Happy days are here again. The Raiders were handed their first loss of the season as they get walloped by the Patriots 20-36 in Foxborough.
Some things just never change. This team just can't get over the hump against the Pats for some reason. They are 1-6 all-time since that dreaded Tuck Rule game. This is getting old at this point.
The injuries were definitely a big factor this game. No Henry Ruggs to take the top off, which made the Patriots' defense job a lot easier. All they had to do was double Darren Waller and Derek Carr had to distribute the ball elsewhere. Despite that, the offense left a lot of points out there on the table. The untimely turnovers and a missed field goal by Carlson doomed this offense. They had good drives in spurts. But, they couldn't capitalize with points.
I wouldn't put too much blame on the defense this game. They got off to a solid start, containing the run game of the Pats and forced a turnover. But they were on the field too long. The time of possession (TOP) speaks for itself. The Pats' offense controlled the clock for 34 minutes compared to the Raiders' 25. They switched it up with some play action. J.J. Taylor provided some spark to the New England run game as a change-of-pace back. Then, it was ground and pound from there with Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead.
Some individual positives: Hunter Renfrow and Maxx Crosby. Renfrow especially came to play today with 6 receptions, 84 yards, and 1 TD. Gruden moved him around the field a bit. He could've had 2 TDs this game if he wasn't down by contact with 9 seconds to go in 2nd quarter. But, the drive still capped off with a Foster Moreau TD. Maxx Crosby got that pass rush going with 2 sacks on Cam Newton. We were harping on that defense to get more pass rush going and Mad Maxx delivered that.
When I looked at the first five weeks on the schedule, I felt like Carolina was the only sure-fire win for these Raiders. After a 2-0 start, the Raiders are in their toughest stretch before the bye. They crashed this week against the Pats and it doesn't get easier from there. They have a tough draw back home against the Bills next. Josh Allen is a stud and the defense is going to have their hands full on them. Buffalo's defense hasn't showed up yet, but they are solid on paper and the Raider offense will be tested once again unlesss Henry Ruggs and Trent Brown return from injury. I'll see you guys later.
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