8 takeaways from Patriots' season opening loss to Raiders

FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots' 2025 season officially kicked off on Sunday. And while there were some positives to take away, specifically from the first half, there were a lot more negatives that will need to be addressed before the Patriots head to Miami for a divisional matchup against the Dolphins.

The rain came down on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, and in the end, New England lost 20-13 to the Raiders.

So here are the key takeaways from Sunday's season opener:

1. Here's How Drake Maye did?

Drake Maye had mentioned to reporters recently that he is working on not coming too amped up at the start of games, but that's exactly what happened on Sunday. The team had a quick three-and-out on their first offensive series after Maye sailed a ball right over the head of DeMario Douglas, who was open along the sideline. Afterwards, he was able to slow things down a bit more and make things happen.

But after an interception on the opening drive of the second half, Maye never looked the same. The entire second half of the Patriots' offense resulted in one interception, two three-and-outs, along with four punts and a field goal. It certainly seemed like the weather might have played a factor. Maye finished the day with 287 yards, completing 30 of his 48 passing attempts, including a touchdown and an interception.

2. Harold Landry, Kayshon Boutte came to play

Harold Landry quickly proved why head coach Mike Vrabel wanted to continue working with him in New England. Landry was very disruptive in the best possible way, getting in Geno Smith's face. He even ended the game with 2.5 sacks, with K'Lavon Chaisson splitting one with him.

As for Kayshon Boutte, there was no doubt that he was the Patriots' best receiver on Sunday, leading the team with 103 yards on six receptions. While a large part of it was his ability to make big plays, it was also about being a reliable target. Hunter Henry followed behind with 66 yards on four catches, while Stefon Diggs recorded 57 yards on six catches.

3. Rhamondre Stevenson vs. TreVeyon Henderson

With the wet conditions, it meant the Patriots needed to have a big day from their running backs, but the Raiders' defense didn't allow much to get past them. Stevenson spent the most time on the field, finishing with 15 rushing yards on seven attempts, as well as one reception for five yards. In the end, TreVeyon Henderson was more effective when he was on the field, finishing with 27 rushing yards on 5 attempts, along with two receptions for five yards.

4. Andy Borregales begins the season with a missed field goal

While he successfully made the extra point after the Patriots' first touchdown, Andy Borregales was given a 40-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, but his kick went wide right. Throughout the summer, Borregales was battling with veteran Parker Romo, but in the end, the team went with the rookie. However, this was not what they wanted to see at the end of a promising drive. These are the situations where New England needs to get points on the board.

With two minutes remaining in the first half, Borregales was able to give the Patriots the lead, making a 35-yard field goal. He also made a 44-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining in the game, and then attempted an onside kick, which went to the Raiders and allowed them to take victory formation.

5. Will Campbell and Jared Wilson on the left side

Campbell and Wilson certainly had their "Welcome to the NFL" moments on Sunday. Between the two, they were responsible for three total penalties: one hold and two false starts. Campbell specifically gave up a strip-sack, but was able to recover the ball instead of it leading to a turnover.

“I’ve just gotta block him. It’s nobody else other than me," Campbell said about this play after the game. "I’ve gotta get better. We’ll watch the tape, learn from it, and fix it.”

Rough series by Will Campbell, who allowed this strip sack and also had a false start on fourth-and-5.

(Maye’s ball security needs to be better here, too, especially in wet weather.) pic.twitter.com/XNjKLhUug1— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) September 7, 2025

6. Kyle Dugger Gets the start

The Patriots started the game with three safeties on the field, and it was Kyle Dugger who got the start after all the speculation about his future with the team this preseason. He ultimately did sub out for Marcus Jones in three-corner nickel, but considering all the talk recently, it was notable to see Dugger out there.

7. Kayshon Boutte's injury scare

In the first quarter, Drake Maye hit Kayshon Boutte for 24 yards, but after the play, Boutte remained down on the field, clearly shaken up. Trainers came out, and he was able to walk off on his own, heading straight into the blue medical tent. After a little while, he emerged and joined the team on the sidelines instead of heading for the locker room, which typically signals that he was given the all clear. And with that, he went out moments later to make a 14-yard completion.

8. Patriots secondary can't stop Geno Smith

The Patriots were without their top cornerback as Christian Gonzalez continues to be sidelined with a hamstring injury. Instead, it was Alex Austin who started opposite of Carlton Davis, and while both made some nice plays, it wasn't enough to stop Smith and his receivers. Smith finished the game with 362 passing yards, with 103 of those going to tight end Brock Bowers on eight targets.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 8 takeaways from Patriots' season opening loss to Raiders