Silver And Black Pride
Week 1 is finally here as the Las Vegas Raiders begin the 2025 regular season on the road against the New England Patriots. To preview the game, Taylor Kyles from our friends over at Pats Pulpit was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Patriots for Raider Nation.
Q: In addition to Mike Vrabel, the Patriots hired former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. How has Drake Maye picked up McDaniels’ offense so far, and what are the expectations for Maye this season?
A: The Patriots have high expectations for Drake Maye, who they’re hoping proves to be the face of the franchise. Mike Vrabel has made it clear that his job is to help Maye grow as a game manager and leader, while Josh McDaniels oversees development. With two accomplished NFL coaches in his ear and a much-improved supporting cast, Maye could establish himself as a top-12 or 15 passer in the league.
In terms of early returns, I’ve been impressed by Maye’s maturity and adaptability. He excels at attacking space and leverage, which the scheme caters to while providing answers to virtually any defensive look. Fewer turnovers and keeping his eyes downfield off-schedule were heavy focuses this offseason, and Maye took both to heart. It wasn’t a perfect summer, with inconsistent accuracy, aggressiveness, and end-of-half execution popping up as potential concerns. But overall, the team is happy with where Maye is at this stage, and it’s easy to see why.
Q: On a similar note, Stefon Diggs is now in New England after missing half the season with a torn ACL in Houston last year. How has he looked after the injury, especially considering he’s nearly 32 years old? Have Diggs and Maye formed immediate chemistry?
A: Stefon Diggs’ recovery has to be one of the most impressive in recent memory. He didn’t play this preseason, but was a full participant throughout training camp and isn’t expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1.
While Diggs disappeared at times during team drills, particularly in joint practices in Minnesota, he was Maye’s second-most targeted receiver this summer behind DeMario Douglas and has had plenty of dominant flashes. During 1-on-1s against the Vikings, Diggs sent Jeff Okudah to the shadow realm on a corner and used late hands to beat Byron Murphy on a fade. There’s still room for Maye and Diggs to grow, particularly with several mouths to feed on offense, but expect the veteran receiver to be heavily involved on Sunday.
Q: Going up against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defensive line, what’s the level of concern with the Patriots’ offensive line, especially considering the left side is starting two rookies in first-round pick Will Campbell and third-rounder Jared Wilson?
A: The offensive line’s age disparity overall is one of my top concerns this season. Starting a pair of rookies side-by-side is a massive question mark, but right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury are in their 30s and nearing the end...
