The term functions as a noun phrase. It is a compound term that names a specific, singular event or topic. Its primary grammatical role is to act as the subject or object within a sentence, identifying the central concept being discussed.
This phrase is constructed from two components. The first part, "Patriots," is a proper noun used attributively, meaning it functions like an adjective to modify the subsequent noun. It specifies which entity is the focus. The second part, "week 1," is itself a noun phrase where "week" is the head noun and "1" is a postpositive number that specifies which instance of the week is being referenced. Together, they form a precise identifier for the first regular-season game involving the New England Patriots football team.
Recognizing the term as a noun phrase is crucial for content creation because it establishes the article's subject. The article's purpose should be to describe, analyze, or provide information about this specific event. All content, including statistics, game analysis, historical context, or player performance, should relate directly back to this central subject, ensuring the article is focused and provides a comprehensive explanation of the entity named by the keyword.