How the Oakland Raiders Can Make it Any Given Sunday Against Patriots

Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) is congratulated by outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) after recording a sack against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Hit Brady

With man-to-man, bump-and-run coverage outside, the Raiders would be free to blitz and hit Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. No. 5 overall pick Khalil Mack could then statistically break out and sack Brady a few times on Sunday. Mack is playing well so far this season as he is getting close but doesn’t have a sack yet because of the circumstances and quarterbacks he’s faced.

Mack chased elusive Geno Smith around all day and eventually chased him into a sack for fellow outside linebacker Sio Moore. Ryan Fitzpatrick had Johnson and Hopkins to throw to so he was able to simply get rid of the ball quickly. Then of course, neither team had to throw much because the two teams rushed for a combined 400 yards playing with the lead.

Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Matt Light are no longer there so the Patriots don’t protect Brady like they used to. Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Antonio Smith have nothing left if they can’t dominate Patriots’ current offensive line. But Mack and Moore should blitz often and they will be able to hit Brady and that along with his lack of receiving targets will have him off.