Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to victory vs. New England Patriots
By John Buhler
Attack the middle of the defense in the passing game.
Obviously, Oakland will want to be balanced on offense to try to win this game at Estadio Azteca. However, it might be easier to throw on the New England than to run it. The Patriots are giving up all sorts of yards through the air. They can be exploited at all levels, but especially at linebacker.
This is huge for Derek Carr, as he has been at his best carving up defenses between the numbers. Oakland has a huge mismatch with tight end Jared Cook on outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Though Van Noy can make plays in the backfield, he has struggled in pass defense.
Keep in mind that former New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris is really on productive in stuffing the run at this point of his career. It doesn’t have to be just Cook that can exploit an undermanned New England front-seven. This could be a good game for Amari Cooper or even Cordarrelle Patterson to possession receive in the slot.
This feels like the best way to keep the chains moving. If Oakland isn’t forced into third and longs by not being able to run the football, Carr will be able to throw on this New England defense. Just probably avoid throwing the ball in Devin McCourty‘s direction at safety. He is playing very well this year.