Five things to watch
MEXICO CITY — Prior to the season, this PatriotsRaiders matchup looked like a doozy, as the Raiders were the second best team in the AFC in 2016 before Derek Carr broke his leg.
But the Raiders have struggled to back it up, and an early four-game losing streak put them in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Patriots are rolling again, and they’re putting their five-game winning streak on the line in Mexico as they continue their pursuit for the top seed in the conference.
Here are five things to watch.
Shoulder the load?
Tight end Martellus Bennett made the most of his seven snaps against the Broncos, as he caught three passes for 38 yards and reaffirmed his commitment to play through a severe amount of shoulder pain stemming from a torn rotator cuff and labrum damage, which is nothing new for him. Now with a full week to prepare, will the Patriots increase Bennett's workload or remain conservative due to the wounded wing? And would either scenario impact Dwayne Allen, who has played 20 snaps in three consecutive games? Allen had his best game of the season against the Broncos, and not just because he finally caught a pass, so it would behoove the Patriots to see if he can develop some momentum for the stretch run.
Backs to the future
The Patriots offense has been at its best when heavily incorporating the running backs, and their roles have evolved of late. Surging Dion Lewis has led the team in rushing during every game of their winning streak. He'll continue to be the top choice for running between the tackles. That's not good for Mike Gillislee, who is actually still the Patriots' leading rusher despite falling out of favor. Gillislee doesn't have a role on special teams, and the Patriots are more predictable with him on the field. James White is still Mr. Clutch in the passing game, and he has help now from Rex Burkhead, whose speed presents problems for foes. Burkhead also had a blocked punt and a tackle in kickoff coverage against the Broncos, so he knows the way to Bill Belichick's heart.
Look out for that Mack truck
The Patriots have faced seven pass rushers ranked in the top 11 in sacks, and now they have to slow down 2016 Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack, who is off to a slow start with 4.5 sacks.
Oakland ranks 23rd in points allowed,
26th in total yards,
22nd in passing yards and 21st in rushing yards, so if the Patriots can keep Mack in check,
Tom Brady should be able to go to work.
Left tackle Nate Solder hasn't allowed a sack in six straight games.
Backup right tackle LaAdrian Waddle has surrendered three quarterback hits in three extended appearances in relief of Marcus Cannon (ankle), and figures to make his third start with Cannon out. The Pats are at least trending in the right direction.
Tall trouble?
Raiders receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are consistently productive, and they'll be a challenge for Patriots corners Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler. The Oakland wideouts are both 6-foot-1, making matchup assignments hard to predict. Cooper might be a little quicker, which would make Butler better-suited. But Cooper is more productive so Gilmore might be the pick. It's also possible Eric Rowe could return after missing the last five games with a groin injury. Why else would the Patriots bring him on the trip when they left other injured players at home?
Foreign territory
To get a feel for the atmosphere in Mexico City, Tom Brady rewatched last year's game between the Raiders and Texans. It shouldn't be too dissimilar to anything he has seen before, as there will be neutral elements that give the crowd a Super Bowl feel, which Brady understands well. And Brady has played two games in London and dozens and dozens in road stadiums that are filled with Patriots vitriol. The altitude is a factor to consider, though. The Patriots practiced in it all week, so they got used to that aspect, but many of them have dealt with dryness, sinus issues and other elements from the week in Colorado. Those figure to be exacerbated during the short stint in Mexico City. And the Raiders decided to take a quick trip, too, so their inability to acclimate to the altitude could have an adverse effect on them.