"Although both franchises underwent massive changes this offseason, a lot appeared to be swinging in the Patriots' favor, giving them some momentum for the season opener. Then there was the storyline of Josh McDaniels facing the team that fired him in 2023 for the first time, with fans hoping he would seek some revenge in his return to the Patriots. But that's far from what happened, despite the sporadic moments of impressive play throughout the afternoon."
"It immediately reminded fans of what Mike Vrabel had been preaching all offseason, but especially in the days leading up to Week 1. Vrabel said 12 of the 16 week 1 games last year were won by the team that won the second half.The #NEPats have not been winning the second half.- Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) September 7, 2025"
"Unfortunately, a second-quarter surge to keep the game close with a defense that appeared to be finally disrupting Geno Smith's ability to make any sort of positive play didn't last into the second half, much like the Patriots have done over the last few years. Those issues boiled over in the fourth quarter, as the Patriots had a chance to gain some ground and get back in the game, only for Vrabel to do his best 2023 Bill Belichick impression instead."
Many Patriots fans and NFL analysts expected a home victory over the Raiders after offseason changes that seemed to favor New England. The matchup carried added intrigue with Josh McDaniels facing the team that fired him in 2023, but on-field results fell short of those expectations. New England produced sporadic impressive plays and a second-quarter defensive surge that disrupted Geno Smith, yet the Patriots could not sustain performance after halftime. The fourth quarter exposed lingering second-half problems as Mike Vrabel elected a late punt on 4th-and-10 while trailing, a decision that drew boos and intensified criticism of game management.
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