The Jets will face the Patriots is their home opener on Sept. 19. This will be Head Coach Robert Saleh's first game coaching at MetLife Stadium and could be Zach Wilson's first start in front of a home crowd. This game could also feature a rookie-quarterback matchup if both Wilson and Mac Jones, who was selected No. 15 overall, start. If not Jones, it will likely be Cam Newton, who started for the Patriots in 2020. New England was one of the busiest teams in free agency, revamping both sides of the ball after a 7-9 record, their first below .500 finish since 2000.
MIAMI DOLPHINS 17, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 16
Patriots
What to know: Patriots quarterback Mac Jones had a promising debut. The game isn't too big for him -- not even close. The 2021 first-round draft pick from Alabama operated the traditional Patriots offense, throwing in rhythm, out of empty formations, and with good accuracy and decision-making. A couple of times, he stood in and took a hit while delivering throws down the field, which also reflected his toughness. His 133 passing yards in the first half would have been a season high in the first half for the Patriots in 2020. With Jones, the future is bright in New England. -- Mike Reiss
How serious is starting right tackle Trent Brown's calf injury? He was out after the first drive of the game, replaced by swing option Justin Herron, and the Patriots' line struggled at times as a result of it. It's possible that 2019 third-round draft pick Yodny Cajuste could fill the void if needed in Week 2, but he was inactive with a hamstring injury. The Patriots also have Yasir Durant, a developmental prospect whom they acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs a couple of weeks ago (and he took over for Herron late on Sunday). If Brown is out for an extended period of time, another option is moving left guard Mike Onwenu out to right tackle, and inserting reliable veteran Ted Karras at guard. -- Reiss
Reiss' confidence rating: 6.5. Jones looks like a quality starting quarterback, and should only grow from here, while coach Bill Belichick's defenses traditionally continue to improve. -- Reiss
Offseason
Key additions: TE Jonnu Smith, TE Hunter Henry, LB Matt Judon, T Trent Brown, LB Kyle Van Noy, WR Nelson Agholor, WR Kendrick Bourne, S Jalen Mills, DL Henry Anderson, DT Davon Godchaux
Key losses: LG Joe Thuney, WR Damiere Byrd, CB Jason McCourty, DT Adam Butler, S Terrence Brooks, LB Brandon Copeland
Draft Class: QB Mac Jones (Rd 1), DT Christian Barmore (Rd 2), EDGE Ronnie Perkins (Rd 3), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Rd 4), LB Cameron McGrone (Rd 5), S Joshuah Bledsoe (Rd 6), T William Sherman (Rd 6), WR Tre Nixon (Rd 7)
New York Jets
What to know: Zach Wilson knows how to take a punch. Unfortunately for the Jets, he took too many. Their ballyhooed rookie quarterback showed no quit against a relentless pass rush, but he also made too many rookie mistakes. At times, the game was too fast for him, but he settled down and displayed some of the talent that made the Jets draft him second overall. It was a great learning experience. There's no reason to be down on Wilson, who will improve every week. -- Rich Cimini
Can the Jets protect Wilson? Their pass protection was brutal against the Panthers, and now they face the prospect of not having left tackle Mekhi Becton, who suffered a potentially serious knee injury. You had to expect some growing pains because the starting five had no game reps together in the preseason, but this was ridiculous -- six sacks and 14 pressures. -- Cimini
MIAMI DOLPHINS 17, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 16
Patriots
What to know: Patriots quarterback Mac Jones had a promising debut. The game isn't too big for him -- not even close. The 2021 first-round draft pick from Alabama operated the traditional Patriots offense, throwing in rhythm, out of empty formations, and with good accuracy and decision-making. A couple of times, he stood in and took a hit while delivering throws down the field, which also reflected his toughness. His 133 passing yards in the first half would have been a season high in the first half for the Patriots in 2020. With Jones, the future is bright in New England. -- Mike Reiss
How serious is starting right tackle Trent Brown's calf injury? He was out after the first drive of the game, replaced by swing option Justin Herron, and the Patriots' line struggled at times as a result of it. It's possible that 2019 third-round draft pick Yodny Cajuste could fill the void if needed in Week 2, but he was inactive with a hamstring injury. The Patriots also have Yasir Durant, a developmental prospect whom they acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs a couple of weeks ago (and he took over for Herron late on Sunday). If Brown is out for an extended period of time, another option is moving left guard Mike Onwenu out to right tackle, and inserting reliable veteran Ted Karras at guard. -- Reiss
Reiss' confidence rating: 6.5. Jones looks like a quality starting quarterback, and should only grow from here, while coach Bill Belichick's defenses traditionally continue to improve. -- Reiss
Offseason
Key additions: TE Jonnu Smith, TE Hunter Henry, LB Matt Judon, T Trent Brown, LB Kyle Van Noy, WR Nelson Agholor, WR Kendrick Bourne, S Jalen Mills, DL Henry Anderson, DT Davon Godchaux
Key losses: LG Joe Thuney, WR Damiere Byrd, CB Jason McCourty, DT Adam Butler, S Terrence Brooks, LB Brandon Copeland
Draft Class: QB Mac Jones (Rd 1), DT Christian Barmore (Rd 2), EDGE Ronnie Perkins (Rd 3), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Rd 4), LB Cameron McGrone (Rd 5), S Joshuah Bledsoe (Rd 6), T William Sherman (Rd 6), WR Tre Nixon (Rd 7)
New York Jets
What to know: Zach Wilson knows how to take a punch. Unfortunately for the Jets, he took too many. Their ballyhooed rookie quarterback showed no quit against a relentless pass rush, but he also made too many rookie mistakes. At times, the game was too fast for him, but he settled down and displayed some of the talent that made the Jets draft him second overall. It was a great learning experience. There's no reason to be down on Wilson, who will improve every week. -- Rich Cimini
Can the Jets protect Wilson? Their pass protection was brutal against the Panthers, and now they face the prospect of not having left tackle Mekhi Becton, who suffered a potentially serious knee injury. You had to expect some growing pains because the starting five had no game reps together in the preseason, but this was ridiculous -- six sacks and 14 pressures. -- Cimini
