Patriots Overcome Slow Start to Season

The New England Patriots bounced back from a rocky opening to the 2026 NFL season with a resounding 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. After opening the season with two losses, the Patriots—under head coach Mike Vrabel—have now posted back-to-back victories, including a dramatic road win in Buffalo the previous week. Sunday’s blowout marks a turning point, showing the team regaining its dynamic 2025 form.

Drake Maye’s Five-Touchdown Showcase

Quarterback Drake Maye delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 374 yards, four touchdowns, and rushing for another score—marking the first time in his NFL career he recorded three or more passing touchdowns in consecutive games. Maye completed 26-of-34 passes and avoided turnovers for the first time this season, steering a Patriots offense missing several key starters due to injury. Six Patriots caught at least three passes, and Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 64 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Patriots Defense Rises Despite Injuries

The Patriots defense, even without starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, effectively limited the Raiders. The patriots defense harassed Las Vegas quarterback Kirk Cousins, with strong performances from Milton Williams and Elijah Ponder, who recorded two sacks and a forced fumble. The defense created timely turnovers, and Las Vegas managed just 38 rushing yards and converted only 5-of-13 third downs, showing resilience despite injuries to key players.

Will Campbell’s Injury and Other Updates

New England’s win was tempered by the loss of starting left tackle Will Campbell, who sustained a knee injury reminiscent of last season’s MCL tear. After being ruled out for the remainder of the game, Campbell was replaced by rookie Caleb Lomu. The Patriots also saw running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle), cornerback Charles Woods (shoulder), and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder) leave with injuries. Woods’ exit forced a thin secondary to rely on four safeties late in the game.

Honoring Patriots History at Gillette Stadium

Before kickoff, the Patriots honored the 2001 team—celebrating the 25th anniversary of their championship season. Dozens of former players and coaches attended the ceremony, with U2’s “Beautiful Day” playing as they took the field, mirroring the moment before Super Bowl XXXVI. A tribute marked 25 years since 9/11, and Adam Vinatieri, recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, received his Hall of Fame ring and addressed the crowd at halftime, recalling iconic moments against the Raiders and reflecting on Patriots history.

Key Moments and Offensive Highlights

The Patriots opened the game with a quick touchdown drive, capped by a 35-yard Maye-to-DeMario Douglas connection. The Raiders responded with a TD, leveraging tight end Brock Bowers’ size against a depleted Patriots secondary. The Patriots then converted two key fourth downs on an 84-yard TD march, with Stevenson finishing the drive for a 14-7 lead.

New England handled adversity after a Corey Kiner fumble set up a missed Raiders field goal and responded with a late first-half touchdown to Hunter Henry, entering halftime ahead 21-7. Rookie wideout Kyle Williams played a pivotal role in the second half, hauling in a 34-yard touchdown and a 49-yard deep reception, helping break the game open. Maye added a rushing score and an eight-yard touchdown to Douglas, who had his first two-TD NFL game.

Raiders Attempts and Final Notes

Despite brief momentum from Las Vegas, including a touchdown by Dylan Laube and quarterback Fernando Mendoza seeing late action, the Raiders could not match New England’s relentless pace. The Patriots moved to 3-2 and look ahead to favorable upcoming matchups, with their offense and defense both finding strong form and the return of key players on the horizon.

Source: boston.com.