New England Patriots-Las Vegas Raiders Notebook: Same Mistakes Trump 'Starting Over'

The New England Patriots fell short in their comeback attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Week 6.

Though the New England Patriots may not be heading back to Foxboro with a Hollywood-style "hangover," they are undoubtedly "leaving Las Vegas" with a significant sense of regret.

In spite of their efforts to "start over," the Pats were once again plagued by undisciplined play and an inability to execute in the clutch. In turn, they dropped their Week 6 contest 21-17 to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, falling to 1-5 on the season. 

In contrast to their consecutive blowout losses in Weeks 4 and 5, the Patriots did exhibit some signs of life on Sunday. They ended a 79-point scoring streak by their opponents and a 10-quarter touchdown drought, ultimately culminating in a 17-point effort. In fact, they kept this contest close until Raiders linebacker Maxx Crosby delivered a game-sealing sack on quarterback Mac Jones for the safety. 

While mathematical elimination from postseason contention is presently impossible, it is nearly inconceivable to envision a scenario in which the Pats return to their winning ways before 2024. New England has lost three games in a row, their fifth in six weeks. As such, they appear headed for their first season of playoff irrelevance since 2000. 

Notwithstanding that the proverbial "show must go on," the questions surrounding the future of a once-proud franchise will only intensify in the coming days and weeks. From the future of Jones as New England's starting quarterback to the serving size of blame pie afforded to coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots must start providing answers with an eye towards the future as well as the present. 

Mac Jones Takes One Step Forward, Still Two Steps Back

Despite entering Week 6 on a reported "short leash," Jones went the distance (save for a handful of gadget snaps) completing 24 of 33 passes for 200 yards and one interception. He did a solid job of orchestrating both of New England's touchdown drives, helping to advance the Pats 75-yards in each instance. Though his stat line was a notable improvement from his two previous efforts, the Pats 2021 first-round pick continues to struggle with his decision-making under pressure. His second-quarter interception intended for tight end Hunter Henry was an overthrown lob, made in haste with time winding down in the half. The throw was well off the mark and was easily fielded by Raiders' safety Tre’von Moehrig. Jones' miscue was compounded by the fact that the Patriots were on the verge of advancing into the Raiders red zone at the time of the turnover. 

In all fairness, Jones was victimized by a holding call on rookie guard Atonio Mafi, as well as a dropped pass by receiver DeVante Parker which would have advanced the Pats to midfield on their final series. However, he failed to shed the ball in either of his final two snaps, yielding a delay-of-game penalty, as well as the aforementioned safety-sack by Crosby, who easily beat a double-team block of Mike Gesicki and Vederian Lowe with 1:52 remaining. Instead of taking a very short-yardage checkdown to chip away at the third-and-15 deficit, Jones held the ball a bit too long in an attempt to recoup the lost yardage in one play.

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) makes a pass attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Running Game Provides Some Signs of Life

Having entered the game averaging 2.6 and 3.8 yards per carry respectively, Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott found some traction against the Raiders — thanks in part to adjustments made by Pats' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. Stevenson finished the game with 10 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown, while Elliott carried the ball seven times for 34 yards and his first score as a Patriot.

For the first time in the past three games, New England established the run by incorporating inside zone runs into their schemes. In fact, the Pats found success on greater than 60 percent of their runs on Sunday. The Pats also sprinkled in the occasional jet sweep from both Elliott and receiver Kendrick Bourne, who led all pass-catchers with 10 catches for 89 yards. Though the Patriots were unable to find a game-long rhythm, they have seemingly discovered a roadmap to an offensive sparkplug, when needed. 

Defensive Improvements

With linebacker Matthew Judon, as well as cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones and Marcus Jones currently residing on injured reserve, the Pats makeshift defense began to find its way through the fire against the Raiders. Safety Jabrill Peppers and linebacker Jahlani Tavai delivered arguably the day's best highlight when a first-quarter hit on Las Vegas receiver Davante Adams popped the ball loose into Tavai's waiting hands for the interception. Both Peppers and Tavai finished the day with seven tackles, with the former contributing two passes-defensed.  

The @JabrillPeppers force, the Tavai INT.

📺: #NEvsLV on CBS pic.twitter.com/sX1leAzkSm

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 15, 2023

New England's front seven also rebounded from a dismal Week 5 effort to keep Las Vegas' offense in check for much of the day. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore provided stout protection along the interior, logging five tackles (one of which went for loss) and two passes-defensed. Linebackers Anfernee Jennings (six tackles, one for loss) and Ja'Whuan Bentley (four tackles, two quarterback hits) helped to fill the void left by Judon's absence. Albeit imperfect, New England's defensive performance was one of the few bright spots on which the Pats may build heading into Week 7. 

Up Next: 

New England returns home to Foxboro, where they will prepare to host the defending AFC-East Champion Buffalo Bills (4-2) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 22. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. 

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