The New England Patriots fell 20-13 against the Las Vegas Raiders in the team’s home opener for the season. Morale for the team has fluctuated over the last few years, with many longtime fans disappointed with the team’s performance this past season. However, following additions to the team such as new Head Coach Mike Vrabel, as well as a promising off-season, many here on the Keene State campus were excited to see what the Patriots could do at their game this past Sunday. Time proved fatal for the team, and Patriots fans everywhere were saddened by the results of Sunday’s crushing defeat.
Many students had said earlier in the week they were feeling positive about the odds of a Patriots win on Sunday. Keene State seniors Dylan Seymour and Cole Ricardi said they were fully confident in the Patriots’ ability to defeat the Raiders. Both were satisfied with the new additions made to the team prior to the start of this season, saying they “love Mike Vrabel” and that they believed quarterback Drake Maye had the ability to “bring it home.” Sophomores Liam and Luke, who declined to share their last names, said they were also confident in the Patriots’ ability to succeed, citing that they believed the Raiders would “continue their streak” of never securing a win at Gillette Stadium. The optimism of these students was not able to alter the results of Sunday’s loss.
Maye has his fair share of fans here at Keene State.
“Drake Maye is my daddy,” first-year Rocco, who declined to share his last name, declared. However, some students expressed concern that Maye wouldn’t carry a potential Patriots win this past Sunday. Sophomore Jefferson Smock said that while the Patriots should have been able to secure a win over the Raiders, Maye would not contribute much. Smock instead said he believed Vrabel would do more for the team’s anticipated victory, saying, “He’s a great coach.”
In Spaulding Gymnasium, Kyle Biermann, sports information assistant here at Keene State, also said he had faith in Mike Vrabel’s ability.
“Vrabel is the best addition this season,” Biermann said. However, Biermann did not believe a victory would be spearheaded by Vrabel alone, citing that he was also “100 percent in on Drake Maye.” With several missed throws and a heavy interception in the second half, New England waits to see if the quarterback can regain momentum in the team’s next game.
While many were in favor of a Patriots win, there were those on campus who suspected the Raiders would get the best of them, despite being fans of the former. Patrick Kavanaugh, who students can greet while checking out snacks at Lloyd’s Marketplace, predicted the Raiders’ win this past Sunday. Though Kavanaugh is a Patriots fan, he believed a victory for the team to be a low chance, saying, “The team is simply not good enough yet.” With Sunday’s results now weighing heavy on fans, one could argue Kavanaugh was on to something.
Opinions differ on the current condition of New England’s beloved football team. However, most Patriots fans here on Keene State campus were confident that their team could secure a win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the lead-up to Sunday’s home opener. While that was not what unfolded, many now wait to see what the Patriots can pull at their next game against long-time rivals the Miami Dolphins.
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