MORSE: Patriots vs Las Vegas Pre-Game Report
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The Raiders are averaging 34 points a game and its no fluke. They are dangerous. They have one of the deepest receiving corps in the league and Derek Carr is spreading the ball around. They have Zay jJnes and Nelson Agholor coming off the bench. Rookie Bryan Edwards is a big strong target and they have slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, a player I thought was built for the Patriots. Rookie Henry Ruggs has that vertical threat, but he will not be playing this week. Carr has his binky in TE Darren Waller, who has been unstoppable so far. He has 18 catches in two games, 12 against New Orleans last Monday. They have two backup TE’s in Jason Witten and Foster Moreau.
The Raiders want to establish the run and with their workhorse Josh Jacobs. He was nicked up Monday night and practiced little this week, but I expect him to be in the starting lineup. Jacobs is also very good in the passing game too with 7 receptions so far. The Raiders don’t pass much on 1st down, third lowest in the league last year. Against a standard 6 man front, they are averaging 5 yds per carry last season. Tent Brown didn’t play against New Orleans last Monday and isn’t expected to play against the Pats. They put starting guard Richie Incognito on IR this week, but the subs rookie Johns Simpson and Sam Young played well. Rookie Kolton Miller starts at LT and is also playing well.
On Defense they have 17-year coordinator Dave Guenther and John Gruden brought him in to install his 4-3 defense. They are weak in the middle and can be run on. Starting MLB Nick Kwiatkoski is out. LB Cory Littleton came over from the Rams but has struggled in Guenthers defense. DE Clelin Ferrell a former #4 pick has been a disappointment as a pass rusher and the Raiders have trouble putting any pressure on the QB without blitzing. They have a good young safety in Jonathan Abram, who missed all his rookie season last year. They start rookie Damon Arnette from Ohio St at CB, so they are susceptible to the pass.
The Raiders have an excellent weapon in K Daniel Carlson. He has made all 4 FG attempts and two from 54 yds.
You have to mention the fact the Raiders played on Monday night and have a short week that includes a cross country flight. That takes a toll on a team. Because of this I have the Patriots winning this games 31 – 24.
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