New England Patriots win first game without Bill Belichick in over 24 years

The New England Patriots secured their first victory in over two decades without head coach Bill Belichick. They defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-3 in their preseason opener. The game marked the debut of Patriots’ new head coach Jerod Mayo and their first-round draft pick, quarterback Drake Maye. Maye played one series in the first quarter before being replaced. Third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe played a larger role, and rookie QB Joe Milton III finished the game strong. This victory marked the Patriots’ first win without Belichick since 2000.