How Raiders Must Thoroughly Prepare for the Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders have a challenging Week 1 opponent. Will they be up to the test?

Aug 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll runs out of the tunnel before the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders will finally play a game. However, they must travel to the other side of the country to do so.

Following practice during Week 1, Carroll noted that the Patriots have several talented players the Raiders must concern themselves with heading into the game. Las Vegas is still working on its cohesion along the offensive line. Although progress has been made, the Raiders must be cautious.

Carroll knows the Raiders will have their work cut out on both sides the ball.

"Well, both the inside guys are really good. They're really good. Milton [Williams] had a terrific season last year and has had a number of good years to build it up. [Christian] Barmore there, they're legit. So we have issues with those guys right off the bat," Carroll said.

Following practice leading up to Week 1, Geno Smith explained how he is preparing for New England.

"Man, scouting them all. It's Week 1. We can go off of some of the things they've done in the past, but as we all know, they can do anything they want. They can call any defense, any scheme, and it's up to us to go out there and adjust to it," Smith said.

"So, I've been watching all of them, the starters, the backups, just trying to get a feel for all the guys, and also just watching some of the stuff they did in the past to try and see if some of it will correlate. Obviously, we got to see what we get on game day, that's the most important thing. But I've been studying those guys." 

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty also noted how his preparation for the Patriots has gone. As he enters his first start in the National Football League, Jeanty explained that he uses every method presented to help him show up as physically and mentally prepared as possible.

"Prepare like I have before. Obviously, in the NFL, details are a step higher, so I'm taking my details a step higher and how I'm preparing for the game, whether that's watching film, making sure I know the playbook in and out, what I'm going to see on defense. But exactly that, prepare like it was a Super Bowl game or not, prepare the exact same way," Jeanty said.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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