New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Three things not to worry about with Patriots after Week 1 loss

By Pierce Downey | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 10:48 AM ET

The New England Patriots lost their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, 20-13, on Sunday. The disappointing Week 1 finish will bring forward many concerns, but there are still positives to take away.

Based on what we saw Sunday, here are three things Patriots fans should not be worried about.

The receiving corps

In terms of yardage alone, quarterback Drake Maye had a solid day (287 passing yards) since, for the first time in several seasons, New England had solid receiving options for the young quarterback to throw to.

Atop the box score was wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. He had an impressive six receptions for 103 yards. Behind him were tight end Hunter Henry (four receptions, 66 yards) and then WR Stefon Diggs (six receptions, 57 yards). Although the Patriots only had one passing touchdown — caught by DeMario Douglas in the first quarter — they still looked promising and miles ahead of where they were last season.

.@popshotta3 gets the scoring started‼️@DrakeMaye2 | #NEPats

: CBS pic.twitter.com/Ey0PGmJ35Q
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 7, 2025

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will now have to figure out how to turn promise into points.

Linebacker Harold Landry III

The 2025 offseason signee had 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. He was worth every bit of his $14.5 million salary and was a bright spot on a quiet pass-rush unit.

HAROLD LANDRY MONSTER.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/J4C44FFx5n
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 7, 2025

New England's defensive coaches should note his performance as they develop the strategy for Week 2 against Miami. Until someone else steps up, the pass rush should revolve around Landry.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson

The rookie ran for 27 yards on five carries, an average of 5.4 yards per carry, while starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson had seven carries for 15 yards (2.1 yards per carry).

If Henderson can be consistently reliable at the ball-carrier position and occasionally break away for a decent gain, that would take a huge weight off Maye's shoulders, as he is still putting the pieces of the starting quarterback puzzle together. The Patriots should give Henderson more than five carries next week. He may flourish in a more involved role.

Pierce Downey

Pierce Downey is a Texas-based Patriots fan who has previously written for Stadium Rant and Around The Block Network in the past. Downey also appears on numerous podcasts and talk shows to discuss football. You can follow him on Twitter @patsdowney.

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