Just a few thoughts before the game starts based on what I've heard and read about the Raiders.
1. For me the key to the game is going to be the Pats run defense. The Raiders have had massive time of possession stats that was key to their wins in their first 2 games. (IIRC over 36miinutes. That TOP stat has protected their suspect defense. If the Pats have the same lack of success stopping the run that we saw last week, then the game will devolve into another shootout, and whenever you get into one of those, you put your team into a risky situation where a tipped ball or unlucky turnover can lose you a game (not unlike we saw last week.
2. Our secondary should have good match up with the Oakland WR's and even if Waller doesn't play, the Raider will use their TE's a lot. They are an integral part of Gruden's offense. I'm actually hoping Waller plays so I can see the Waller/JJ Williams match up. And while it is unlucky that will be the only way the Pats defend him, I'm thinking it will be the most popular.
3. We've seen running Cam, and passing Cam for the first 2 weeks. I'm hoping we see a continuation in the reduction of planned runs for Cam, but an improvement to OUR running game (which will be hard without Andrews in the middle this week or JWhite not back yet. Any combination of 100 yds rushing and 25+ rushes should be what the offense needs to be balanced AND effective.
4. My biggest worry is that nothing has changed in our front 7 that would make me feel better about the run defense. Clearly Carr doesn't represent the challenge of a Russell Wilson, but he isn't an immobile QB. So how can we improve on that poor effort? a. We need to tackle a LOT better. We need Bentley to vastly improve his game. Last week he wasn't at all decisive to the point where he looked positively confused at time. We need to pressure Carr up the middle and get him off his spot.
Holding the Raiders to under 125 yds rushing will be a win for me. Also 3rd down D has to be vastly better this week.
5. On offense, improving the run game from the RB's as I mention will be the biggest factor, but I also wouild like to see more from our TE's this week. Let's get Assiasi involved this week and see what he has.
6. As for Cam, I'd like to start to see him getting out of bad plays more. 20 years of Brady can spoil a fan in that department. Maybe that's asking too much this early in the season.. but it's certainly an area I will follow closely this season. Other than that, Cam, just keep on doing what you' ve been doing and we should be fine.
Enjoy the game