The last pre-season game is on us; you will want to tune in. This game will mark the first rematch between long-time offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels and current head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots and Raiders held joint practices in Las Vegas this week in what Bill called the “Taj Mahal” of football facilities.
The Raiders had the upper hand in joint practices and caused some Patriots fans to take a step back to reality. Mac Jones and the offense looked confused and disjointed during many portions of team periods. Many wonder if the Patriots will be able to get in a 30+ point shootout with teams, and the short answer is no. The Patriots lack star power on the offense. New England got to experience what a first-tier offense looks like, led by Davante Adams, Hunter Renfroe, and Derek Carr.
Many Patriots DB’s had trouble covering the Raiders wideouts on 1v1s and team periods. When J.C Jackson left New England in free agency, it created a hole in the Patriots secondary that is yet to be filled.
The final roster cut-down is this Tuesday, so this game marks the last time many Patriots will suit up. There are still many players on the bubble who will benefit from one more game. A report from ESPN Senior reporter Mike Reiss announced that the expectation is for starters to get “minimal” playing time tonight. Mac Jones and the starting offense have gotten three series this pre-season, all coming in the second preseason game against the Panthers. With that being said, let’s dive into the preview.
Former Patriots
Josh Mcdaniels – Mcdaniels came to the Patriots in 2001 as a defensive assistant and got promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2004. After Charlie Weiss left, the offensive coordinator job became available, and Mcdaniels took on the role. In 2009 he got offered a head coaching job for the Denver Broncos, but after a miserable .339 win percentage in his first two years, he got fired. Following his head coaching gig, Josh returned to the Patriots, where he was named offensive coordinator and stayed until his departure in 2022.
Dave Ziegler – Ziegler is strictly behind the scenes for the Patriots; he has worked in the front office for four years. He left New England for the General Manager spot in Vegas.
Brandon Bolden – Brandon Bolden had been with the Patriots for nine years before he departed for the Raiders in free agency. Bolden played in 131 games, with 100 receptions and 18 career touchdowns. ,
Chandler Jones – The Patriots drafted Chandler Jones in the third round of the 2012 draft. Jones helped the Patriots tremendously on defense, racking up 36 sacks and 211 tackles over 52 games. A four-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl XLIX champion anphysically, NFL All-Decade selection, Jones has an impressive resume. Chandler signed a 3 year contract with the Raiders in March.
Jarrett Stidham – Chosen by the Patriots 133rd overall, Jarrett Stidham completed 24-of-48 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions over a span of 16 games for the Patriots. In 2021 he started the season on the phycailly unable to perform list and got zero snaps last season. The Raiders traded for Stidham through trade involving future sixth- and seventh-round picks.
Former Raiders
Nelson Agahlor – Agahlor signed a 2-year 22 million contract with New England in the off-season of 2021. In 2021 he had a disappointing season, finishing with 37 receptions for 473 yards and three touchdowns.
Trent Brown – After starting every game at left tackle for the Patriots from Week 1 through Super Bowl LIII, Brown signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Raiders in March 2019, making him the highest-paid lineman. However, Brown couldn’t stay healthy in Vegas and signed with the Patriots the last off-season. If Brown can stay healthy on the field, he will help New England’s offense tremendously.
Raekwon Mcmillan – McMillan’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL. The next two years, he started in 28 games before being traded to the Raiders. He saw 169 snaps on defense and 285 snaps on special teams during his only season with the organization. The Patriots signed him to a one-year contract in 2020, but McMillan suffered a second torn ACL and remains with the Patriots.
Broadcast information
Game – Patriots vs. Raiders
Time – 8:15pm est
Stadium – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas NV
Broadcast – Patriots Preseason Network/WBZ-TV (local), NFL Network (National)
Radio – 98.5, the sports hub
Live stream – Patriots.com (local), NFl Game pass (National)
From Patriots.com
This week’s game will be broadcast by the Patriots Preseason Television Network and can be seen in every New England state, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The preseason network’s flagship station is WBZ-TV CBS in Boston. Bob Socci provides the play-by-play and is joined by former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak in the broadcast booth. WBZ’s Steve Burton will provide sideline analysis.
Prediction/Pick
Raiders 24 – Patriots 21
Side: Raiders -1
Total: OVER 37
The Patriots get off to a fast start against the Raiders, and Mac Jones and the first-team offense pick it up and start the game with a 10+ play drive that ends in a touchdown. As the game continues, the Raiders catch up and win on a last-second field goal.
Thepatriotsbeat will give updates and analysis on Twitter throughout the game. Make sure you follow @thepatriotsbeat.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
