Storyline: The Patriots kickoff the 2016 season at home as they host the New Orleans Saints in the pre-season opener. All eyes will be on quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett tonight. Garoppolo will get the start but don’t be surprised if Brissett plays the majority of the game. The competition at wide receiver, the offensive line and who starts at running back will also be focal points tonight. 

Three Offensive Keys for the Patriots

1. Garoppolo Must Get Off to a Good Start: Jimmy Garoppolo needs to get off to a good start regardless of how long he plays. He needs to instill confidence in the coaches and his teammates by proving to them that he’s the guy. Tonight is his first opportunity. 

2. The Receivers Must Make Plays: The battle at the wide receiver position has been one of the focal points of camp. Bill Belichick and his offensive coaches already know they are going to carry five receivers this season. 

They already know who the top four are. This pre-season is about figuring out the fifth receiver. They’ll be plenty of evaluating tonight as they try to sort out who can make the biggest contribution from a group of receivers that includes Aaron Dobson, Nate Washington, DeAndre Carter, Chris Harper and Malcolm Mitchell among others.

3. The Offensive Line Must Play Well: It’s offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia’s first game back on the sideline in three years. Coach Scar has plenty of work to do in the coming weeks in terms of evaluating his offensive line and making roster decisions. It would help if they played well tonight and put some good on tape for him. 

Three Defensive Keys for the Patriots

1. Give Flowers & Grissom Plenty of Snaps Tonight: With Rob Ninkovich out until October, the Patriots have an opportunity to give Trey Flowers and Geneo Grissom plenty of snaps this pre-season. It starts tonight. Let’s see what the second year defensive ends can do.

2.Young Cornerback Must Play A Lot: Logan Ryan is going to sit out tonight so look for rookie Cyrus Jones and second year corner Daryl Roberts to get plenty of playing time tonight. Roberts especially needs the snaps. The coaching staff is still trying to figure out what the lanky corner can do.

3. Evaluate the Defensive Tackle Depth: Belichick and his defensive staff has to figure out their defensive tackle rotation. We know Malcolm Brown and Alan Branch will start but how do Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn fit into the Patriots plans? What about Frank Kearse and Joe Vellano? Hopefully we get a better idea tonight.

Final Analysis: Look, tonight is all about the third and fourth string guys. Sure, I’d like to see Jimmy G play well. I’d like to see the offensive line to play well. However, the reality is, 18 guys are not dressed tonight so it’ll be tough to draw any real conclusions.