"The New England Patriots left plenty to be desired on defense in head coach Mike Vrabel's regular-season debut in Foxboro. The Patriots surrendered 10 pass plays of over 20 yards in their 20-13 Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, including some back-breakers in the second half. There's not going to be many silver linings when you get burned repeatedly by 34-year-old quarterback Geno Smith,"
"New England did have a few bright spots, including two of Vrabel's top offseason free agent signings. Per Pro Football Focus, the Patriots generated 21 QB pressures in the game, and 14 of them came from defensive end Milton Williams and EDGE Harold Landry III. Even more promising? One of the Patriots' best players on the field in Sunday's season opener was a rookie - and it wasn't left tackle Will Campbell or running back TreVeyon Henderson."
"Woodson started, played all 63 defensive snaps, and, as he did throughout training camp, continues to look the part of a franchise safety in the making. He flashed his versatility, splitting time both up near the line of scrimmage in run support - he was in on two tackles behind the line of scrimmage - and back deep in coverage."
New England's defense allowed multiple big pass plays and lost 20-13 to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, surrendering 10 pass plays over 20 yards. Geno Smith completed nine 20+ yard passes, repeatedly burning the Patriots' secondary while Brock Bowers missed much of the second half with a knee injury. The Patriots generated 21 quarterback pressures, with Milton Williams and Harold Landry III accounting for 14 pressures combined. Rookie safety Craig Woodson started all 63 defensive snaps, showed versatility in run support and deep coverage, played seven slot snaps, made tackles behind the line, and surrendered just two catches for six yards.
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