Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 1 at Patriots

Sep 04, 2025 at 04:35 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who is the Guy?

Mike Vrabel's return to the Patriots ensures the team will adhere to the "Patriot Way" principles that resulted in six Super Bowl rings for the franchise. As a three-time Super Bowl winner and Patriots' Hall of Fame inductee, the former player has a clear vision for how his team must operate to re-emerge as a playoff contender. With a 54-45 career record of three playoff berths and six seasons, Vrabel is a hard-nosed coach with a proven blueprint loaded with tactics and schemes that produce wins and competitive contests whenever he stands on the sidelines.

Know His Name

Drake Maye displays the talent and temperament to develop into a superstar in New England. Though the hype exceeds the performance and production, the Patriots have surrounded the second-year pro with playmakers and protectors to help him thrive as a pocket passer. Although offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will consistently script a few winners that help Maye quickly discover his rhythm within the pocket. With the Patriots also mixing in some movement-based passes and designed quarterback runs that showcase his athleticism, the second-year pro could flash the "take over the game" skills that separate the elites from others at the position.

Don't Sleep On…

Stefon Diggs is primed and ready to return to action after missing the final half of the 2024 season with a torn ACL. With the Pro Bowler in the lineup, the Patriots have given Maye a legitimate No. 1 receiver to rely on in crucial moments. Moreover, the spectacular route runner is a "get open" specialist who will command double-team attention and create opportunities for the Patriots' unheralded playmakers to make plays in space.

Under Pressure

Will Campbell and Jared Wilson are making their NFL debuts against an active frontline that will test their skills and football IQ with an assortment of stunts, games and one-on-one rushes. Though the Patriots will attempt to minimize their exposure with creative protections that provide help from various linemen, tight ends and running backs. While maximum protection is always available to protect the newbies, the Raiders should target the rookies with a few advanced pass rush games to see if they can produce a splash play at a key moment.

Matchup To Watch

Brock Bowers vs. Patriots secondary

The Patriots will spin the dial to see if they can find a defensive back with the size, speed and skill to match up with the All-Pro tight end. Though Bowers can expect double coverage on most downs, the Patriots cannot devote multiple defenders to him and effectively stop the run. With a young stud in the backfield (Ashton Jeanty) capable of rumbling for 100 yards on the ground, the Raiders' top playmaker should snag plenty of balls against a defense unable to slow down the run and pass effectively.

Offensive Strategy

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wants to run a high-IQ scheme that features a myriad of audibles and adjustments designed to counter every tactic. While the system is effective when everyone is on the same page, the voluminous playbook can bog down young players, unable to process quickly on the fly. Expect the Patriots to run the ball early and often before taking a few shots down the field. If Maye proves effective as a vertical passer, the Patriots will score points on explosive plays.

Defensive Strategy

The Patriots' veteran-laden defense will challenge the Raiders with its tactics and toughness. Vrabel has assembled a collection of grey beards (Robert Spillane, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis and Milton Williams) with the experience and expertise to employ a variety of defenses designed to befuddle quarterbacks and offensive linemen at the point of attack. With the Patriots also intent on playing a physical brand of football that tests the toughness and courage of the Raiders' skill players, the Silver and Black must overcome the "bully ball" tactics to chalk up their first win of the season.