Three Offensive X-Factors for Raiders vs. Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders will look to increase their scoring output against the New England Patriots, and these three players might help them do that.

The Las Vegas Raiders have not had the offensive season they were hoping for, but have shown signs of improvement.

They will need to continue to do so against the New England Patriots, a team whose defense has been efficient, despite their 1-4 record.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown seven interceptions this season, the most out of any quarterback in the NFL. Garoppolo needs to cut down on turnovers so the Raiders have more scoring opportunities and keep their defense off the field.

But the Raiders, who are near the bottom of the NFL in several statistical categories, need other players to step up and help increase the offensive output. Let’s take a look at who they are.

Tight End Michael Mayer -- The rookie tight end played his season-high in snaps against the Green Bay Packers, seeing 24 offensive plays, according to Pro Football Focus.

Mayer caught two passes for 39 yards, including a 20-yard reception where he showed off his yards-after-catch ability. Mayer is incredibly talented, and as the season goes on, he will have more opportunities to showcase that.

Garoppolo could solve his interception issue by setting up easy passes for Mayer and letting him work in the open field, which he has shown he can do. Mayer’s increasing playing time could continue again against the Patriots, and if it does, they will need to get him the ball.

Guard Dylan Parham -- Running back Josh Jacobs is starting to get it going, and if the Raiders cannot find success throwing the ball, they once again can rely on their running game.

That includes the offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage, especially guard Dylan Parham, who has the lowest run-blocking PFF grade on the Raiders’ starting offensive line at 61.8.

If the Raiders want to find success running the ball up the middle against a stout Patriots defense, it starts with Parham’s improvement.

Wide Receiver Tre Tucker -- Like Mayer, the Raiders might want to get Tucker more involved.

Tucker has played only 46 snaps this season, and the Raiders do not have a true burner in the passing game. In his limited snaps, Tucker has shown his speed can be a game-changer.

To have success against a Patriots defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game in the NFL this season, dialing up shots to Tucker downfield or using him on reverses could be an option.

The Silver and Black will stay home at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.

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