2020 Preview: Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots
While the 2020 football season is still months away, it's never too early to start previewing the season. In this new series, I'll preview every game in the Raiders' regular-season and take a look into each opponent. The Raiders are headed to the east coast on Week 3. Welcome to Foxborough, Mass., where the Patriots are trying to rebuild a team since veteran quarterback Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the off-season.
Isn't it weird to see a different quarterback?
Let's quickly kill the obvious. The New England Patriots are without Tom Brady for the first time since 2000. To put that in perspective, the TV sitcom, "Friends," was running its sixth season. The iPhone was eight years away from being invented.
And who is replacing the veteran in the quarterback position? Jarrett Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick and former Auburn standout. In only his second season in the NFL, Stidham earned his spot as backup quarterback after playing well during the 2019 preseason, replacing Bryan Hoyer as the backup to Brady. With Brady gone, Stidham will have to lead this veteran offense consisting of wide receiver Julian Edelman, tight end Matt LaCosse and running back Sony Michel. All eyes will be focused on the newbie quarterback and whether the Raiders' defense can pressure him into making mistakes.
Time for some Revenge
It's been three years since the Raiders last played the Patriots, getting run over by Bill Belichick and company, 33-8. Here's the difference this time around. A rookie quarterback is leading the Patriots instead of a veteran leading the squad will help the Raiders have the upper hand on the defensive side. With that said, the targets for Stidham haven't changed since Brady left, so the secondary will have to be well aware and alert. It should end up in entertaining matchups on the field. On the flip side, the Raiders need to make sure their offense is producing points every time they get the ball. Quarterback Derek Carr needs to be well aware of his surroundings and use his football IQ. Coach Jon Gruden needs to stop running the same play repeatedly if it isn't working for his team. And three weeks into the season, the early games should have pinpointed Stidham's weaknesses. The key to winning this game is to address and attack Stidham's weaknesses on defense while playing smart and consistent football on offense.
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