The New England Patriots will experience something familiar when they host the Las Vegas Raiders for a season-opening matchup at Gillette Stadium.

It’s the start of yet another new era…

Mike Vrabel will become the third consecutive head coach (Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo) that tries to send the once-proud franchise back into the right direction — and it all starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

If you’re looking for some specific things to watch during the game, perhaps consider these seven storylines:

1. WHO’S ON THIRD (LEVEL)?

Jabrill Peppers decidedly won’t be.

The Patriots’ shocking decision to release their former captain — and someone who has been a primary defensive communicator for several seasons— brings about a few major questions in the secondary.

Who will start games? Who is barking out coverage orders? How does the move affect the roles of Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler?

I’ll be interested to find out the answers. Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson have been pointed toward as the primary duo heading into the season, which likely means we’ll be seeing a heavy rotation including that trio we mentioned earlier — all of whom could still play significant roles depending on the game plan.

2. GONZ-OH-NO!

Christian Gonzalez almost certainly won’t be ready for Week 1.

Gonzalez suffered a hamstring injury during training camp, and has since missed more than five weeks of practices trying to recover. The Patriots need to prepare for what looks to be a multiple-week absense from their best defensive player — which tosses a spotlight on the likes of Alex Austin and DJ James.

James is perhaps the most interesting player who will be impacted by the absence, as he’ll be forced into infrequent and uncomfortable opportunities as the top reserve cornerback.

3. KEEPIN’ UP WITH KELLY

Las Vegas offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is one of the forefathers of the hurry-up offense — and there’s zero reason to think he won’t continue using tempo in his return to the NFL.

New England’s depth will be tested early because of that fact, with the front-seven likely receiving reinforcements by way of the practice squad in an effort to keep everyone fresh.

It’ll be interesting to see how Mike Vrabel elects to utilize his gameday elevations and inactives, with my guess being he leans toward giving the defense as many players as possible to work with.

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4. WHO’S SPECIAL?

The Patriots should continue to have one of the league’s better special teams units under coordinator Jeremy Springer — but who will be the stars?

Brenden Schooler, Elijah Ponder and Marte Mapu were particularly noticeable during the preseason, but there will be some veterans to slide into significant roles on those units. Kyle Dugger is particularly interesting to me, as that could be his way toward more consistent playing time.

Marcus Jones, TreVeyon Henderson and Efton Chism III are interesting options at returner, though.

5. MAYDAY OR MAYE’S DAY?

Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses.

The Patriots will rely on that group to protect the face of their franchise, and though it should be better than the unit we saw last season, the jury is still out.

Drake Maye’s early-season success will ride on that unit’s ability to find consistency in the running game and hold up against some serious pass-rushers in Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Tyree Wilson and old friend Adam Butler.

6. BULLY THE BULLIES

The Raiders employ lead-footed linebackers Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts, Tommy Eichenberg and Jamal Adams — which is tremendous news for slot receivers and running backs.

Josh McDaniels is already at his best when featuring those guys, and should build the game plan around matching up some of his very best short-area route-runners — Henderson, DeMario Douglas and Stefon Diggs — on those linebackers throughout the afternoon. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Chism figures into those plans as early as Week 1.

7. BOUTTE’S DUTY

Kayshon Boutte is suddenly a very real piece of the puzzle at One Patriot Place.

I didn’t expect it, either.

Boutte is certainly good enough to have a roster spot, but each practice throughout the summer provided at least one example of how he’s developed into the top outside option for Maye — and very well could receive some serious opportunities against a cover-three heavy defense.

Boutte should have some opportunities on hole shots — those balls you see where the quarterback and wide receiver connect between the cornerback playing the flag and a safety retreating to the deep third.

Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn aren’t exactly Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor…