1. How will Jimmy Garoppolo fare? Even without the Deflategate saga, it’s unlikely Tom Brady would play much, if at all, in the first preseason game. Now, however, Garoppolo needs to show he can command this offense. He’s more mobile than Brady; how will that affect the game plan? How will he handle a blitz? Who will he throw to in tight situations?

2. Who will line up at cornerback? Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are gone. Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is emerging as a starter but still needs to show he can cover big-time receivers full time. Who’ll be on the other side? Options include veterans Tarell Brown, Robert McClain, Bradley Fletcher and Logan Ryan. And keep an eye on rookie Darryl Roberts.

3. Who will replace Vince Wilfork in the middle of the defensive line? Truthfully, nobody can replace Big Vince, but someone’s got to be the stout man in the middle, clogging up the running lanes. Will it be a veteran like Alan Branch or Sealver Siliga, or a kid like the Patriots’ last two No. 1 picks, Dominique Easley or Malcom Brown?

4. Which young offensive lineman will step up? The Patriots drafted two linemen this year and there’s a good chance either Tre’ Jackson or Shaq Mason could step into a starting role at guard. They also just traded for a second-year guard, Ryan Groy, who started the last three games for Chicago last year. It should be an interesting competition.