Bill Belichick has done his best to talk up the “veteran, savvy” Oakland Raiders, but if Sunday’s game is even close, it will raise red flags for the New England Patriots season.
The Patriots should steamroll the Raiders just as the Houston Texans did last week. Sunday’s game should serve as the perfect chance for the Patriots’ defense to continue to build confidence and for Tom Brady to get his offense back in order.
The Patriots need to build on the success they had in their 30-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings last week, and treat this cakewalk against the Raiders to test the units that have struggled — especially their passing offense. Brady doesn’t necessarily need to spread the ball around more, he just needs to prove his offense can put up big numbers and score without the aid of his defense.
Check out the matchups to watch Sunday at 1 p.m. when the Patriots take on the Raiders at Gillette Stadium:
Derek Carr vs. Patriots’ secondary
Carr has been much better than expected so far, completing 63.5 percent of his passes as a rookie through two games, but the Patriots’ defense has proven to be exceptionally difficult on quarterbacks this season.
The Patriots rank fourth in pass defense and sacks and first in interceptions, completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating.
Edge rushers Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Dont’a Hightower will bring the heat on Carr, while cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Devin McCourty will exploit any mistakes he makes through the air.
Khalil Mack vs. Nate Solder
The Raiders’ No. 5 overall pick has been as good as advertised through two games, providing effective pass rush and run defense. He’ll be rushing the passer from both sides of the line, but it will be up to Solder to protect Brady’s blind side.
Veterans Lamarr Woodley, Justin Tuck and Antonio Smith also will be providing pressure, which will be a good test for an unproven Patriots offensive line. The Patriots’ line must give Brady more time to let his receivers finish their routes and get open.
Marcel Reece vs. Jamie Collins
Belichick described Reece as a “matchup” player on Wednesday, meaning he’s a difficult player for traditional linebackers and safeties to cover. Reece is too big for a safety to blanket and too fast for most linebackers.
The Patriots have the perfect player to take on Reece in Collins, however. Collins missed Week 2 with a thigh injury, but he’s been back on the practice field this week. Reece is a former college wide receiver, and he’s been on the receiving end of many big plays during his seven-year career.
Collins should be able to shut down the big Raiders fullback.
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