Breaking down the key sequences, through video analysis, in the Patriots' 45-17 blowout win over the Raiders, including:
- The defense not yielding points twice in their own territory when the game was still 14-7;
- Drake Maye taking a smart sack, and two plays to Hunter Henry before halftime;
- Maye's perfect TD pass to Kyle Williams, and the Raiders' complicity.
1-10-NE 35 (6:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) K.Cousins pass incomplete short left to C.White.
2-10-NE 35 (6:42) D.Laube right end to NE 36 for -1 yard (G.Jacas).
3-11-NE 36 (6:03) (Shotgun) K.Cousins sacked at NE 40 for -4 yards (E.Ponder).
With the game still at 14-7 midway through the second quarter, the Raiders drove into Patriots' territory.
On first down, the Patriots came with an all-out blitz, which they have a high propensity to do around field-goal range (to keep them from attempting a field goal). It looks like the Raiders expected it with max protection, and Kirk Cousins knows there is an unaccounted-for rusher (Craig Woodson). Cousins sees it, but the Raiders made two mistakes. Receiver Cody White doesn't run the hot route Cousins anticipates (White doesn't turn around until the ball almost hits him in the head). And, after watching the film, Cousins is going to kick himself for not just throwing it to Brock Bowers, who only had Marcus Jones between Bowers and the end zone.
On second down, three Patriots defenders — Christian Elliss (who wrecks the play by beating the guard's block in the designed hole), Gabe Jacas and Robert Spillane — all defeat their blocks, which yields a tackle for a loss.
On third down, Cousins has Tre Tucker open for about five seconds for some sort of gain, and it's likely he converts the first down against the Patriots' zone. For an unexplained reason, Cousins doesn't throw it and ends up taking a sack that knocks the Raiders out of field-goal range. Good initial rush by Milton Williams, but he runs past Cousins and doesn't really affect him. Because Cousins held the ball for so long, Elijah Ponder is able to get his first sack of the game.
1-10-NE 27 (3:19) T.Tucker right tackle to NE 38 for -11 yards (Dr.Jones).
2-21-NE 38 (2:43) (Shotgun) K.Cousins pass short left to D.Laube to NE 31 for 7 yards (C.Woods).
3-14-NE 31 (2:00) (Shotgun) K.Cousins pass incomplete deep left to T.Tucker [K.Byard]
Missed FG