FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ 36-20 over the Raiders in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Offense puts up a season-high in points without much from Newton: It wasn't always pretty, especially in a first half in which the Patriots were 0 for 5 on third downs to start the game, didn't convert one until there was 10:53 left in the second quarter and totaled just 13 points, but the Patriots ended up with 406 yards and 34 points. The better news, likely, was the Patriots didn't need much out of Cam Newton to do it. After being superhuman in the first two games, Newton was just 17 of 28 for 162 yards, one touchdown and one terrible interception for a passer rating of 73.8. Newton rushed nine times for 27 yards, although he did have a couple of key scampers to keep drives alive.
Bully Ball returns: After relying on Newton's right arm against the Seahawks, the Patriots rushed for 250 yards and two scores. The three backs — Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and J.J. Taylor — combined for 26 times for 209 yards (8.03 average). Michel got off to a tough start, thanks to poor blocking, but Josh McDaniels turned to Taylor and Burkhead on outside runs to loosen things up. Michel had runs of 38 and 43 yards inside to provide the thunder.
Defense clamps down, turns the ball over: After allowing Raiders RB Josh Jacobs to carry nine times for 54 yards (6.0) in the first half, the Patriots limited him to 17 yards on seven carries (2.4) in the second half. Without that option in the second half, the Raiders' offense grounded to a halt. Shilique Calhoun (two) and Chase Winovich (strip sack) each forced fumbles. Joejuan Williams and some teammates held TE Darren Waller to just two catches on four targets and 9 yards. Deatrich Wise was also impactful with a half-sack and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
TURNING POINT
The Patriots were locked into a battle with the Raiders and had just benefited from a missed game-tying field goal. On the second play from scrimmage of the second half, Michel busted loose for 38 yards thanks to key blocks from Jakob Johnson and Jermaine Eluemunor. This seemed to be a body blow to the Raiders and started a process of tiring them out. Patriots scored five plays later to go up 20-10 and a two-score lead is a very good thing for this Patriots team.
Off and running. @Flyguy2stackz for 38 yards!
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/kQGQ6e9TtJ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2020
SECOND GUESS
Patriots had to burn four timeouts on defense, including three in the second half, to leave them with zero with 12:30 remaining. That should be inexcusable for a unit that's mostly veteran and is being counted on to lead this team. Luckily the Patriots didn't need to challenge a consequential play down the stretch, or else taking those timeouts could have been really costly.
FOUR UP
RB Rex Burkhead: Burkhead made plays in just about any fashion with 49 yards and two touchdowns on six carries in the running game, and seven receptions on a team-high 10 targets for another 49 yards and score. Burkhead's firmly a backup and gameplan matchup for this offense when he's healthy, but with James White dealing with his family tragedy, Burkhead gave them some really nice run.
DE Shilique Calhoun: Had two forced fumbles, including a strip sack to start Deatrich Wise's touchdown.
Offensive line: As opposed to last season, the Patriots didn't appear to skip a beat with David Andrews out as Joe Thuney moved to center and Michael Onwenu started at left guard. It wasn't just those guys because the tight ends, fullback and the receivers all play important roles when you run for 250 yards. With that kind of output, the big guys and everyone is moving the pile.
RB Sony Michel: Pity the Patriots didn't find a way to give him a touchdown because he really deserved it with 117 yards on nine carries — and he even had two receptions for 23 yards!
THREE DOWN
QB Cam Newton: Threw an inexcusable interception and missed some plays with late decisions. Newton also threw late and nearly got some of his receivers killed. He was not sharp in a game for the first time this season.
CB Stephon Gilmore: An inexcusable 28-yard pass interference penalty that allowed the Raiders to score a touchdown with 75 yards in 28 seconds.
K Nick Folk: Made three field goals under 34 yards, but missed an extra point late that actually made the game more interesting than it should have been.
INJURIES
LT Isaiah Wynn (calf): Missed a series in the second half and was replaced by rookie Justin Herron, but Wynn did return.
TOP PLAYS
Surfing in for the score.@RBrex34 | #GoPats
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/fDrQxrdlzf
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2020
Off and running. @Flyguy2stackz for 38 yards!
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/kQGQ6e9TtJ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2020
"Flying and contorting and spinning into the end zone!" @RBrex34 | #GoPats
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FpMOuLwDF1
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2020
1. Set a career-high.
2. Break it.
3. Top the 100-yard mark for the game.
48-yard run for @Flyguy2stackz!
?: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/2ZXh55eYFI
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2020
Chase Winovich with the strip sack! #GoBlue | #ProBlue pic.twitter.com/yf2lDObpoi
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) September 27, 2020
Congratulations to Deatrich Wise (@wisehog94) on achieving the HOLY GRAIL of FOOTBALL
SACK, FORCED FUMBLE, FUMBLE RECOVERY, TOUCHDOWN‼️ #WeAreTeamSports pic.twitter.com/Tn8all93Ht
— Scott Casterline (@ScottCasterline) September 27, 2020
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Stephon Gilmore better bring his game starting against the Chiefs: OK, Stephon, you earned that little three-game siesta and $5 million walking around money for winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. But now, it's time to start earning it. The Patriots now face the Chiefs, (Broncos don't count), 49ers, Bills, (Jets), Ravens, Texans and Cardinals in the next eight games. This stretch will decide the season, and the Patriots need last year's Steph, not the version we've seen through three games.
Raiders are not ready for primetime: Did everyone enjoy the Raiders Show off their 2-0 start and win against the Saints? Good, because that will be about it. The Raiders, especially without two starters on the offensive line, are just another young team with a weak defense, young receivers and a quarterback who is good but lacks any sort of clutch gene in the biggest of games. The Raiders should be in the playoff hunt through the end of the season, but they will need to grow up quick in order to be any type of force in the AFC West.
