When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Where: at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
TV, radio: CBS, WBZ-FM (98.5)
When the Patriots run
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Stevan Ridley proved again last week why he is the best pure running back on this roster. He runs with great energy and will attack the line of scrimmage consistently. He's a very decisive runner, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. It's good because when he sees a lane quickly he will bounce through and get to the second level and occasionally reach the secondary. It's bad because he lacks the patience to let his blocks develop (you bet he misses Logan Mankins) and he will sometimes run into his linemen's backsides and get quickly wrapped up. Ridley is a rhythm runner, and if gets the totes, he will eventually make hay. Shane Vereen is more of a change-of-pace back and does his best work in space. He will rip off some nifty runs, however. It's time rookie James White got some work. The offensive line, which has more moving parts than a Swiss watch, was much improved in Week 2. If the Patriots can find a consistent five, it will do wonders for this attack. The addition of rookie tackle Cam Fleming as an extra tight end was a nice - and effective - touch. Oakland's Pat Sims is quick and athletic but lacks true nose tackle strength and will get steamrolled and discouraged. The Raiders have a decent bunch of linebackers including Nick Roach (he's instinctive) and rookie Khalil Mack (he's strong and versatile), but it says a lot that safety Tyvon Branch is the leading tackler.
Rushing yards per game
New England offense: 119.5 (T-16th)
Shalise Manza Young reviews the key matchups in Sunday's game.
Oakland defense: 200.0 (32d)
EDGE: Patriots
When the Patriots pass
It's not often you can describe this attack as being in shambles. But right now, it's in shambles. It won't last long, of course, because Tom Brady's still the quarterback and he'll find a way. There are plenty of weapons in Brady's arsenal but currently he doesn't trust all of them (Danny Amendola, 3 catches; Brandon LaFell, 0 catches), and opponents know it. Brady never used to play favorites, he just threw to the open guy, but that was when his receivers knew where they were going and generally caught the ball. Brady now locks onto Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, or Shane Vereen, and if they're not open, there's trouble. Edelman has quick feet, can run every route, and has sure hands. Those were the qualities we expected from Amendola and LaFell. Gronkowski will continue to get an increased workload because he is a load. Aaron Dobson's return is a good sign as he has developed a good rapport with Brady. He's New England's best deep threat. Tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer run hot and cold in pass blocking. They'll need help to give Brady time. Oakland defensive ends LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck have some miles on them but are always willing. Rookie linebacker Khalil Mack has lateral quickness, picks lanes, and will explode toward the pocket. Free safety Charles Woodson is wily, while strong safety Tyvon Branch is just that, strong. Corners Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown can be had.
Passing yards per game
New England offense: 184.0 (27th)
Oakland defense: 164.5 (T-second)
EDGE: Raiders
When the Raiders run
Maurice Jones-Drew came to Oakland looking for redemption after a stellar career in Jacksonville came to an injury-riddled end. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to avoid the injury bug in his new home, as he has been slowed by a bad hand. Jones-Drew runs with more power than a 5-foot-7-inch, 210-pound man has a right to. Because he runs low to the ground, he can get lost among the big boys and before you know it, he's in the secondary. He doesn't have breakaway speed but he does break away from arm tackles. Darren McFadden is another guy who's had trouble avoiding injuries. A solid 6-2, 218-pounder, McFadden has great quickness, balance, and speed. An instinctive runner who sees openings quickly, McFadden will bounce off hits and lower his shoulder to deliver punishment - he rarely goes down on first contact. Rugged center Stefen Wisniewski is the leader of the offensive line. He's very smart and can mirror and redirect defenders, but can get overpowered at times. Khalif Barnes is a wonderfully athletic tackle. He sheds linemen quickly and can overpower linebackers but doesn't always give a consistent effort. Right guard Austin Howard (6-7, 330) is huge but clumsy. Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork had a much better Week 2, and the linemen feed off his play. Linebacker Jerod Mayo continues to play at a high level.
Rushing yards per game
Oakland offense: 63.0 (31st)
New England defense: 122.5 (T-2oth)
EDGE: Patriots
When the Raiders pass
Rookie Derek Carr seized the starting quarterback job by coming in and showing the same confidence and swagger he showed during his time at Fresno State, where he threw for 5,082 yards and 50 touchdowns as a senior. A very athletic 6-foot-3-inch, 214-pounder, Carr is smart and has a good arm. He reads coverages well, throws a very catchable ball (he can gun or float it) and leads his receivers well. Carr improvises well and will make plays outside of the pocket; his accuracy doesn't suffer much when he throws on the run. Carr's top target is former Packer James Jones. A fearless route runner who excels on slants and crosses, Jones has sure hands but lacks speed. Rod Streater (6-3 195) is a big target with good hands and deceptive speed. Ditto for Andre Holmes (6-4, 210). Denarius Moore can gain separation with his speed and will show flashes, but will often look uninterested. Mychal Rivera (6-3, 245) is a very athletic tight end with good hands and speed. Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden are exceptional receivers out of the backfield. They have great moves and can make defenders miss in the open field. New England's secondary is loaded with playmakers. This is an athletic, intelligent bunch that is playing with a ton of confidence. It's easy to negate Darrelle Revis (just don't throw the ball his way) but avoiding Devin McCourty is a much taller task. He is everywhere.
Passing yards per game
Oakland offense: 198.0 (23d)
New England defense: 166.o (fourth)
EDGE: Patriots
Raiders' key player: Derek Carr
David's little brother fell to the second round and impressed enough in camp to win the job over veteran Matt Schaub (who once displaced David Carr in Houston). Carr has already made more starts than the three QBs taken ahead of him combined.
HOW HE BEATS YOU: With a strong arm and stronger leadership. Carr can stand in the pocket and make all the throws. He is equally comfortable pulling it down and making plays on the run - whether it's firing the ball across the field or diving for the first-down marker. He gives it his all on every play.
HOW TO SHUT HIM DOWN: By confusing him. Carr is still a rookie, so there's lots he hasn't seen. It's a safe bet Bill Belichick has a few wrinkles for the young lad Sunday. Disguising coverages and administering some well-timed shots could help beat the youthful enthusiasm out of him for an afternoon.
RAIDERS' KEYS TO VICTORY:
1. Ground and pound: Rotate Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden to keep them fresh and wear down New England's front. They want that clock running.
2. Clogged arteries: Defensive tackles Pat Sims and Antonio Smith have to seal the running lanes and force the Patriots to pass. Sounds strange, but this is a must.
3. Seal the edges: Protecting Derek Carr is huge. Chandler Jones (coming off a monster game) and Rob Ninkovich need special attention or they will rattle the rookie.
PATRIOTS' KEYS TO VICTORY:
1. Don't let the Carr run: Derek Carr can make plays - and extend plays - with his feet. Dropping too many into coverage gives him room to run, and he'll take it.
2. Quick hits: This could end up sounding like a broken record week in and week out, but it's time to build the confidence of Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell.
3. Start fast: The Patriots were able to recover quite nicely after a shaky start in Minnesota. That won't always be the case. Don't let the Raiders hang around. Or they will.
Prediction: Patriots 31, Raiders 10
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, September 21, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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