Three offensive storylines to follow in Patriots' opener vs. Raiders

How effective will Stefon Diggs be?

One of the main knocks against the Pats' offense in 2024 was that it lacked playmakers. New England fixed that issue in the offseason by signing the former Pro Bowl wide receiver Diggs to a three-year deal.

Diggs was limited during the preseason because of an ACL tear suffered in October 2024, but he still managed to play well during practice and generate excitement for his Patriots debut. If Diggs can carry his promising preseason form into Week 1, Las Vegas' defense will struggle to contain him.

Aside from Diggs, New England does not feature many offensive weapons. Therefore, if the 31-year-old pass catcher falters, the Patriots may be in trouble and struggle to move the ball. 

Will history repeat itself with second-year quarterback Drake Maye?

Maye is a former first-round pick who put together a promising rookie campaign. One of the main challenges he faces entering his sophomore season, however, is navigating a brand new offensive system.

Former Patriots QB Mac Jones, drafted 15th overall in 2021, was in the same situation entering his second season in 2022. Playing in an offensive system completely different than his rookie year, Jones struggled to match his first-year form, throwing a meager 14 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Overall, the Patriots changed offensive coordinators three times during Jones' tenure, and the former Alabama QB was eventually traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024.

That said, Maye is a much different quarterback than Jones. He is more athletic, accurate and strong, making him more likely to withstand drastic offseason offensive changes, but there is a risk that the young quarterback will falter under new coaching, much like Jones did. 

The matchup against the Raiders will serve as the first glimpse into whether Maye is the future of the franchise or just a repeat of the past.