What happened: Gabe Jacas remains on a learning curve after starting all three exhibition games. He finished the preseason with nine tackles, no sacks and one quarterback hit.
Why it matters: New England enters the regular season with less depth intact than it had at this point in 2025. Jacas' adjustment carries added weight if the edge rotation is pressed into deeper use.
By the numbers: Maye was one of 12 clear-cut starting quarterbacks who did not appear in a preseason game.
What to watch: The opener will test whether Maye's practice work translated without exhibition reps and how quickly Jacas settles into a regular-season role.