Kickoff: The Patriots will look to turn their season around this afternoon when they visit old friend Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders. New England is coming off of a humiliating 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints at home while the Raiders will look to make it two in a row after beating the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. 

Here are four keys to the game.

1st Down- Find something positive on offense early: The offense is so bad right now that any positive would be a good thing. If the Patriots can find a way to move the ball early, get some first downs and score the first touchdown, that would go a long way in giving this team some much needed confidence.

2nd Down- Get inside pressure on Jimmy G: The Patriots defensive line is going to need to play well in this game specifically the defensive tackles. They must do a good job of collapsing the pocket and forcing Jimmy Garoppolo to move. Garoppolo is banged up and doesn’t run well to begin with. Get him on the run and make him have to get rid of the ball quick.

3rd Down- A plan for Crosby: Maxx Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He wins with speed and power. The Patriots beleaguered offensive line will have their hands full with him. Look for the Patriots to slide their protection to him from the uncovered lineman on and chip him with a running back and tight end whenever possible.

4th Down- Bracket Adams: The Patriots secondary will have to deal with arguably the best receiver in football in Davante Adams. New England doesn’t have a corner who can match up with him and cover him for most of the game. Therefore, the Patriots will have to get creative with how they defend Adams. I would expect a variety of different bracket looks based on Adams alignment. Look for Patriots corners to get physical with him as well and try to reroute him at the line. The Raiders are ranked 32nd in rushing in the NFL. Play a light box and focus on Adams.

Extra Point- The Patriots hold an 18-15-1 lead in the regular season against the Raiders. The two teams faced off last season at Allegiant Stadium in the infamous lateral game where the Patriots inexplicably started lateraling the ball on the last play of the game. The play resulted in a Chandler Jones interception and touchdown return that won the game for the Raiders.

The two teams have met three times in the playoffs. In 1976, the Patriots lost the first meeting in Oakland, 24-21. The Patriots advanced to their first AFC Championship Game in 1985 after beating the Raiders, 27-20, in Los Angeles. In 2001, the Patriots beat Oakland, 16-13, in overtime in the last game ever played in Foxboro Stadium. It was the Tuck Rule game. 

Final Drive- Can the Patriots win this game? Sure. A lot has to go right however. Right now this team needs as many positives as it could get. A good opening drive and a score, even a field goal would help. The Patriots can dig out of the hole they are in. If they are going to do that, they must win today.