By
Hailee Miguel on Saturday, September 20
th 2014
The 1-1 New England Patriots will host the 0-2 Oakland Raiders for their home opener Sunday afternoon. The Pats are coming off a decisive 30-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, while the Raiders are coming off a tough 30-14 loss to the Houston Texans.
These two teams have a unique history after the controversial “tuck rule” call that helped send the Patriots to the Super Bowl back in 2001. Since that game, the Raiders are 61-130 while the Patriots have gone on to win three Super Bowl titles behind a 148-46 record. While most of the guys on these two rosters might remember the game, only a few actually experienced it; one of them being Charles Woodson who was right in the middle of that call knocking the ball loose.
Since that AFC Divisional Playoff game, these two teams have played each other four times and the Patriots are 3-1 in those four games. This week’s matchup will be an interesting one for both teams. New England will look to dominate in their home opener, while the Raiders will try to avoid starting the season 0-3. That being said, this game looks to be an ugly one for the Raiders, especially considering all of their injuries this week; and that Tom Brady guy is pretty good too.
Players to Watch
Khalil Mack, Linebacker, Oakland Raiders
With Sio Moore out and Antonio Smith, and Nick Roach questionable, the Raiders are going to need a big game from their first round draft pick. The Oakland defense has been disappointing to say the least, and this week they will have to go against one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. The Raiders run defense in particular has been awful, which means Bill Belichick will use that to his advantage and get Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen in the game. Mack has an opportunity to really impress this week, by attacking the quarterback and recording a few sacks; the Raiders could really use a big game from him.
Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots
Gronk is an important part of the Patriots offense, but has struggled to stay healthy. They have been taking it easy with him so far this year, but with the Raiders defense not being too great, he could have an explosive game this week with the snaps he is given.
Stevan Ridley, Running Back, New England Patriots
Oakland’s defense has allowed 400 rushing yards through their first two games, which means Ridley will probably get the ball a lot on Sunday. Last week he had 25 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown.
Derek Carr, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
One of the positives for the Raiders has been the play and improvement of their rookie quarterback. He has moved the offense well thus far and will look to execute in the red zone Sunday against an iffy Pats defense. Last week Matt Cassel threw four picks, but this New England defense allowed 33 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Carr could have a big game, but he’ll need some help from his receivers to minimize turnovers.
Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots
The Patriots quarterback is always a player worth watching, especially against struggling defenses where he is able to scan the field and take advantage by utilizing guys like Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. Look for Brady to do just that this Sunday.
Now, Raiders head coach, Dennis Allen, is fighting for his job. The silver and black have lost 14 consecutive games on the east coast after their Week 1 loss to the New York Jets; a game they should have won. From here on out it doesn’t get any easier for the Raiders as they have one of the toughest schedules in the league. This game could get out of hand quickly for the Raiders. In order for them to even contend in this game, the defense needs to step up and put the pressure on Brady as well as stop the run game; obviously easier said than done, especially considering their injuries.
For the Patriots, this is their home opener against a subpar team. After a disappointing loss to the Dolphins they were able to bounce back and win one on the road. New England should easily dominate this game both offensively and defensively.
Final Prediction
Raiders 17 Patriots 31