5 takeaways from the Raiders’ blowout loss to the Patriots
By John Buhler
Tom Brady had all the time in the world to carve up the Raiders secondary.
For the wise people that didn’t watch this game, here is basically what happened. Tom Brady dictated terms by meticulously carving up a bewildered Raiders secondary from opening kickoff. While the Patriots could have score on the Raiders at will, New England preferred to wear down the Raiders defense by sustaining long drives that resulted in points.
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The Patriots knew that the Raiders stay in the Bay Area before heading to this game. New England opted to spend the week at the Air Force Academy to account for the 7,000 feet above sea level for the game in Mexico City. Basically, Brady and the Patriots’ gassed the Raiders defense before it even knew what happened.
Though Khalil Mack got a sack and rookie Treyvon Hester generated some pressure, it was not enough to knock Brady out of rhythm. Yes, it would have taken a Herculean effort by the Raiders’ pass rush to beat the favorite to win NFL MVP, but the group just looked helpless the entire time.
Next: Raiders humiliated by Patriots, 33-8: Recap
Keep in mind that the Patriots were playing without two starting offensive linemen in right tackle Marcus Cannon and center David Andrews. We knew that Brady would get the ball out early using the spread attack, but there were certainly opportunities for the Raiders to take advantage in the pass rush. They just didn’t get it done.