Patriots fans say they are excited that the Mike Vrabel era has begun in Foxboro, but they will have to wait a little longer to see the new head coach earn his first win at Gillette Stadium.

New England lost its season opener at home to Las Vegas on Sunday, 20-13, with fans letting out loud boos as they started to exit the stadium before the Week 1 dud came to an end.

Sterling resident Steve Maynard, a season ticket holder for 15 years, stayed through it all.

He joined fellow season ticket holders on the field after the game, trying to take the loss in stride and remain optimistic.

With the Patriots starting 0-1, Maynard told the Herald he has tempered his expectations. He predicted the hometown team would win 10 games, but now he said he hopes they can get at least eight.

“Everybody

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