New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders Snaps & Grades: Mac Jones, Offense Passing?

Patriots Country breaks down the numbers and possible meanings behind the Pats’ playing time in New England’s Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

FOXBORO — Following a pair of disastrous losses in Weeks 4 and 5 respectively, the New England Patriots (1-5) are once again taking stock into their performance on both sides of the ball in the aftermath of yet another loss — albeit, a closer one. 

Despite an improved showing in Week 6, the Pats still suffered a 21-17 defeat at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders. While game-film analysis will be the main focus, a look at playing time may assist the team in helping devise effective strategies moving forward.

Here is a look at the Patriots snap counts, along with a grade for each position grouping.

OFFENSE

On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 60 versus the Raiders.

NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders 15 Oct. 2023 - Offense Snaps / NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League

Quarterbacks

Though he entered Week 6 on a reported "short leash," Mac Jones played on 95 percent of New England’s plays on offense — completing 24 of 33 passes for 200 yards and one interception. Jones did an adequate 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 much improved from his two previous efforts, the Pats 2021 first-round pick continues to struggle with his decision-making under pressure — as evidenced by his second-quarter interception. Rookie Malik Cunningham played six total snaps on offense, two of which came at quarterback. The Pats netted -4 yards with two unsuccessful running plays.

Grade: C-

Running Backs

Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott found some traction against the Raiders — thanks in part to Pats’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien incorporating a greater amount of pre-snap motion, as well as utilizing inside zone. 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. Though the Patriots were unable to find a game-long rhythm, they have seemingly discovered a roadmap to an offensive sparkplug, when needed.

Grade: B

Receivers

Playing mostly out of the slot, Kendrick Bourne was New England’s best player on offense against Las Vegas. Bourne logged 10 catches on 11 targets for 89 yards — 68 of which came after the catch. Unfortunately, the Pats received little-to-no help from the remainder of the positional group. In his first game back since being activated from injured reserve, rookie Tyquan Thornton caught one pass for six yards. Although he was on the field for 75 percent of the Pats snaps on offense, DeVante Parker secured only one pass for seven yards, while committing an egregious drop of a perfectly-placed deep show from Jones, which would have advanced the Pats to midfield on their final series.

Grade: C

Tight Ends

Though Hunter Henry has been Jones’ most reliable target this season, the veteran tight end secured only one catch for seven yards. Henry also committed a costly holding on a would-be touchdown catch and run by Elliott. Mike Gesicki caught all three of his targets 28 yards. However, his performance was marred by his ill-fated attempt to assist tackle Vederian Lowe with blocking Maxx Crosby on the final sack play. Pharaoh Brown had a 15-yard reception on his only target.

Grade: F

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) hands the ball off to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Having deployed its fifth configuration in six games, the Patriots offensive line seemingly faced an uphill battle against a talented Raiders defensive front. The Pats started Trent Brown at left tackle, Atonio Mafi at left guard, David Andrews at center, Sidy Sow at right guard (in place of the injured Michael Onwenu, who was available for emergency duty) and Lowe at right tackle — each taking all 60 snaps. The unit collectively allowed a season-low pressure rate of 29.7 percent on the quarterback, while helping to open additional running lanes. Lowe continues to remain a liability,

Grade: C-

DEFENSE

On defense, the Pats overall snap count was 70 versus the Raiders.

NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders 15 Oct. 2023 - Defense Snaps / NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League

Defensive Line

New England's interior line 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. Lawrence Guy contributed four tackles while Davon Godchaux logged three. Despite the line failing to generate any quarterback pressures, it held Las Vegas’ rushing attack to 2.5 yards per carry. A watchful eye will be kept this week on defensive end Keion White, who left Sunday’s game with a head injury after taking only eight snaps.

Grade: C

Linebackers

The Pats linebackers clearly entered this game intent on being physical. For the most part, they succeeded. Anfernee Jennings (six tackles, one for loss) and Ja'Whuan Bentley (four tackles, two quarterback hits) helped to fill the void left by Matthew Judon's absence. Jahlani Tavai finished the day with seven tackles, two passes-defensed and an interception while working in tandem with safety Jabrill Peppers. The corps of linebackers may have earned a higher grade, had top pass rusher Josh Uche been more active in the pass rush. He did not register a stat line in this game, before leaving in the second half with a foot injury.

Grade: B

Cornerbacks

Defending Raiders receiver Davante Adams can be considered “mission impossible” for nearly every team in the NFL. However, Pats cornerback J.C. Jackson held Adams to just two catches for 29 yards, while logging four tackles. Former Patriot Jakobi Meyers was able to find some success against the slot corners, while taking full advantage of Myles Bryant’s broken coverage on his touchdown catch. Jonathan Jones continues to work his way back from an ankle injury, as he earned five tackles during his 55 snaps.

Grade: C+

Safeties

Leading all safeties by taking 93 percent of the Pats' snaps on defense, Jabrill Peppers also led the team with seven tackles and two passes defensed. His powerful hit on Adams freed the ball to be picked off by Tavai. Kyle Dugger contributed five tackles (64 snaps) while Adrian Phillips logged two in limited duty. Jalen Mills struggled in his efforts against Las Vegas rookie tight end Michael Mayer, who had five catches for 75 yards. Still, the Pats safeties largely succeeded to keep Las Vegas from dominating the deep-middle of the field.

Grade: B-

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