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FOXBORO, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The game didn't end the way fans wanted to, but there was still plenty to be excited about during the Patriots' season opener Sunday.
The Patriots opened up the 2023 season with a 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with Tom Brady in the stands. Brady made his first appearance at Gillette Stadium since he retired earlier this year for a special halftime ceremony. Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Brady will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in June 2024. Some fans loved watching Brady come back to Gillette.
"I think it was nice, it was well deserved," one fan said.
However, this fan was a little less enthused about how the game went.
"I thought the team played kind of crappy," he added. "I didn't watch too much of the end of the game. I kind of stopped towards the third quarter because I got bored."
Not all fans were enthused with Brady's appearance.
"I don't think he's going to do very well on TV, to be honest," one fan said. "I don't like the way he spoke."
Some fans were disappointed that the team was unable to capitalize on two of their trips toward the red zone late in the game. Both ended in failed fourth-down conversions.
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"They had two chances to score a touchdown in two different drives and they failed," one fan said.
The Patriots did show some signs of promise in the game after getting off to a rough start. Mac Jones led the new-and-improved offense with 316 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. The defense also did a solid job containing the Eagles' top-tier offense thanks in part to strong showings from rookies Keion White and Christian Gonzalez.
While the team still needs to improve, some fans feel the game was a step in the right direction.
"We still have a long way to go," one fan said. "It takes time."
The Patriots' next game is Sunday, Sept. 17 at home against the Miami Dolphins. Kick-off is set for 8:20.
WBZ's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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