Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots: 3 things to watch in Week 3
Contributions from Receivers and Backs
Darren Waller is a top-3 tight end in the league, and the number one option for Derek Carr in the passing game, so you know Belichick is going to do everything he can to eliminate him from the game plan. That means Las Vegas is going to need Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow, and the running backs contributing to the passing game to help make up for that.
Edwards caught both of his targets on Monday night for nearly 50 yards, and Ruggs speed proved to be a real problem against the Saints, as they committed multiple penalties against him. Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones have also had big plays in back to back games so far, as the depth of this position group has been on display during the 2-0 start.
New England‘s defense has lost eight players due to COVID-19 opt outs, but All-Pro and last season’s defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore is still there, and no matter what the situation is, you can never count out the brain of Bill Belichick.
Everybody doubted both this Patriots team, and Newton coming into this year. Yet, they had a chance to win last week against the Seahawks, who are a Super Bowl contenders in Seattle, so you better believe Belichick, who is the best coach of all time, is going to have a plan against this Raiders offense. The game plan Jon Gruden will have will be interesting this week.