2. Defense Gets a Takeaway!
After an uninspiring first possession by the Patriots offense that included penalties on the first two plays, the Raiders received the ball back at their own 40-yard line looking to extend their lead. With some help from a Jahlani Tavai unnecessary roughness penalty that tacked on 15 yards, the Raiders quickly made it down inside the Patriots red zone again, with Jakobi Meyers chipping in a 13-yard catch.
Once again the defense stepped up in the red zone, picking up their first takeaway in four games. Davante Adams caught a quick slant off the line of scrimmage but Jabrill Peppers delivered an immediate hard hit that jarred the ball loose into the air. Jahlani Tavai was on the spot to collect the ball for the team’s second interception of the season.
It was a critical stop, as the Raiders were looking for a double-digit lead late in the first quarter. Despite allowing some yardage, the Patriots defense made some early plays to keep the game within reach for their stagnant offense that failed to produce a first down in the first quarter.
Unfortunately, the Patriots went three-and-out again and then watched the Raiders respond with an eight-play, 59-yard touchdown drive with former Patriot Jakobi Meyers coming down with the score, already his fourth of the season.
Once again the game followed an all-too-familiar script with mistakes helping to dig an early double-digit hole. The defense struggled to get off the field and the offense was unable to move the ball.