Despite their disappointing Week 1 defeat, several New England Patriots players had notable performances. While the efforts of these Patriots players to watch didn’t result in a season-opening victory, they did provide a hopeful start. New England may have begun the season with a loss, but these three players were impressive and are worth watching moving forward.
Dre’Mont Jones was the Patriots’ big defensive free-agent signing and faced high expectations entering the year. If his Week 1 performance against the Seattle Seahawks is any indication, he should be well worth the three-year, $36 million contract.
In Jones’ debut with New England, he displayed his ability to create havoc off the edge, as he recorded two tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. He also provided significant edge pressure by compiling six pressures and three QB hits. His pass-rush win rate of 26.1% demonstrated that he was able to win consistently to get into the backfield.
Additionally, Jones helped the Patriots’ defense set the edge and limit outside runs. He showed his run-stuffing traits by having a PFF (Pro Football Focus) run defense grade of 63.9. New England signed Jones to add this edge-setting ability to neutralize rushing offenses.
Jones offered the Patriots much-needed stability on defense in Week 1, making him one of New England’s players to watch. If he is able to continue, or even build on this performance, he could supply steady edge pressure and become a key piece of the defense.
Like Jones, Will Campbell was under enormous pressure to perform well after his underwhelming playoff performance. Throughout the postseason, Campbell allowed 29 pressures, including a disastrous Super Bowl effort where he allowed 14. Though he was heavily criticized, he silenced many of his doubters in Week 1.
After struggling in the playoffs, Campbell’s performance in Week 1 suggests that he improved over the offseason. He only allowed one sack and one pressure on 44 passing snaps. According to PFF, he had a pass block efficiency of 97.6 and a pass blocking grade of 77.6.
Campbell saw a sharp improvement holding up against the tough Seahawks pass rush. Though he did struggle in run blocking and was penalized twice, his performance in the Super Bowl rematch represents significant development.
Following Week 1, Campbell may be the most intriguing Patriots player to watch. Now that he has recovered from a knee injury suffered last season, he has the chance to show why he was drafted fourth overall in 2025 by protecting Drake Maye’s blind side.
Following a contract dispute that caused him to miss several minicamps and training camp, Gabe Jacas was knocked for his limited preseason production. In his three preseason appearances, he recorded nine tackles and one QB hit. This minimal production drew heavy criticism, but he responded in Week 1.
In the season opener, Jacas used his aggressive playstyle to pressure the QB and attack the ball carrier. He compiled three tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one QB hit. Despite playing only 19 defensive snaps, he made an impact, as he had a PFF pass rush grade of 70.7 and a defensive grade of 77.3.
Jacas’ first appearance with the Patriots showed that he could supply them with depth on the edge. New England’s depth was one of its biggest questions entering the year, leading to the starters missing out on the preseason.
Considering Jacas’ striking Week 1 showing, he is one of the Patriots’ players to watch for the rest of the season. If his destructive play continues, he could see an increase in defensive snaps and help New England establish a healthy edge rotation.
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Though in a losing effort, several Patriots players made their impact known during Week 1. While Jones, Campbell, and Jacas weren’t the only players to have a grand showing, they could be the players who have the highest impact as the season wears on.
New England faces the Pittsburgh Steelers next week, so the players mentioned here should be watched to see if they can help the Patriots earn their first victory. Specifically, Campbell will be watched closely as he battles against pass rushers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig.
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