werder bremen who had new players coming this season still it was a good game by both teams its important to not lose the first game especially an away one.
Another point is, that for Werden Bremen (and Schalke 04), the second Bundesliga is a totally new environment. The preparation is different as the games start one week earlier. For the first Bundesliga, the teams have one week more time.
I don't think the preparation time is an issue. I rather think that playing in the second league works differently than playing in the first league even motivation wise. In the first league you could be competing for international competitions and have seriously motivating goals. In the second league it is all about do or die. If they don't advance to the first league right away, they are wasting the club's time in the second league for another year. Also, if you once played first league it's quite the change to now play against some of those unknown second league clubs. It won't be an easy season for Werder and Schalke.
That was only one of many points I raised. Your points are also further arguments why it is different in the 2nd Bundesliga. Another point are the stadiums for example . Of course, it's a completely different atmosphere and environment when they play in Sandhausen or Hamburg.