Las Vegas vs Patriots 2022 Week 15: 3 Raiders to watch

Las Vegas vs Patriots 2022 Week 15: 3 Raiders to watch

Derek Carr

In a battle last week between Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield, who quite literally had 48 hours to learn the Rams’ offensive playbook, it was the latter that finished with the higher quarterback rating. Granted, much of Mayfield’s production came on that 98-yard game-winning drive, but it still speaks to how poorly Carr fared in comparison.

The Raiders’ signal-caller completed just 55 percent of his passes, throwing for 137 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. That formula easily equates to his worst passer rating of the season: 36.9, which is a far cry from Mayfield’s 91.4.

Carr has to play better if Las Vegas wants to end this season on a strong note and build momentum heading into 2023. He’ll have his work cut out for him against a Patriots defense that has largely been stellar on all levels. Through Week 14, New England has the ninth-ranked pass defense and 12th-ranked run defense.

Beating the Patriots can’t just hinge on running the ball against a formidable unit, we’ve seen that be a detriment in last week’s strategy of “playing not to lose.” To beat New England it will mean Carr being more efficient in finding his targets over the top.