6 things to watch for the Patriots’ season opener

Patriots

Drake Mayes’ preseason debut is one of many storylines to keep an eye on Thursday.

The first warm-up game of the Jerod Mayo era is just around the corner.

New England will open the preseason on Thursday night at 7 p.m. against Carolina at Gillette Stadium.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye is about to make his preseason debut, and there are plenty of other storylines to keep an eye on.

Here are six things to watch for on Thursday night.

The younger EDGE players

Matthew Judon’s contract situation remains one of the biggest topics in Patriots training camp.

He has missed several practices and said he does not believe the contract reflects his value. The situation is still ongoing and it is unclear how it will develop.

Thursday night offers an opportunity to take a closer look at some of the Patriots’ younger players at this position.

Consider Keion White, whom the Patriots drafted in the second round last year. White recorded 26 tackles and a sack in 16 games as a rookie last year, and the 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive end should be ready for a bigger role this year.

Anfernee Jennings, who made 66 tackles and 1.5 sacks last year, is also expected to be in the game.

The search for a left tackle

The Patriots have used fairly consistent players on the interior of their offensive line over the past few weeks.

David Andrews, Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow all played regularly for the first team.

The tackles were a different story. Chukwuma Okorafor, who came into camp as the first choice at left tackle, has spent a lot of time at right tackle, where he previously played in Pittsburgh. Rookie Caedan Wallace has rotated between left and right tackle. Vederian Lowe and Calvin Anderson have also spent time with the first team.

The rookie quarterbacks

All four Patriots quarterbacks are expected to play Thursday night.

Jacoby Brissett is expected to be in the starting lineup. Drake Maye has spent most of his time with the second team.

For Patriots fans, it will be the first opportunity to see Maye, the No. 3 overall pick, play against a real opponent in a Patriots jersey.

Bailey Zappe, who is 4-4 as an NFL starter, has seen fewer and fewer reps throughout training camp. Joe Milton, another rookie with a strong arm, is also a player to keep an eye on.

The new kick return rules

The NFL’s new kickoff rules come into effect.

The rules are designed to allow for more returns (no more fair catches) and to make the game look more like a typical play with less run-up.

On Thursday evening, kickoffs and kick returns will be conducted under the new rules for the first time in New England.

The new pass catchers

The Patriots appear to be younger and faster at the receiver position than last year.

KJ Osborn, Minnesota’s third receiver last season behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, has an opportunity to make a splash with Kendrick Bourne out and Demario Douglas limited for much of training camp due to a hand injury.

Newcomers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have also shown flashes of their potential this preseason.

The backups

The Patriots’ starting lineup consists of safeties with Kyle Digger and Jabrill Peppers leading one of the team’s strongest units.

However, there will be some competition for the replacement. Marie Mapu is injured.

Jaylinn Hawkins, who started 16 games for the Falcons in 2022, is expected to play a lot in the preseason, according to Mayo. Special teamer Brendan Schooler has seen more action on defense this summer. Undrafted rookie Dell Pettus has also drawn some attention in this group.