Patriots Pregame Thread 2025 Raiders @ Patriots - Early thoughts

[n1997y]

Most interesting first game of the season in forever.
We have not seen Diggs in a game.
We have not seen Barmore and Williams together in a game.
Gonzo likely out.

Gonzo being out doesn’t seem to be as much of a problem for this game as it might be for some other games.

Geno Smith is a good QB that is turning 35 in October and throws too many picks. IF they can get pressure they will win easily, as Smith will throw some picks. If he has a clean pocket, he will pick them apart.
I have no idea how much pressure Pats can generate, last year they were worst in the league, but they have nobody from last year, outside of part time White, left in a pass rushing roll. Miller and Meredith are good pass blockers but the other 3 are only adequate. Key to the game is getting pressure on Smith.

This DL will generate pressure. LV OL isn’t the greatest and the Pats front is strong across the board.

Outside Bowers they don't scare me on offense. Curious how Jeanty looks, I was underwhelmed with his college tape, maybe my expectations were too high, we will find out soon.

I just offered to trade Jeanty for Henderson in my FF league. I missed the draft and got a strong lineup, but I’d rather have Henderson. Hoping it’s early and Jeanty was hyped enough for me to steal Henderson. Wish me luck.

Raiders defense might really stink this year. Ranked 26 last year and lost Spillane and Chaisson. Elandon Roberts and Adam Butler are possible starters. They have zero pass rush outside of Crosby. Chip him, help with RB or TE and Maye should cook.

Unless Smith has all day to throw Pats should win 28-14. Smith has all day to throw it'll be in the 31-28 range either way.

Smith won’t have all day. He will have a long day. Pats D will be the key to a solid win starting the season.

 

[Ross12]

I like the idea of a “Josh revenge game” but I just don’t see it. Week 1 is not the time where he is going to go into his bag of tricks. He is still focused on his offensive skill players, particularly Maye, grasping the fundamentals and executing them consistently. He will probably call a relatively simple game plan that targets LV’s weaknesses to some extent but will be more about playing to NE’s strengths and avoiding mistakes.

One thing I haven’t seen highlighted is that this is a classic “West coast team has to fly to the East coast and play at 1 PM” game which is always some level of disadvantage to the visiting team.

 

[sb1]

Looking at Raiders forums… they don’t seem to like Josh all that much. lol

 

[sb1]

No more of this “extended preseason” stuff… a strong start would be nice

 

[TomPatriot]

I like the idea of a “Josh revenge game” but I just don’t see it. Week 1 is not the time where he is going to go into his bag of tricks. He is still focused on his offensive skill players, particularly Maye, grasping the fundamentals and executing them consistently. He will probably call a relatively simple game plan that targets LV’s weaknesses to some extent but will be more about playing to NE’s strengths and avoiding mistakes.

One thing I haven’t seen highlighted is that this is a classic “West coast team has to fly to the East coast and play at 1 PM” game which is always some level of disadvantage to the visiting team.

Good post. JM is always good for a trick play or two, even in week one. I expect a designed QB run or two.

Rookie Mac Jones threw 39 times in the season opener four years ago and had almost 300 years passing. They’ll run if they can but if Carroll sticks 7-8 in the box, the Pats will throw, especially on those Vegas CBs or whatever you call what they’re putting out there.

 

[patsinthesnow]

It's worth noting Maye had one of his best games last year vs. Pete Carroll's cover 3 scheme against the Colts (Gus Bradley DC). He went 24/30 238 yards 1 TD 1 INT 59 rushing yards with a Henry drop leading to an INT. The Raiders have one good starter in their front seven in Crosby & their secondary is a mess. Besides their lack of talent Josh has carved this scheme up repeatedly. Cam Newton had 397 yards against the Seahawks in 2020.

Offensively the Raiders are loaded. Bowers is a superstar & the pats will have problems if they don't put Gonzo or Davis on him. Meyers is one of the most underrated WRs in the NFL & Jeanty is arguably the best RB to come out since Saquon Barkley. Their OL is serviceable & Geno Smith is an average starting QB. I expect them to have success against the pats first game running Vrabel's scheme.

The pats offense has to win this game. The Raiders pass rush is weak & they should be able to attack the middle of the field. This game is an entertaining week 1 matchup & a good opportunity for the pats offense to gain some early confidence IMO.

 

[Sfpat]

Gonzo being out doesn’t seem to be as much of a problem for this game as it might be for some other games.

This DL will generate pressure. LV OL isn’t the greatest and the Pats front is strong across the board.

I just offered to trade Jeanty for Henderson in my FF league. I missed the draft and got a strong lineup, but I’d rather have Henderson. Hoping it’s early and Jeanty was hyped enough for me to steal Henderson. Wish me luck.

Smith won’t have all day. He will have a long day. Pats D will be the key to a solid win starting the season.

I have both Jeanty and Henderson on my FF team. Tough way to start the season.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

Looking at Raiders forums… they don’t seem to like Josh all that much. lol

if anything, revenge factor works in favor of the Raiders. The raider players seemed to really hate him ... justifiably.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I am interested to see how they cover Bowers and Thornton

Most interesting first game of the season in forever.
We have not seen Diggs in a game.
We have not seen Barmore and Williams together in a game.
Gonzo likely out.

Geno Smith is a good QB that is turning 35 in October and throws too many picks. IF they can get pressure they will win easily, as Smith will throw some picks. If he has a clean pocket, he will pick them apart.
I have no idea how much pressure Pats can generate, last year they were worst in the league, but they have nobody from last year, outside of part time White, left in a pass rushing roll. Miller and Meredith are good pass blockers but the other 3 are only adequate. Key to the game is getting pressure on Smith.

Outside Bowers they don't scare me on offense. Curious how Jeanty looks, I was underwhelmed with his college tape, maybe my expectations were too high, we will find out soon.

Raiders defense might really stink this year. Ranked 26 last year and lost Spillane and Chaisson. Elandon Roberts and Adam Butler are possible starters. They have zero pass rush outside of Crosby. Chip him, help with RB or TE and Maye should cook.

Unless Smith has all day to throw Pats should win 28-14. Smith has all day to throw it'll be in the 31-28 range either way.

I think containing Jeanty is the key to the game, and I expect Bowers to get a ton of attention. But they need to make the Raiders one dimensional, and stopping Jeanty is the key to that.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I have both Jeanty and Henderson on my FF team. Tough way to start the season.

Same here. Yahoo gave me an F because I took Jeanty, Henderson, Egbuka, Warren, and Loveland, as well as McCarthy as my 2nd QB, in my draft, but I don’t give a **** because I believe all will outstrip their rankings and I didn’t like the vets available around them. Getting Jeanty at 21 was a steal imo, but we have a 2 QB league with a point for every reception, so QB’s go fast, and I got Lamar Jackson with my first pick.

 

[State]

I expect a strong game from Hunter Henry, a sensational game by TreVeyon "I love Jesus" Henderson, and some spectacular pancake blocks by Will Campbell.

Getting the lead early will be the best thing for the rookie LT. Patriots 34-10.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I have both Jeanty and Henderson on my FF team. Tough way to start the season.

Double post.

 

[Ross12]

Good post. JM is always good for a trick play or two, even in week one. I expect a designed QB run or two.

Rookie Mac Jones threw 39 times in the season opener four years ago and had almost 300 years passing. They’ll run if they can but if Carroll sticks 7-8 in the box, the Pats will throw, especially on those Vegas CBs or whatever you call what they’re putting out there.

I think we also don’t have a great grasp on what the passing offense really looks like because Diggs played zero snaps all preseason. Once he’s out there as the guy needing to be doubled, that opens up space for Boutte, Pop, Hollins etc.

It will be interesting to see if the Pats ever go full “small ball” and put Diggs, Pop and Chism on the field at the same time. Diggs at X, Pop at Z and Chism in the slot. Three guys who can get open quickly.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Here’s a question? Who’s lining up at RT for the Patriots to face Crosby? Is it Moses or Bryant? Haven’t seen any confirmation on that yet.

 

[stinkypete]

will Gonzo play and if he does, how healthy/in football shape will he be? I assume we find out this week if he practices or not.
I think the Pats will screen pass and run at Crosby all game. keep feeding Mondre, Henderson and Gibson.

This is my key. I trust McD to scheme around Crosby (Vegas’ limited depth helps us here) so I am not terribly worried about the pass rush wrecking the game, but I worry about Bowers getting upf it end unscathed if Gonzo can’t play.

I also view this game as being on the shortlist of difference making games for playoff seeding. The schedule is weak enough to unsure 8-9 wins if everyone grows as intended, but we need to win a couple among the group of the Raiders, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Miami to make a playoff push.

 

[PatsfanTN]

Yes.

And I gave my reasons.

Disagree? Back it up. Give your reasons.

Where do the Raiders match up well? What are they going to do that the Pats won’t be able to stop? What will they do to shut down whatever the Pats try to do?

I mean, at least put some effort in your posts. Come on, man! It’s time for football! Show some enthusiasm!

settle down, don’t get all wound up because I may have disagreed with you a little.
My point was, we’ve been terrible for 5 years now. In the NFL, any given Sunday truly means that. Recent history shows we should take no team for granted and that includes Vegas. I have faith we will win the game and I can appreciate your enthusiasm (I have high hopes myself), but this team also needs to prove it.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Same here. Yahoo gave me an F because I took Jeanty, Henderson, Egbuka, Warren, and Loveland, as well as McCarthy as my 2nd QB, in my draft, but I don’t give a **** because I believe all will outstrip their rankings and I didn’t like the vets available around them. Getting Jeanty at 21 was a steal imo, but we have a 2 QB league with a point for every reception, so QB’s go fast, and I got Lamar Jackson with my first pick.

I have Hendo and Bowers.
Not sure about starting Hendo this early as we're not sure what his usage will be. Might be too tantalizing to leave on my bench. Nothing worse than sitting a guy who goes off for 150 combined yards and a couple of TDs.
Bowers will get his. We will have a plan, but it won't work to perfection, meaning we may limit him but the guy went from a rook to the best receiving TE in the league in his first season, special player.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Same here. Yahoo gave me an F because I took Jeanty, Henderson, Egbuka, Warren, and Loveland, as well as McCarthy as my 2nd QB, in my draft, but I don’t give a **** because I believe all will outstrip their rankings and I didn’t like the vets available around them. Getting Jeanty at 21 was a steal imo, but we have a 2 QB league with a point for every reception, so QB’s go fast, and I got Lamar Jackson with my first pick.

Screw Yahoo.
ESPN gave me a C, ranked me 7th out of 10 teams.
Exactly what they ranked me last year, where I proceeded to go to my finals for the 4th time in 5 years.
I read FF projections more for entertainment and to get insights on injuries and depth charts, but to be perfectly honest, I've been playing FF for over 30 years, and I honestly trust my own assessment over every guy/girl that has a show or column as a FF "expert"

 

[denverpatsfan]

This is my key. I trust McD to scheme around Crosby (Vegas’ limited depth helps us here) so I am not terribly worried about the pass rush wrecking the game, but I worry about Bowers getting upf it end unscathed if Gonzo can’t play.

I also view this game as being on the shortlist of difference making games for playoff seeding. The schedule is weak enough to unsure 8-9 wins if everyone grows as intended, but we need to win a couple among the group of the Raiders, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Miami to make a playoff push.

Bingo. Pats, Raiders will both be in contention for the 7th seed. HUGE game.
This Raiders team is a potential playoff team. Not a pushover like some here are saying.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Bingo. Pats, Raiders will both be in contention for the 7th seed. HUGE game.
This Raiders team is a potential playoff team. Not a pushover like some here are saying.

Could be, but I don't see it.
Unless they have a complete 180, their D is not good enough
Geno will be forced to play catchup in a lot of games, and that's when he will make the Geno of old mistakes.
Game to game they may be competitive, but I don't see them as a threat for the playoffs at all, they will probably go 0-6 in their division, maybe 2-4 at best?