An easier opponent didn’t make much of a difference for the New England Patriots, who fell in defeat for a third straight time on Sunday afternoon.
After suffering back-to-back blowout losses to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, the Patriots fell victim to a heartbreaking 21-17 road loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
The offense was clearly still sluggish, but they did manage to move the ball better than they have in previous weeks. They even scored two touchdowns after failing to score one in their last two games.
But overall, it was still a disappointing showing from a team that looks like one of the worst in the league. The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and even New York Jets look like far superior teams than the Patriots right now.
With a 1-5 record and a schedule loaded with a murderer’s row slate of opponents, there may be no changing that narrative for the Patriots this season.
Here are the studs and duds from Sunday’s game:
Sam Roberts: DUD
Sam Roberts bailed the Raiders out on a leverage penalty during a field goal attempt in the first quarter. Give the defense some credit for hanging in tough and holding Las Vegas to another field goal. So this wasn’t a complete loss for New England.
However, Roberts’ mistake kept the defensive unit on the field and widened the already significant gap in time of possession between the two teams early in the game. It was one of those mental blunders that the Patriots simply can’t have when they’re already struggling to put points on the board.
Ezekiel Elliott: STUD
Even though he gets less carries, there have been times this season where Ezekiel Elliott has looked like a more efficient runner than Rhamondre Stevenson. So it was fitting that the three-time Pro Bowl running back was the one that ended the touchdown drought for the Patriots.
It wasn’t a big rushing day for New England, but Elliott averaged 4.9 yards per carry with the ball in his hands. The former two-time league-leading rusher is showing he still has juice left in his legs.
At a time when the offense is clearly struggling, Elliott is proving to be one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons.
Vederian Lowe: DUD
On one of the most crucial plays of the game, Patriots offensive tackle Vederian Lowe didn’t seem to put up much of a fight against Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who iced the game with a safety on Mac Jones.
Maxx Crosby is fired up. Brian Hoyer is fired up. Josh McDaniels is fired up. Raiders fans everywhere are fired up.
📺: #NEvsLV on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/lG0CjoKuN3— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Lowe was never seen as a long-term option for the Patriots, but they were forced to turn to him as a temporary piece for a flailing offensive line unit. And even with him on the field, the unit has continued to flail.
On the safety play in particular, Lowe looked like he wanted no parts of Crosby. The effort on that play has to be better than that.
Kendrick Bourne: STUD
Kendrick Bourne looked like he was the only receiver on the field at times. He racked up 10 catches for 89 yards in the game, while DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton were held to only one reception each.
Bourne has been too hit-or-miss for the Patriots this season, but then again, it isn’t like Mac Jones has a ton of time in the pocket to allow plays to develop downfield. The Patriots are in desperate need of an offensive playmaker, and Bourne might be one of their best bets in finding one.
Jabrill Peppers: STUD
Jabrill Peppers put one of the biggest hits of the season on Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams.
Not only did he drop the hammer on Adams, but he also popped the ball out and assisted in an interception for Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai. Peppers’ physicality on the backend of the defense has helped keep the secondary afloat, despite multiple players missing with injuries.
Jabrill Peppers and Jahlani Tavai team up for a crazy INT 😱
📺: #NEvsLV on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/vHQjDgCxEv— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Peppers kept points off the board of a potential scoring drive for the Raiders. The Patriots haven’t looked like a good football team this season, but the defense continues to show the ability to make plays in key moments.
DeVante Parker: DUD
DeVante Parker has been one of the bigger offensive disappointments for the Patriots this season. He only has 12 receptions for 129 yards in the first six games of the year.
On Sunday, he was held to one reception for a measly seven yards. That’s a big problem for a player that is supposed to be the Patriots’ No. 1 outside threat receiver.
This was another game where Parker disappeared in the background for an offense that can barely move the football.
Jahlani Tavai: STUD
Jahlani Tavai was the second-leading tackler in the game behind Jabrill Peppers, and he also came away with the lone turnover for the Patriots. The veteran linebacker doesn’t get enough credit for what has been a solid regular season campaign.
This game was another example of the defense making plays and the offense failing to capitalize on opportunities. Following Tavai’s interception, the Patriots offense stalled on a drive, and the team was forced to kick the ball right back to the Raiders.
Christian Barmore: STUD
Christian Barmore was a disruptive difference-maker throughout this game. Whether he was generating pressure up the middle, snuffing out runs or getting his hands up and batting down passes, the veteran defensive lineman was causing headaches for Josh McDaniels’ offense.
There has been a lingering hope that Barmore would break out this season, and he has continued to show flashes of doing so in games. He has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler on the Patriots’ roster.
Chrstian Barmore's been a monster today! #Patriots pic.twitter.com/muH5pR8dfa
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) October 15, 2023
Barmore stuffed Raiders running back Josh Jacobs on a 3rd-and-2 to give the offense one last chance with the football. He made the big play when the team needed it to have a chance to win.
