Patriots Fall to Their Worst Franchise Start Since 1995, Lose 21-17 to Raiders
Photo by Eric J. Adler/Patriots
LAS VEGAS (PSF)—The New England Patriots came up short at Allegiant Stadium against the Raiders Sunday afternoon and fell to 1-5 after three straight losses, the worst start for the franchise since 1995.
Offense:
The Patriots offense continues to struggle despite the 200 receiving yards they put up against the Raiders. The Patriots kept their short-pass offensive style which only got them in the red zone two times. This is the system the Patriots have been using this season, but as their record reflects, it is not working.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was quarterback Mac Jones’ go-to target, finishing with 10 receptions for 89 yards. Even though Bourne was able to generate some momentum, the lack of offensive explosiveness contributed to the frustration of the team.
Photo Credit: David Silverman/Patriots
The aggressive Raiders defense also contributed to the struggles of the Patriots. Raiders standout defensive end Maxx Crosby led Las Vegas in pressuring the Patriots offense.
With a little over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Patriots had the ball and were only down by four. Coming off running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s TD, there was faith that maybe the Patriots could make this comeback. Already starting deep into their own endzone, the Patriots were hit with two critical penalties.
The Patriots called a deep pass and Jones delivered, but unfortunately, WR DeVante Parker let the ball go right through his hands. This led to the safety on the next play, led by Crosby, to seal the game for the Raiders.
Mac Jones gets sacked in the end zone to seal game for Raiders.
Video by ESPN
Jones threw his seventh interception of the season after being rushed in the pocket. The Raiders also posted four sacks on the day.
The Patriots did find some success in the running game as both Stevenson and running back Ezekiel Elliott scored touchdowns, but the ground game still did not generate enough momentum to keep the ball moving.
Rhamondre Stevenson swims in the end zone after TD.
Video by ESPN
With the new addition of QB/WR Malik Cunningham earlier in the week, Patriots fans were hoping that a new offensive package would come into play. Unfortunately, the few snaps that Cunningham was out there were not positive, but with persistent offensive struggles, it will be interesting to see if Cunningham is used more moving forward.
Defense:
The Patriots defense had a decent day. The red zone defense did a great job at holding the Raiders to just field goals, especially in the second half.
The Patriots came up with a turnover early in the first quarter after defensive back Jabrill Peppers laid a huge hit on WR Davante Adams. The ball was knocked loose in the air and was intercepted by Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai.
Pats' D drills Davante Adams to force interception
Video by ESPN
The defense was not very successful in stopping Raiders RB Josh Jacobs who ran for 77 yards against the Patriots, the most yards he has rushed in a game this season. They also did not record a sack this game.
Something the Patriots can be proud of, though, is their coverage of Adams. Adams was targeted five times but only had two completions for 29 yards, the lowest number of yards in a game this season.
Looking Forward:
With the trade deadline approaching, it will be interesting to see if the Patriots make any moves. Right now, the Patriots need to focus on offensive players. Some would argue they need linemen, while others might argue they need offensive weapons- WRs and TEs- and others may even say they should trade for a QB. Only time will tell what head coach Bill Belichick will do.
Belichick is also on the hot seat right now as frustration and tension continue to rise in New England. The main question everyone is asking themselves is: Will Belichick be fired, or will he last until the end of the season? This leads to even more questions about who his successor will be and if he will retire after the season.
The Patriots will return to Gillette Stadium on Oct. 22 to take on their AFC rivals the Buffalo Bills.