should get the targets in Game 2 against the Dolphins?
Because of how the offense performed in Week 1, Patriots fans took to social media to break down how Maye spread the ball around the receiving corps and questioned if the right players were given the most opportunities or if changes need to be made going into the Dolphins matchup.
#Patriots Target Leaders Week 1:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 8, 2025
🎯 Kayshon Boutte | 8
🎯 Hunter Henry | 8
🎯 Stefon Diggs | 7
🎯 DeMario Douglas | 7
🎯 TreVeyon Henderson | 6
🎯 Rhamondre Stevenson | 3
🎯 Mack Hollins | 2
Drake Maye spread the ball around, but who do you think should be involved more? pic.twitter.com/V4FWE1Gxvq
Boutte had a career day, and Maye likes him, but his yards after the catch aren't going to excite anyone. Henry will get his targets, and Stephon Diggs will because he was a major splash in free agency, and that's how things go in the NFL.
Yet, two players who didn't see a lot or any action have to be factored into the equation if the Patriots' lackluster offense is going to make some headway. The team had too few players who could get open enough to make big plays. Fortunately, they have two ready to go who can help if the coaching staff is astute enough to put them on the field.
Mike Vrabel has to use Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III against Miami
A player who finally got on the scoreboard with a lone catch for 12 yards late in the game was rookie speedster Kyle Williams. He's the Patriots' most explosive receiver who's most able to stretch a defense and make plays after the catch.
He has take-it-to-the-house potential on any reception, but he can't put that in motion if he's on the bench. McDaniels has to get him involved against Miami, or the offense will see more of the same as against Las Vegas. He'll also help open things up for running back TreVeyon Henderson, who never got untracked against the Raiders. He should start and get the ball in space. Good things will happen.
Another receiver who should be a lock starter wasn't even dressed, Efton Chism III. That was a lousy decision by Vrabel and McDaniels. If they repeat it against the Dolphins, don't expect great results. Chism is the team's most sure-handed receiver. He has to play a lot.
The rookie undrafted free agent catches everything thrown his way and, even more importantly, he's always open, making Maye's job a whole lot easier. Since Maye will be stressed while his young offensive line gets acclimated, getting open quickly is key. Chism will. He has to play.
The Patriots' offense against the Raiders was eerily reminiscent of 2024. For Vrabel, there should be no more unwanted criticism than that. Both Williams and Chism were brought in to get open, and one, Williams, can also take the top off any defense. Both have to be big factors in the offense, or expect more of the same.
McDaniels is not a coordinator who knows how to take full advantage of Maye's skills as a dual-threat quarterback, and it's stunting the offense's potential. If he can't adjust and sort that out (and that's questionable), 2025 will quickly go the way of the past two seasons, right to the bottom of the AFC East again.