Week 1 didn't go the way many fans were hoping for, with the New England Patriots starting 0-1, losing to the Seattle Seahawks. New England's offense really struggled throughout the game and looked out of sync at times. After not playing at all in the preseason, it may have come back to cost them.
Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel held out the starters from playing in any of the three preseason games, and getting those live game reps would've been beneficial in Week 1. While the players were practicing together, playing in a live game is much different than practicing together. Getting even just a drive or two in the preseason could've helped the offense gel more before Week 1.
The Patriots' offense needs to get in sync
In the offseason, the Patriots brought in new faces on the offense, and so far, they aren't completely on the same page. One of the new receivers, Romeo Doubs, had a crucial drop in the game. Bringing in Doubs played a part in releasing Stefon Diggs and the eventual trade of Kayshon Boutte, the two receivers with whom quarterback Drake Maye had the best chemistry last season.
If the starters played in the preseason, Maye and Doubs could've started to build some rapport with each other. Going forward, the Patriots will need them to get on the same page, now more than ever.
Something to monitor for the Patriots will be the health of wide receiver A. J. Brown, who left the game with what was later announced as a high ankle sprain. Brown was New England's big offseason acquisition, and now they could be without him for some time. Without him, the Patriots' receiver room doesn't look the strongest, with Doubs underwhelming in his debut and the others not showing a lot either(though Mack Hollins had some clutch catches against Seattle).
It wasn't all bad for the offense, though, as the offensive line had a solid game all things considered. Compared to how they played in the Super Bowl, it was night and day (though the bar was low due to how poorly they played in the Super Bowl).
The Patriots' season isn't over just yet
Even though it was an ugly loss in Week 1, I wouldn't call the Patriots' season over (we did just last season see them lose in Week 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, who were the worst team in the league).
Not playing the starters in the preseason, though, could've helped prevent the Patriots from starting as poorly as they did in the season opener
Before New England takes the field in Week 2, the offense needs to gel and get on the same page. If they can't, then it could be a long season for Patriots fans. New England will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 on Sunday, September 20.
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