Five Things to Know About Patriots’ Win Over Raiders

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Monday, September 28, 2020

GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

Josh McDaniel has more game plans then anyone PHOTO: Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders came to Gillette Stadium off a big win over the New Orleans Saints and carried a 2-0 record. They left Foxboro beat up, outplayed, and outcoached.

The Patriots won their second game of the season and played offense with a third different strategy.

The game one win over Miami was all about Cam Newton on the ground and in the air. In the near upset of Seattle, it was the air game with Newton and Julian Edelman. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' game plan versus the Seahawks had Newton generating 447 yards in total offense.

On Sunday, the Patriots got it done on the ground. They ran for 250 yards in the 36-20 win over the Raiders.

Sony Michel ran for 117 yards on just 9 carries.

Here are the 5 things you need to know:

1) The Patriots win overshadowed the continuous kicking problems of Nick Folk. The good news, he did connect on three field goals, after missing FGs in each of the first two games. But, on Sunday, he missed an extra-point.

So -- what's Adam up to right now?

2) Cam Newton is the 13th ranked quarterback right now for the highest percentage of completed passes at 68.1%. That guy in Tampa is ranked 20th.

Newton is also 50th ranked rusher in the NFL and second on the Patriots only to Sony Michel.

3) The Patriots defense forced three turnovers including one for a touchdown. The highlight was Deatrich Wise with a strip-sack in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr for a touchdown.

4) New England's running game allowed them to dominate the game clock near 35 minutes to 25 minutes for the Raiders. It was hard for the Raiders' high flying offense to score when the Pats were running the ball and New England's defense was forcing turnovers.

5) The Patriots played without two key players - RB James White who is still on leave to the death of his father and Center David Andrews who is expected to be out for three weeks due to a broken hand and surgery.

The Patriots play the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at 4:25 PM.