Why Week 2 is an important test for Patriots

In the Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the New England Patriots surprised people in all the wrong ways, losing 20-13.

Expectations were high entering the game. An offseason coaching overhaul, which added head coach Mike Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, was expected to turn a sinking ship into a rocket ship. But lousy play across the board — which spanned from quarterback Drake Maye to rookie kicker Andres Borregales — has fans wondering whether 2025 is just going to be another, in the words of owner Robert Kraft, "brutal" year.

Week 2 could be promising for New England Patriots

In Week 2, the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins. Normally, this would be bad news. The Patriots have a 1-7 record against Miami in the past four seasons, and the defense has never been able to figure out quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his receiving entourage of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. 

This game, however, is more promising. Miami's defense allowed 33 points to the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. On paper, the Patriots and the Colts have similar offenses.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel chalked up the performance to defensive players "letting Week 1 and the bells and whistles of the season starting get the best of them," but that may not be accurate. Miami could have a horrific defense. If that is the case, Sunday will be a crucial test for New England's offense. It was stagnant against Las Vegas, scoring just one touchdown, but it can quickly reverse momentum with a memorable performance against Miami. 

That will start with Maye. He excelled in play-action concepts in Week 1, but needs to clean up his play in standard passing plays. New England's secondary must also improve. It let Geno Smith toss for 362 yards and gave up chunk plays on crucial downs. If starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez is cleared to play, that would be a huge help.