Patriots vs. Raiders Preview: Can Mac Jones, Bill Belichick Salvage Season?
In Week 6, the New England Patriots fly west to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
In the midst of a two-game slump, the worst defeats of Coach Bill Belichick's career, the Patriots have been outscored 72-3 in losses to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
This has led to a couple brutal streaks that the Patriots hope to break Sunday afternoon. New England's offense has gone 34 straight drives without a touchdown and 24 consecutive drives without a point scored. Ouch.
Quarterback Mac Jones was pulled from both games in the second half. Belichick confirmed that Jones will continue to start for the Patriots against the Raiders.
In the first three games this season, it looked like New England's offense under new coordinator Bill O'Brien was clicking. Jones was 81 of 125 for 748 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions.
The last time New England visited Las Vegas it didn't end well.
USA Today
Reaching the end zone against Las Vegas will be a challenge, as the Raiders have held their opponent to less than 16 points in back-to-back games.
Another major concern for New England: The Patriots are searching for ways to replace two of their best defensive starters in Matthew Judon (torn biceps) and Christian Gonzalez (dislocated shoulder), who were both injured in Dallas and could be out for the season.
New England's defense looks to get after Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. In Las Vegas' 17-13 win vs. the Green Bay Packers, Garappolo targeted nine pass-catchers, completing passes to seven of them for a total of 208 yards.
This matchup is also highlighted by the second reunion between Belichick and his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in his second season as Raiders head coach.
"I mean, we've kind of -- the horse is dead," McDaniels said. "We've beat it enough. You know what I mean? I mean, it is what it is. So, every week you got and somebody used to play there or they know somebody on that staff or whatever it is. So, yeah, it's Game 6 for us."
McDaniels added that he's confident in his former mentor Belichick and knows not to take his team lightly.
FUN FACT: Belichick has won at least one game in 50 different stadiums. There are only two NFL Stadiums in which he needs a victory: Allegiant Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium.
RECORDS: New England Patriots (1-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
ODDS: New England is a 2.5-point underdog vs. the Raiders
GAME TIME: Sunday, October 15th, 2023 at 4:05 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas, Nevada
TV/RADIO: CBS, WEEI
FINAL WORD: Jones' on his recent struggles:
"Right now, it's not looking too good. But we have to flip the switch and start over and figure out ways to go out there and have fun and sling the ball around."
