Kickoff– The Patriots will look to rebound after a bad loss last week in Dallas when they host the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. The Saints are coming off of a tough home loss to the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are desperate for a win.

Here are four keys to the game.

1. Get Mac on track- We do not need to relive last week but Bill O’Brien must get Mac on track early in this game. Quick throws, max protection and establishing the run are all ways to give Jones some confidence in the plan and get more out of him.

2. Establish the running game early- The running game needs to become more of a factor moving forward if this team is going to turn things around. The Patriots need to be patient with it in this game. Don’t abandon it. Get Stevenson and Elliott going early and keep feeding them until you can’t.

3. Bring edge pressure- With Judon out, the Patriots will have to utilize more edge pressure if they want to get after Derek Carr. Blitz him off the edge and make him have to step up and reset in the pocket. If the Patriots cannot get to him on a consistent basis today, it will be a long day.

4. Score first- Beating the dead horse here. The Patriots need to score first and carry the play. If they do not, they will once again be playing from behind something they are not equipped to do.

Extra Point- The Patriots lead the all-time series, 10-5. The Patriots are 5-4 against New Orleans in home games, including 2-1 at Gillette Stadium.

Final Drive- Must win game. Plain and simple. The Patriots can get their season back on track in the next two weeks. It starts today with a win against the Saints.