The history between the Raiders organization and the Patriots goes back a long way. Most people remember the “Tuck Rule” but there’s other notables in the time stamp. There’s the roughing the passer call on Ray Hamilton. The hit on Darryl Stingley. Matt Millen punching Ray Sullivan.
Matt Millen punches New England owner Patrick Sullivan in the face after a 1984 Pats-Raiders playoff game: pic.twitter.com/yt8Hh0Dm
— SI Vault (@si_vault) December 19, 2011
On Sunday the rivalry continues as the Raiders travel back to the east coast for the second time in three weeks.
Even with Tom Brady gone, the New England offense is just as dangerous under Cam Newton. A healthy Newton is back to showing the arm strength that had been robbed by injuries over the last two to three years.
“I haven’t seen many guys walk through my doors that look like Cam. I call him ‘Slam.’ Slam Newton. That was the nickname I gave him. He is a power forward playing quarterback,” said Jon Gruden
The Raiders ability to defend Newton might be the most important aspect of this game. The defense hasn’t looked good in the first two weeks. There’s been very little pressure put on opposing quarterbacks. Both Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Brees had plenty of time in the pocket to look for receivers. The Raiders are 26th in total defense including 31st in sacks, 29th in pass defense, and 32nd in 3rd down defense.
Offensively, Derek Carr has responded well to all of the offseason talk. Most agree that this is a “make it or break it” season for Carr. He’s responded by going 50-68 521 yards with four touchdowns and no interception. He has a passer rating of 114.9. That’s the highest of his career.
Where the defense has struggled on third down, the offense hasn’t. The Raiders have converted 57/1% of their third downs. That’s second in the NFL. Their work will be cut out for them against a Patriots defense that’s ranked 8th in third down defense.
Raiders injuries is the headline story again this week. Earlier this week, it was announced that rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (hamstring) is out this week. The Raiders also put Richie Igconito on IR while tackle Trent Brown (calf) and middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) are out again.
