NFL Week 6 Game Recap: Las Vegas Raiders 21, New England Patriots 17

The New England Patriots traveled to Las Vegas for a game loaded with storylines and revenge game narratives. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels had to turn from one former Patriots quarterback to another in the second half after Jimmy Garoppolo was ruled out with a back injury. Brian Hoyer stepped in to secure the victory.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones took a safety with under two minutes left to move the score to 21-17, and an ensuing onside kick attempt was unsuccessful.

Offensive spotlight: Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne continues his strong start to the season, finishing with 10 receptions for 89 yards and three missed tackles forced on first review. Bourne had 39 receiving yards after contact and also fought through arm tackles on his end around carry for four yards. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson looked sharp after getting his ankle taped up in the blue medical tent, with 11 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown, plus three missed tackles forced on first review to go along with five receptions for 24 yards.

Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers got to have his revenge game against the team that inexplicably did not re-sign him this offseason, a move they surely regret. He hauled in five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer also deserves a mention for completing six of 10 passes for 102 yards in relief, averaging more than 10.2 yards per attempt and doing enough to stave off a late Patriots push.

Defensive spotlight: Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers delivered such a big hit on Davante Adams over the middle of the field down in the red zone that the ball came flying out and landed in linebacker Jahlani Tavai’s hands. If New England was able to pull out a victory, this field-flipping play would have been looked back on as a defining moment.

Raiders edge defender Maxx Crosby led all players with four quarterback pressures, adding a half sack, and interior defender Adam Butler notched a sack in what was also a revenge game for him against his former team. Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig added an interception near the right sideline as Mac Jones was rolling out and overthrew tight end Hunter Henry.

Rookie spotlight: Patriots rookie guard Sidy Sow got the start and allowed zero quarterback pressures on first review, though he was beaten by the defender on two reps. Patriots were without several rookies due to injury, and defensive lineman Keion White didn’t play a full workload.

Raiders rookie tight end Michael Mayer finally had his NFL coming out party, with five receptions for 75 yards, two explosive receptions and three missed tackles forced on first review. Mayer looked healthy and confident for perhaps the first time all season. He figures to be a continued focal point of this offense going forward.

Box Score

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