The hype train hits a speed bump as the New England Patriots thoroughly dismantle the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. There’s enough blame to go around as the second half was just terrible on all fronts. Except the fans, we were fantastic as always.
The Raiders in one sentence
“And, Newton hands the ball off for another first down.”
The ‘Pats’ rushed for 250 yards on 38 attempts. That’s ‘SEC vs. FCS’ type of yards-per-carry (6.6) average. In particular, the Raiders’ defense was gashed on the edges. Jet sweeps and stretch runs gave them fits all afternoon. You won’t win many games in the NFL losing the turnover battle and not stopping the run.
Name the Game
“The Burkhead Bowl”
Are you kidding me, Rex Burkhead? The Patriots running back scored two rushing touchdowns and one receiving. This man plays against the Raiders’ defense and he turns into Christian McCaffrey. Burkhead had 16 touchdowns in 75 games before playing Paul Guenther’s defense. It’s a shame for Burkhead he won’t play against the Silver and Black again this year, he would make the Pro Bowl.
Stat of the Game
Shilique Calhoun: 3 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.
Former Raiders’ third-rounder Shilique Calhoun did more against the Raiders in Week 3 than he did in his three years with them. Calhoun stuck it to them by getting credit for Jacobs’ fumble and the Carr end zone fumble. The Raiders aren’t missing anything in Calhoun, it’s just funny that he put together a decent game against the Raiders, when he never did before, really.
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CarrFax
Quarterback Derek Carr was meh. His stat line looks better than the way he played. He completed 24 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. However, his two fumble losses were a killer. Is it his fault entirely for the fumbles? It isn’t probably just on him, but he just puts the ball on the ground so much it has to fall on him some. He also mopped up some nice garbage time stats with that touchdown to wide receiver and second-year legend Hunter Renfrow. The Raiders quarterback outplayed Cam (Slam) Newton but didn’t play well enough to overcome the three turnovers by the offense.
The Good News
The good news is the Raiders should get some players back this week. Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, tackle Trent Brown, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III all could play next week. Brown is desperately needed back. Playing a guard at tackle and a fourth-round rookie at left guard isn’t going to hold up much longer.
The Bad News
The run defense looks terrible, and injuries keep piling up. The Raiders play the 3-0 Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
Random Thoughts
- Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was fantastic today, he needs more snaps.
- Belichick took away tight end Darren Waller, no one saw that coming.
- Alec Ingold is the coolest fullback in football.
- Safety Jonathon Abram struggled after that interception and missed a handful of tackles.
- The entire Raiders defense feels like a waste of money. Joyner, Cory Littleton, Clelin Ferrell, and Carl Nassib all aren’t playing up to their contract or draft stock.
- Isn’t it tiresome to hear about the Tuck Rule? It’s time to move on.
- The officiating was questionable at best today, it wasn’t the reason the Raiders lost, but it didn’t help.
- Derek Carr’s going to be the Raiders’ franchise leader in everything before he plays in a playoff game.
- That Daniel Carlson missed field goal was a killer. Butterfly effect, the game would’ve been different.
Apology of the Week
Dear Josh Jacobs,
I’m sorry you have to run behind this make-shift offensive line. You deserve better.
PS- no more fumbles, please.
With love,
Holden
One Prediction for Next Week
Henry Ruggs III or Bryan Edwards catch their first touchdown. I’m 2/2 on these so far. Will be 3/3. Credit to me for always being right. Go Raiders.
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Top Photo: AP Photo/Steven Senne