REAL DANGER IN MEXICO: RAIDERS
Consider Oakland armed and dangerous today in Mexico
MEXICO CITY — The names on the billboard certainly had big-time appeal back in September. Patriots vs. Raiders. Tom Brady vs. Derek Carr.
PATRIOTS BEAT Karen Guregian
Football fans have been wanting to see this clash of titans for some time. Given the revival of the Raiders last season, and emergence as a playoff team, this was one of the more highly anticipated showdowns on the Patriots’ calendar.
It was a marquee matchup, to be sure, but the Raiders haven’t quite held up their end of the bargain. At 4-5, in second place behind the Chiefs in the AFC West, Oakland has been one of the league’s most disappointing teams.
Right now, they’re fighting just to stay in shouting distance of the Chiefs, and in the hunt for a wild card spot. They’ve have reached the point where they really can’t afford to lose another game.
So does that mean the game will be a dud, and the Patriots will just romp, much as they did in Denver last week?
Desperate teams can be dangerous teams, and the Raiders certainly fit the profile. Perhaps the thin air won’t be the only concern for the Patriots when the teams square off at Estadio Azteca today.
“We always know we’re going to get the best from our opponent,” Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers said. “We know no matter what the record is, no matter what they did in the previous weeks, when they show up against us, we’re going to get their best. We know what they’re capable of. They’re truly a playoff team and a team that can score fast and do some great things on offense.”
With Carr and fellow stars Amari Cooper, Marshawn Lynch, and Khalil Mack, they certainly have the talent and makings of a team that can take you out fast if you’re not careful.
The Patriots, who have won five straight, don’t want to have any hiccups. The last thing they need is to get complacent against the Raiders, who played in Mexico City last year, beating the Texans.
The Pats have worked hard to put themselves in prime position near the top of the AFC with a 7-2 record. They’ve just spent the past week at the Air Force Academy following their Denver win because Bill Belichick felt that was the best way to deal with another game in altitude.
So they’ve left nothing to chance.
“It’s November. Each and every game is important for every team. I know (the Raiders) are going to come out and try to get that win. And we’re going to try to do the same thing,” defensive captain Duron Harmon said. “Each win right now is so important, and we can’t let that opportunity get away.”
Coming off a bye week, the Raiders don’t have to be a desperate team to get the Patriots’ attention. For the defense especially, Harmon said watching Oakland on film has done enough to deliver the point home.
Carr and his array of weapons, be it Lynch in the backfield, or wideouts Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Johnny Holton, or tight end Jared Cook, are a handful to contain. Cook leads the team with 39 catches for 499 yards, and he has gone for 100-plus yards in two of his last three games. And even though this high-powered offense has sputtered this season, and not produced at the level expected, Harmon is expecting the best.
“I would say this might be the most talented offensive skill we’ve faced all year,” Harmon said. “Everybody who touches the ball can take it the distance from anywhere. The running backs, receivers . . . they have a great quarterback. It’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be a huge challenge.”
The Patriots defense has allowed an average of 13.4 points
over the past five games. Den-ver marked the fifth strraight game in which it allowed 17 or fewer points.
Trying to shut down Carr and his crew will be a much taller task than Brock Osweie ler last week, and they’re well aware of that.
“Offensively, we’re going against one of the best groups we’ve played all year from top to bottom,” Devin McCourty said, echoing Harmon. “We have to be prepared. They have a great offense.”
They also know they’re gomore ing to need to generate more pressure, to try and make Carr uncomfortable in the pocket.
The Raiders, however, have a terrific offensive line. Their pass protection has been excels, lent, allowing just 14 sackstied for sixth-fewest in the NFL.
“We have to get to Car, and get him off the spot, so he can’t hurt us with his big arm,” ie defensive end Deatrich Wise said. “We have to pressure him, put his linemen in his lap, get in his throwing lanes, whatever it takes.”
The Pats are tied for 26th in the league in sacks with just 16.
“I think we’ve been more effective with our rush. We’re closing the pocket, making it tighter for the quarter back to throw,” Wise said. “That’s what we’ve been working on every week. As Coach Belich ick says, the rush has to marry the coverage. You have to get a good rush, to give them a beton ter chance to make plays on the ball.”
Whatever the formula, the Patriots would be wise not to let Carr get into a rhythm. The Raiders defense, meanwhile, which has struggled all year, will have its hands full containing Brady and the Patriots' No.1 passing attack.
“I say it all the time. Sunday’s records, all that stuff doesn’t matter,” McCourty said. “You have two teams. Whoever pre pares the best, that play's the best, usually wins.”