The New England Patriots are off to a 1-1 preseason record after coming off a narrow 14-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week–and there were clear flaws.

On the other hand, there were a lot of good things that the Patriots showed, the biggest key being their defense. Even with losing Matthew Judon the Pats still managed to apply pressure and collapse the pocket. The defense still isn’t perfect, but it’s the preseason so it’s expected, but there are some clear places where the Pats need to adjust and show improvement in.

The Pats will take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday at 8 PM, here’s what I’m looking for and want to see.

Time for Drake Maye to step up

In the first game of the preseason, the rain shortened the playbook option for the Pats first round draft pick in Drake Maye, in week 2, he showed some wheels in a rushing TD, but now it’s time for him to show the difference. It may be unfair to put so much pressure on a rookie quarterback with a new head coach and a suspect line, because that’s the same thing that happened to Mac Jones, but here we are. Joe Milton’s name is still in the air for New England fans of possibly getting the starting job. I do believe that Jerod Mayo has clear intentions for Maye to start, but he needs to help his decision and help him not get scrutinized for the decision by playing strong. Therefore, hopefully he’s able to show out. But he can’t do that if he doesn’t get the right help, which brings me to my next point.

Coaching staff play calling

Against the Panthers, the Pats were 5/15 on third down conversions, and the next week they were 6/15. It’s easy to blame this on the offensive line of the Patriots that clearly need some adjusting, but I also put blame on the playcalling. The Patriots coaching staff should now know a bit more of what works on third down and what doesn’t. As a fan, I’ll pay close attention to the plays that will be called in short distance and on second downs. Whether it’s offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt or Mayo, whoever is calling the plays should get it together.

Who’s going to be the top target?

It’s been a long time since the New England Patriots had a top offense in the NFL, and it doesn’t look like this season will break that trend. Kendrick Bourne will likely be the top target in the receiving core for the Pats, with Hunter Henry being second as tight end. However, the Pats have a group of young guys that have the potential to be a good piece to the team. Ja’Lynn Polk is a guy that I’ll be paying close attention to in seeing whether he’ll step up and make some plays.