Raiders Defense Needs to Play its Best Game to Beat Patriots

Raiders offense will likely score vs. Pats, but Oakland defense appears overmatched vs. Tom Brady and Co.

Chances are, the Raiders are going to score some points Sunday against the New England Patriots in Mexico City.

The Raiders offense has come alive in recent games, and the Patriots’ defense has some holes. Derek Carr and Co. seem certain to get their share of opportunities.

But the real challenge for Oakland is to stop the Patriots’ offense. That’s where the Raiders are at a decided disadvantage.

Oakland is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 71.2 percent of their passes. Those opposing passers also have a cumulative QB rating of 110.5. In short, that means quarterbacks are carving up the Oakland defense with regularity. Throw in the fact Oakland has yet to intercept a single pass this season, and you have a formula that may be perfect for Patriots QB Tom Brady to have a big, big game Sunday afternoon.

Brady has led the Patriots to five straight wins and leads the NFL in passing.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio this week said he’s seen a “vintage Tom Brady” on film.

“You know you’re going to have your hands full anytime you’re going against him,” said Del Rio.

Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. says the entire defense will have to play well – and stick to its fundamentals – to keep Brady from taking over the game.

“You have to make plays,” Norton told reporters. “You have to get him (Brady) off the spot sometimes. You have to make him think sometimes. You have to make plays. You have to knock the ball away from the receivers. You have to tackle well. You have to put together a really solid game because they’re going to test everything that you’re doing. They have a certain formula that works well for them.”

The Raiders, at 4-5 and coming off a bye week, probably need a win more than the Patriots do. At 7-2, the Pats have a lead over the Bills (5-4) in the AFC East. The Raiders are second in the AFC West to the 6-3 Chiefs. So, perhaps the Raiders will play with more fire than New England. But, oddsmakers don't think so. They favor the Patriots by 7.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game at Estadio Azteca is set for 1:25 p.m. in the Bay Area.

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