FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Raiders in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Raiders defense is child's play for Maye: Guess the Raiders didn't bring over the Seahawks' defensive playbook against Drake Maye. Instead of taking away the deep stuff, and not giving Maye easy-read 1-on-1s on the outside, the Raiders did all that and more. The Raiders routinely gave Maye the deep shots outside the numbers that he loves — combine that with mostly good pass protection — and the Patriots' QB picked them apart for four touchdown passes (another rushing). It's the first time in his career he's tossed a trio of touchdowns in consecutive games, and he posted his first 300-yard game of the season (second of career).
oh. my. 😮 @DrakeMaye2 📺 CBS https://t.co/iu327WmMkx
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 11, 2026
Brock Bowers was an issue, but pressure on Kirk Cousins negated impact: The Patriots had a devil of a time covering Bowers to start the game, as they went with Marcus Jones in man coverage. The size mismatch in 1-on-1 coverage made it easy for Cousins and Bowers, as he was 4 for 4 for 69 yards and a touchdown to tie the game 7-7. After that, the Patriots changed up coverages and zones against Bowers, but pressure was the biggest issue. Elijah Ponder (two sacks, four total pressures) and Milton Williams (four total pressures) were part of a group that limited Kirk Cousins to 3 of 9 with 3 sacks and 50 yards when he was under pressure (45% in the bulk of the game).
Injuries pile up, again: The Patriots lost RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) and LT Will Campbell on the same drive in the second quarter and did not return. And being down four cornerbacks, Charles Woods went down with a shoulder injury for the second straight week.
TURNING POINT