Breaking down key sequences, using video analysis, from the Patriots’ 45-17 blowout victory over the Raiders, including:
– The defense did not give up points twice on its territory while the score was still 14-7;
– Duck Mayé taking a smart sack and two plays against Hunter Henry before halftime;
– Maye’s perfect TD pass to Kyle Williamsand the complicity of the Raiders.
1-10-NE 35 (6:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 23-K.Cousins short left pass incomplete to 38-C.White.
2-10-NE 35 (6:42) 6-D.Laube right side to NE 36 for -1 yard (6-G.Jacas).
3-11-NE 36 (6:03) (Shotgun) K.Cousins sacked from the NE 40 for -4 yards (E.Ponder).
With the game still 14-7 midway through the second quarter, the Raiders drove into Patriots territory.
On first down, the Patriots went for an all-out blitz, which they have a strong propensity to do around field goal range (to prevent them from attempting a field goal). Looks like the Raiders were expecting it with maximum protection, and Kirk Cousins knows there’s a rusher missing (Craig Woodson). Cousins sees it, but the Raiders made two mistakes. Receiver Cody White doesn’t follow the hot route Cousins anticipated (White doesn’t turn around until the ball almost hits him in the head). And, after watching the film, Cousins is going to be kicking himself for not just throwing it at Brock Bowerswho only had Mark Jones between Bowers and the end zone.
On second down, three Patriots defenders — Christian Ellis (who destroys the game by beating the guard’s block into the intended hole), Gabe Jacas And Robert Spill – all beat their blocks, resulting in a tackle for a loss.
On third down, Cousins Tre Tucker open for about five seconds for some sort of gain, and he’s likely to convert the first down against the Patriots zone. For some unexplained reason, Cousins doesn’t throw it and ends up taking a sack that puts the Raiders out of field goal range. Good first rush by Milton Williamsbut it overwhelms Cousins and doesn’t really affect him. Because Cousins held the ball so long, Elijah To reflect on is able to get his first sack of the game.
1-10-NE 27 (3:19) T.Tucker right tackle to the NE 38 for -11 yards (Dr.Jones).
2-21-NE 38 (2:43) (Shotgun) K.Cousins short pass left to 18-D.Laube to the NE 31 for 7 yards (C.Woods).
3-14-NE 31 (2:00) (Shotgun) K.Cousins long left pass incomplete for T.Tucker (K.Byard)
Missed FG
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