Patriots: 5 areas to watch in Patriots, Raiders joint practices

Posted By on August 23, 2022

The Patriots are in Las Vegas this week ahead of their preseason game against the Raiders on Friday night. The two teams will be conducting joint practices today and tomorrow.

Needless to say, these practices should much more civil and productive for that matter. Old friends Dave Ziegler (GM) and Josh McDaniels (Head Coach) run the show in Vegas so I highly doubt you will see the shenanigans we saw last week with the Panthers.

Here are five things to watch for as the two teams practice.

1. Raiders pass rush versus the Patriots offensive line: The Patriots offensive line has played much better of late after a tough start earlier in training camp. They had their hands full last week with a very good Carolina front and this week will be just as tough dealing with Maxx Crosby and old buddy Chandler Jones coming off the edge. It will be quite the challenge especially for Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown.

2. Patriots secondary vs. Raiders skill group:,The Raiders boast one of the league’s top skill groups. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfroe along with tight end Darren Waller pose major match up problems for the Patriots secondary. They will present a great challenge.

The Patriots young cornerbacks can especially use the work. Facing off against players like Adams and Waller can benefit this entire unit.

3. Mac Jones vs. The Raiders secondary: If there is one weakness with this Las Vegas team, it is their secondary. I expect Mac and the receivers to have a good week in the passing game. The Raiders secondary lacks high end talent and they give up big plays. The Patriots receivers will present some match up problems.

4. Reconnecting with old friends on and off the field: I mentioned McDaniels and Ziegler earlier but several former Patriots players opted to follow them west as well. Brandon Bolden, Jakob Johnson, Duron Harmon, Tashawn Bower, Chandler Jones Jacob Hollister and Jermaine Eluemanor are all in Las Vegas now. It will be a good opportunity for Bill Belichick, the staff and players to get reacquainted with these guys.

5. The Heat: It was hot here in New England for most of training camp and it is going to be even hotter in Vegas. The joint practices with the Raiders should help prepare the Patriots for their week one match up in Miami. Even though those conditions could be different with the humidity.

I expect practices with the Raiders to go much smoother than what we saw last week. It will be all business. The Patriots need a productive week where they can evaluate players and get better.