Written by Scotty B (Pats Planet)
The New England Patriots dropped their season opener to the Las Vegas Raiders, 20-13, in a game where the numbers showed just how evenly matched the two teams were — with a few key areas making the difference.
Both teams had similar yardage — Las Vegas with 389 yards to New England’s 336 — but the Raiders were far more efficient when it counted. New England went just 4-of-14 on third downs and 1-of-3 in the red zone, while Las Vegas converted 5-of-13 on third downs and scored on its only red zone trip.
Penalties also played a major role, as both teams committed nine penalties, with the Patriots being flagged for 70 yards and the Raiders for 81. Time of possession was virtually split, with New England holding the ball for 30:05 and Las Vegas for 29:55.
Team Stats Overview
| Stat | Patriots | Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 336 | 389 |
| Passing Yards | 276 | 333 |
| Rushing Yards | 60 | 56 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 4-14 (29%) | 5-13 (38%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 1-3 (33%) | 1-1 (100%) |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 9-70 | 9-81 |
| Time of Possession | 30:05 | 29:55 |
Key Performers
Patriots
- Drake Maye (QB): 30/46, 287 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Kayshon Boutte (WR): 6 REC, 103 YDS
- Stefon Diggs (WR): 6 REC, 57 YDS
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB): 5 CAR, 27 YDS; 6 CATCHES, 24 YDS
- Jaylinn Hawkins (DB): 5 tackles, 1 INT, 1 SACK
Raiders
- Geno Smith (QB): 24/34, 362 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Brock Bowers (TE): 5 REC, 103 YDS
- Jakobi Meyers (WR): 8 REC, 97 YDS
- Ashton Jeanty (RB): 19 CAR, 38 YDS, 1 TD
Summary
While the game was statistically close, the Patriots’ inability to convert in the red zone and on third down proved costly. Drake Maye topped 280 passing yards in his second-year debut and connected with Kayshon Boutte for over 100 yards, but the rushing attack mustered just 60 yards total, putting pressure on the passing game. The Patriots tried to muster a 10 point comeback late by hitting a field goal, followed by an onside attempt.. but to no avail.
On defense, New England held the Raiders to only 56 rushing yards, but Geno Smith’s 362 passing yards and several explosive plays through the air tipped the balance in Las Vegas’ favor.
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