While the 2020 NFL football season is still months away, it’s not always too early to start previewing the season.
In this new series, we are going to preview each game in the Raiders‘ regular-season and take a look into every opponent. The Raiders will be headed to the east coast on Week 3. Welcome to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where the Patriots are trying to reform a team since Tom Brady, the veteran quarterback left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the off-season.
Isn’t it strange to see a different quarterback?
Let’s shortly kill the obvious. Since 2000, The New England Patriots are without Tom Brady for the first time. To put that thing in mind, the TV sitcom, “Friends,” was running its sixth season.
And who is replacing the skilled one in the quarterback position? A former Auburn standout and 2019 fourth-round pick: Jarrett Stidham. At the second season in the NFL, Stidham achieving his place as backup quarterback after playing well during the 2019 preseason, replacing Bryan Hoyer as the backup to Brady.
With Brady left, Stidham will have to lead this veteran offense consisting of tight end Matt LaCosse, wide receiver Julian Edelman, and running back Sony Michel. Every eye will be focused on the newbie quarterback and whether the riders’ defense can pressure him to make a mistake.
It’s Time for some Revenge
It’s been three years since the Raiders last played against the Patriots, getting run over by the head coach of the New England Patriots: Bill Belichick and company, 33-8. Now the difference is here. Instead of a veteran leading the squad, a rookie quarterback is leading the Patriots will help the Raiders have the upper hand on the defensive side. With that said, the targets for Stidham haven’t changed since Brady left, so the secondary will have to be well aware and alert.
It should finish up in entertaining matchups on the field. On the flip side, the Raiders need to make confirm their offense is creating points every time they get the ball. Derek Carr, the Quarterback needs to be well conscious of his surroundings and use his football IQ. Coach Jon Gruden needs to stop running the same playing strategy recurrently if it isn’t working for his team. And in 3 weeks of this season, the early games should have pinpointed Stidham’s weaknesses. The key to success of this game is to address and attack Stidham’s weaknesses on defense while playing smart and balanced football on offense.
