Patriots Pregame Thread 2025 Raiders @ Patriots - Early thoughts

[Joey007]

Everyone seems to think our D will good, like top 10 good (popular opinion, obv just a projection). You think losing Gonzo takes our D from top 10, to giving up shootout type points?
I don't, especially as I expect us to play typical Vrabs smashmouth running football.
Time will tell, but I trust our D and Vrabs over Geno Smith.

I’m just not sold on the secondary without him. I think Davis has shown a history of being erratic as a CB1. And those safeties are very inexperienced. No Gonzo flips things entirely back there for me.

 

[Zuma]

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I’m just not sold on the secondary without him. I think Davis has shown a history of being erratic as a CB1. And those safeties are very inexperienced. No Gonzo flips things entirely back there for me.

understandable. But it would be hard to argue our pass rush won't be much better this year, which will play a huge role. Our pass rush was so bad last year, like non-existent certain games, and no secondary will overcome that. Our pass rush should make our secondary better this year.

 

[Joey007]

Would’ve been a major problem if Maye did not get a captain role lol

 

[Keyser Söze]

 

[Ring 6]

It feels like they’ll have to win a shootout. And I don’t trust the offense to be ready for a shootout yet.

But you trust the Raiders offense, with a ton of new players on offense, a brand new coaching staff and a terrible defense to be ready for a shootout?

 

[Joey007]

But you trust the Raiders offense, with a ton of new players on offense, a brand new coaching staff and a terrible defense to be ready for a shootout?

I just trust Geno in this kinda spot. He always starts out hot before he starts to come apart later in the year. Even back in the Jets he would do this.

Veteran QB + veteran head coach against a very green secondary. I don’t think the Raiders are a better team. But they’ll be more ready to go for this matchup compared to us.

 

[Ring 6]

I just trust Geno in this kinda spot. He always starts out hot before he starts to come apart later in the year. Even back in the Jets he would do this.

Veteran QB + veteran head coach against a very green secondary. I don’t think the Raiders are a better team. But they’ll be more ready to go for this matchup compared to us.

Really? You trust Geno over Maye? Wow.
FYI in his career in September Gee-No has 20 TD and 20 Ints in 19 games.

 

[Zuma]

 

[Wozzy]

Vegas likes the Pats.

 

[sb1]

Not ideal.

 

[Triumph]

Why do Raiders fans have small steering wheels in their cars?

 

[n1997y]

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

I feel for you. Tough situation, but you’ll make the best of it I’m sure.

 

[n1997y]

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’ve got Jackson as my one QB, trying to pick up Maye who is FA on waivers.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Completely appropriate.

 

[n1997y]

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.

No prob. My point is, it’s a new season. “Any given Sunday” means that history doesn’t determine the present. No NFL team should take any opponent for granted. You can always find reasons to lose in hindsight, taking teams for granted is a big one but I think not believing in yourselves is an even bigger one. We can find reasons to doubt or to believe, hopefully the results on the field prove the latter not the former.

 

[n1997y]

It’s definitely Moses, that’s why they barely used him all camp - to save him for the real games. They wouldn’t have paid him so much just to be a backup.

I expect there may be some rotation especially early to keep him fresh.

 

[n1997y]

Agreed. However I'm sure Vrabs will have a short leash on him.
Also, his age/usage needs to be monitored as you mentioned, so we may see him spelled with Bryant just to keep him fresh, of course assuming Bryant can fill in admirably.

Or maybe Lowe gets some snaps at RT?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

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.

Very hard to get open if the box is stacked. They have to threaten the whole field.

 

[mgteich]

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.

No starters listed yet?

Who's starting at LT?

ROFL