Raiders End Preseason on High Note, Defeat Patriots 23-6

The Las Vegas Raiders hosted the New England Patriots and Raider Alumni during Week 3 of the NFL preseason. The Raiders cruised their way to a victory against the Patriots 23-6 to finish the preseason undefeated at 4-0, the only team to reach four wins in the preseason.

Head coach Josh McDaniels commented on having team alumni in town for the preseason game.

“Over 300 guys that built much of what we are trying to uphold today,” McDaniels said. “A great tribute to a great group of people who are deserving of the attention and recognition they have.”

The Raiders and Patriots had two joint practices prior to their game and “won” both practices, according to multiple reports. It was the Raiders’ backups vs. the Patriots’ starters. A lopsided matchup on paper, but the Raiders had something to say.

The young Raider defense came out forcing a three-and-out as EDGE Malcom Koonce sacked Patriots QB Mac Jones on the first possession of the game. Raiders backup QB Jarrett Stidham led the offense 57 yards down the field to set up K Daniel Carlson for the game’s first points.

The Raiders defense continued to impress as on the next series as LB Luke Masterson intercepted Jones and returned the ball 30 yards, setting up a short field for Stidham and company. RB Zamir White got his number called on a toss play and went untouched into the endzone to push the Raiders’ lead to 10-0 in the first quarter.

After field goals in the second quarter by Carlson and Patriots K Nick Folk, the Raiders would head into the break leading 13-3.

Folk would hit another field goal after a defensive stand by the Raiders defense in the red zone in the third quarter. The Raiders offense stalled out in their opportunities in the third quarter.

Carlson would add another field goal in the fourth quarter to give him the lead in preseason points scored. Raiders WR Isaiah Zuber would catch a pass on that possession, leading to a field goal, and then would catch an interception in the next defensive possession as the Raiders lined him up at safety.

This time, Raiders QB Chase Garbers had a short field. RB Brittain Brown scored on the same toss play as White did earlier in the game.

LB Curtis Bolton forced a fumble and CB Bryce Cosby recovered the loose ball to ice the game. The Raiders, for the first time in franchise history, finished the preseason undefeated.

Key Performers

• QB Chase Garbers – 158 total yards
• RB Brittain Brown – 51 total yards and a touchdown
• LB Luke Masterson – six total tackles, one PD and an INT
• EDGE Tashawn Bower – five total tackles, two sacks and a TFL
• WR Isaiah Zuber – one reception and an INT

Tough decisions loom for McDaniels and company as the 53-man roster deadline approaches.

“Not looking to cut anybody, we would love to keep all of them,” McDaniels said. “The effort, the attitude, the work they all put in, I am so appreciative of that.”

After making cuts, the Raiders will head to SoFi Stadium for Week 1 to face off against AFC West opponent the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 11.