After falling flat on their face in the season opener, the Raiders head to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Let's be honest, if they don't get this thing turned around quick, will Dennis Allen still be the Head Coach after the Bye Week in Week 5? After this week they head to London to take on the Dolphins and from there the schedule gets tough. Where are the wins going to come from? Chargers, Cardinals, Browns, Seahawks, Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Rams, 49ers, Chiefs, Bills and Broncos have them looking at another best-case scenario 4-12 again this year. There is too much talent on the defensive side of the ball for them to look this bad and it has to be from a lack of familiarity. They will lose all 16 if they play like they did against the Texans last week. This after having what the coaching staff said was a great week of practice. If things don't look better this week, then major changes will have to be made. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict the obvious winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Patriots Defense
When was the last time the Raiders defeated the Patriots? Are you old enough to remember? It was the Gannon-led Raiders back in their Super Bowl season of 2002. The Raiders offense is a far cry from that team and don't have much going for them other than Derek Carr's moxy. The recent signing of receiver Vincent Brown probably won't have much of an impact in this one. The running game, which was what was supposed to be the identity of this team, has a league low 32 attempts and 126 yards through two weeks. Quarterback Derek Carr is the leading rusher with 57 yards, 41 of which came on one play last week. The Patriots have capitalized on turnovers on defense and will look to do more of the same against the rookie Carr, who had 2 INT's last week.
Advantage: Patriots
Raiders Defense vs. Patriots Offense
The Raiders defensively will try and focus on stopping the run as most every team that they face will try and impose their will on the front line and dare them to stop them. It has been a recipe for success for their opponents for the last 13 years. They will most likely be without starting linebackers Nick Roach and Sio Moore which will make the task more daunting. The Patriots are still searching for consistency on offense, as they are averaging 304 yards/game and rank 25 or lower in numerous offensive categories. Tom Brady's QB Rating is lower than Carr's and is having one of his worst starts of the season in his career.
Advantage: Patriots
Special Teams
The Raiders have not flashed much in the return game as of yet and Janikowski has not attempted a field goal yet this season. Punter King is averaging 44 yards/punt. The Patriots have a good punt returner in Julian Edelman, who is averaging over 13 yards/punt return. Stephen Gostkowski is 5 of 5 on field goals and extra points.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 34, Raiders 17
Record to Date: 1-1
Raiders Offense vs. Patriots Defense
When was the last time the Raiders defeated the Patriots? Are you old enough to remember? It was the Gannon-led Raiders back in their Super Bowl season of 2002. The Raiders offense is a far cry from that team and don't have much going for them other than Derek Carr's moxy. The recent signing of receiver Vincent Brown probably won't have much of an impact in this one. The running game, which was what was supposed to be the identity of this team, has a league low 32 attempts and 126 yards through two weeks. Quarterback Derek Carr is the leading rusher with 57 yards, 41 of which came on one play last week. The Patriots have capitalized on turnovers on defense and will look to do more of the same against the rookie Carr, who had 2 INT's last week.
Advantage: Patriots
Raiders Defense vs. Patriots Offense
The Raiders defensively will try and focus on stopping the run as most every team that they face will try and impose their will on the front line and dare them to stop them. It has been a recipe for success for their opponents for the last 13 years. They will most likely be without starting linebackers Nick Roach and Sio Moore which will make the task more daunting. The Patriots are still searching for consistency on offense, as they are averaging 304 yards/game and rank 25 or lower in numerous offensive categories. Tom Brady's QB Rating is lower than Carr's and is having one of his worst starts of the season in his career.
Advantage: Patriots
Special Teams
The Raiders have not flashed much in the return game as of yet and Janikowski has not attempted a field goal yet this season. Punter King is averaging 44 yards/punt. The Patriots have a good punt returner in Julian Edelman, who is averaging over 13 yards/punt return. Stephen Gostkowski is 5 of 5 on field goals and extra points.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 34, Raiders 17
Record to Date: 1-1
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