By any measure, the Patriots were their own worst enemy Sunday night in Las Vegas. A 35–21 loss to the Raiders wasn’t about being outclassed — it was about being out-executed.

Rookie Head Coach, Familiar Story

Eddie Todd’s debut as New England’s head coach looked a lot like the end of the Bill Belichick era: turnovers, defensive lapses, and wasted opportunities. Todd didn’t sugarcoat it afterward.

“We put up 21 points, but it should’ve been 30-plus,” Todd said. “You can’t gift a team four interceptions and a fumble and expect to win. That’s the NFL. But I’ll say this: I didn’t see quit. Now the job is to get smarter, faster.”

It was a refreshingly blunt assessment. Patriot fans have heard plenty of “we’ll watch the tape” over the years. Todd is making it clear — mistakes won’t be excused, even if they’re expected in a rebuild.

Drake Maye: Boom and Bust

Drake Maye’s stat line was as maddening as it was misleading: 20-of-29, 221 yards, two touchdowns…and four interceptions. Every time he flashed the poise of a franchise quarterback, he immediately reminded you he’s still a second-year kid.

“I forced throws I had no business making,” Maye admitted. “That’s on me. The O-line gave me time, the guys got open. I’ve got to stop handing the ball to the other team.”

Translation: he knows exactly why they lost. That’s a start. The question is how long the leash stays before “growing pains” turns into “bad habits.”

Henderson’s Welcome to the NFL Moment

TreVeyon Henderson, the rookie running back, averaged a gaudy 6.2 yards per carry. The problem? One of those carries ended with the ball on the turf. The Raiders pounced, and the game swung.

“It hurts,” Henderson said quietly. “That’s not who I am as a player. I’ll fix it. Bet on that.”

Gibson had a single seven-yard tote, fullback Jack Westover rumbled one yard for a touchdown, and that was it. Not enough volume, not enough balance.

Diggs, Henry Shouldering the Load

If there was a silver lining, it was watching veterans keep the ship afloat. Stefon Diggs (5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD) still looks like a WR1, even while mentoring a room full of wide-eyed talent.

“You can’t lose yourself in frustration,” Diggs said. “Drake’s learning. The young guys are learning. Demario [Douglas] and Kayshon [Boutte] made plays. It’s my job to show them the standard.”

Douglas led the team with 74 yards and a touchdown, Boutte chipped in 43 yards, and Hunter Henry (3 for 37) was steady in the middle. Henry’s role is clear: be the adult in the huddle.

“I told Drake, ‘Keep slinging it. We’ve got you,’” Henry said. “That’s how we build trust.”

The Defense Forgot Its Teeth

Here’s the ugly truth: nine tackles from Marte Mapu and nine from Marcus Jones look nice on a stat sheet, but it means the defense spent the night chasing. No sacks. No picks. No fumbles forced.

Todd didn’t mince words.

“Tackling is fine. But where’s the pressure? Where are the turnovers? That’s how you flip games. We didn’t do it.”

Mapu echoed it:

“We swarmed, but didn’t finish. You let a rookie back torch you like that? That’s pride. We’ve got to respond.”

Raiders’ Rookie Runs Wild

Las Vegas didn’t just beat New England — they bullied them. Geno Smith was solid with 254 yards and a touchdown, but rookie Ashton Jeanty owned the night. Ninety-three rushing yards, two touchdowns, another 76 yards receiving. He looked like the kind of weapon the Patriots wish they had.

Tight end Brock Bowers added 71 yards and a score, reminding everyone what a functional modern offense looks like.

Miami Looms Large

The Patriots are 0-1, but the real test comes next week when the Dolphins visit Foxborough. A division rival, a chance to punch back, and a chance for Coach Todd’s “no excuses” mantra to be tested at home.

Right now, though, the Patriots are exactly what their record says: a team still trying to get out of its own way.