Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Patriots in 2022 Week 15

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Patriots in 2022 Week 15

McDaniels vs. Jones

Despite a handful of encouraging performances over the past month or so, it’s safe to say that Mac Jones has taken a step back in his rookie season. It shouldn’t be surprising given that the Patriots’ offensive playcalling has been turbulent since the departure of McDaniels.

If anything, it should mean the Raiders coach uses that to his advantage.

If there is anyone besides Belichick that has a grasp on both Jones’ strengths and weaknesses it’s McDaniels. Since the Raiders’ head coach left New England, Jones’ quarterback rating has dropped from 50.9 to 33.8. While McDaniels isn’t coaching the defense, he would be wise to help enlighten exactly how to make Jones uncomfortable and force the second-year quarterback into some poor-decision making.

Las Vegas Raiders vs Patriots 2022 Week 15: Early storylines

The Las Vegas Raiders take on the New England Patriots in Week 15, and here are some early storylines to keep an eye on this week.

The same goes for the other side: Belichick should be prepared to have a sense of how McDaniels wants to operate on offense, especially if McDaniels’ playbook takes inspiration from his time in New England. But to counter that means being adaptive and making adjustments when necessary, which has also been a growing pain in year one of this offense.

The student vs. mentor matchup unsurprisingly has been a headline leading into Sunday, but McDaniels has to prove he’s capable of besting Belichick if Las Vegas hopes to keep the momentum in their favor.