Patriots Pregame Thread 2025 Raiders @ Patriots - Early thoughts

[denverpatsfan]

From an article on the interwebs concerning Chip Kelly the Raiders new OC. The Ringer

25 Questions That Could Shape the 2025 NFL Season

Will Micah Parsons make Green Bay a true Super Bowl contender? What’s the deal with Matthew Stafford’s back? And can the Ravens finally round into playoff form? That and more in this preview of the upcoming season.

www.theringer.com

"Now, Kelly is more prepared to take on the challenges posed by NFL defenses. And he’s also got some talent to work with. In Geno Smith, he’ll have his best-ever pro quarterback. The team drafted him a potential franchise running back in Ashton Jeanty. Plus, he has Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, two talented tight ends he can deploy in those 12-personnel sets. Kelly will have to scheme around a mediocre offensive line and receiving corps, but that’s what the money’s for. If he earns his checks this season, the Raiders could have a top-10 offense, which might be enough to help them compete for a playoff spot if the defense isn’t a total disaster."

 

[Uptown]

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

On the game...
I'm more concerned about Moses vs. Crosby than I am about Campbell vs. the field (or Crosby too)
Moses has barely practiced, is old and slow, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Bryant in the game in the 2nd half.
Not to take over for the year, but to spell Moses, who hasn't seen game speed since last year.

I think McDaniels continually chips Crosby all game and leaves Campbell on his own. 1 or 2 sacks as a result will not cost us the game.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I was really hoping V Lowe could be our Swing Tackle. But it seems like he's pure Left Tackle.

You were hoping on Vederian Lowe? LOL You can't be serious. This was a joke post without a meme?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

He can't cover quick or fast WR's - but maybe he can cover TEs closer to the line of scrimmage. In college I recall he was a very effective spy on mobile QBs. Not afraid to hit very hard.

Mapu is more than capable of covering TEs an RBs. Mapu is a LB, thank God the big safety experiment is over. I am not sure any LB can cover Bowers.

 

[Uptown]

 

[Uptown]

 

[Ross12]

 

[slash83]

If Gonzo was good I’d give us a 60 percent win chance, without him I believe it’s 50-50.

 

[Ross12]

If Gonzo was good I’d give us a 60 percent win chance, without him I believe it’s 50-50.

Honestly I don't think it will be a huge issue this week specifically. Their best weapon is Bowers, who Gonzo would not have been covering anyway. At WR they don't really have any super athletic hard covers - Jakobi Meyers, old Amari Cooper who has been there like 2 weeks, and 2nd/4th round rookies Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton... I would think Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, and DJ James is still more than sufficient for this group.

 

[Zuma]

 

[Ross12]

Still wondering who starts at LG. I am guessing it's Wilson, but doesn't seem guaranteed.

 

[Zuma]

Still wondering who starts at LG. I am guessing it's Wilson, but doesn't seem guaranteed.

Yeah their is some unknown there. I hope Brown is at LG and Wilson at C...I think that is the strongest combo for the OL...but most likely that won't happen this game. I just hope were not seeing musical chairs this season. More then any other position group...they need reps with each other to gel. Consistency.

 

[JayNM]

I have this nagging unfortunate feeling that we'll se Hendersom less than expected

Maybe when (hopefully if) Stevenson fumbles he gets more snaps

Hope to be wrong

 

[Thunderhead]

I'm expecting the Pats to lose, I just hope it's competitive and the Pats don't beat themselves/play like clowns. Would feel a whole lot better if Gonzalez was playing and if there was more certainty with the OL.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I have this nagging unfortunate feeling that we'll se Hendersom less than expected

Maybe when (hopefully if) Stevenson fumbles he gets more snaps

Hope to be wrong

This isn’t Belichick, he hated playing rookie RBs early.

I think Vrabel is smarter, or perhaps less stubborn is a better way to put it.

 

[reflexblue]

I'm expecting the Pats to lose, I just hope it's competitive and the Pats don't beat themselves/play like clowns. Would feel a whole lot better if Gonzalez was playing and if there was more certainty with the OL.

Of course you would.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I'm most intrigued to see what our passing game can be and am hoping they have many options active on WR and use Henderson liberally

That being said, the safe thing to do will be to use the run to set up the passing game, but I'm hopeful that McDaniels puts the league on notice by spreading the ball, keeping Ds off kilter - and while there's no true standout, we've got at least 4 dependable guys who have to be respected as deep threats, or Maye will make them pay

I'd love to see Campbell give Maye the protection to do just that and air it out, but that's asking a lot for Week 1

Most likely quick short passes - hopefully to many targets

Overall my guess is we won't see any WR come close to 100 receptions, I see a bunch of guys in the 40-60 reception category

So start of the season will be the run setting up the pass, but I think by October it will be the opposite

 

[slash83]

I’m pretty bummed out Gonzo isn’t playing.

 

[mgteich]

I'm most intrigued to see what our passing game can be and am hoping they have many options active on WR and use Henderson liberally

That being said, the safe thing to do will be to use the run to set up the passing game, but I'm hopeful that McDaniels puts the league on notice by spreading the ball, keeping Ds off kilter - and while there's no true standout, we've got at least 4 dependable guys who have to be respected as deep threats, or Maye will make them pay

I'd love to see Campbell give Maye the protection to do just that and air it out, but that's asking a lot for Week 1

Most likely quick short passes - hopefully to many targets

Overall my guess is we won't see any WR come close to 100 receptions, I see a bunch of guys in the 40-60 reception category

So start of the season will be the run setting up the pass, but I think by October it will be the opposite

4 deep threats? We need ONE to keep the defense honest.

I think it will be difficult for the OL to give Maye a lot of time. [BTW, that was often the case with Brady as QB]

The key for the passing game will be short and intermediate passes, getting ball out fast.