Patriots quietly hold one advantage that could flip matchup vs. Raiders
When the New England Patriots meet the Las Vegas Raiders, much of the attention will fall on the quarterbacks, the Raiders’ new-look offense, and the ongoing struggles of New England’s patchwork offensive line. But beneath the surface, the Patriots quietly hold one advantage that could prove decisive: their run defense.
Through the early weeks of the season, New England has quietly built one of the stingiest front sevens in football. Even with injuries to key veterans, Bill Belichick’s defense has limited opposing running backs to modest yardage and consistently forced offenses into third-and-long situations. The interior trio of Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, and Lawrence Guy has held its ground, while emerging linebacker Jahlani Tavai has become an unheralded difference-maker against the run.
That could spell trouble for the Raiders, who rely heavily on Josh Jacobs to stabilize their offense. Last year’s rushing champion remains the focal point of Las Vegas’ game plan, but Jacobs has yet to find consistent success this season behind an offensive line that struggles to create lanes. If the Patriots can neutralize Jacobs early, it forces quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to shoulder more of the load against a disciplined secondary that thrives on turnovers.
The matchup sets up an interesting chess battle. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels knows the tendencies of Belichick’s defense, but familiarity cuts both ways. Belichick has coached against McDaniels in practice for years and understands how to disrupt his rhythm. By taking away the run and daring the Raiders to win through the air, New England can flip the balance of this game.
The Patriots may not be favored, but if their run defense holds true, they carry a quiet edge that could tilt the matchup in their favor.
