Raiders Collapse in 45-17 Loss to Patriots, Mendoza Debuts

Key points

• The Raiders lost 45-17 to the Patriots, dropping to 3-2 after a 3-0 start.
• Drake Maye threw for 374 yards and five touchdowns, including a 35-yard TD to DeMario Douglas.
• Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut, completing 6-of-8 passes for 48 yards in the fourth quarter.
• The Raiders' defense, previously a league leader in takeaways, allowed 45 points and 536 yards.
• Klint Kubiak admitted the team played poorly on offense, defense, and special teams.

Background

The Raiders entered Week 5 as a surprise contender, having started 3-1 with a hard-fought loss to the Chiefs. Their early success was built on a strong defense and a solid start by Kirk Cousins. The Patriots, meanwhile, were 2-2 and dealing with injuries to four cornerbacks and star defender Christian Gonzalez. This loss marks a sharp decline for the Raiders, who had been considered playoff hopefuls. The team's struggles in the trenches and running game have been persistent issues since the start of the season.

How outlets are covering it

Silver And Black Pride emphasizes the 'fraud watch' narrative, highlighting the Raiders' poor performance against an injured Patriots team. NBC Sports focuses on Fernando Mendoza's debut and the likelihood that he will remain the backup for the 2026 season. Raiders.com provides a detailed game recap, noting the Raiders' struggles with penalties and the running game. Bleacher Report highlights Mendoza's performance and the Raiders' plan for him to learn behind Cousins before taking over in 2027. All sources agree on the lopsided nature of the loss and the poor performance of the Raiders' defense and offense.

Why it matters

This loss has significant implications for the Raiders' playoff hopes and the future of their quarterback position. The poor performance of the defense and offense raises questions about the team's ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The debut of Fernando Mendoza also signals a potential transition in the quarterback room, with Cousins playing on a one-year deal. The Raiders' struggles in the trenches and running game have been persistent issues, and this loss may accelerate the need for changes in the roster and coaching staff.

What to watch

The Raiders will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, followed by the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks in their next four games. The team's ability to bounce back from this loss will be crucial for their playoff hopes. Fernando Mendoza will likely remain the backup for the 2026 season, but his performance in the fourth quarter may influence the team's plans for the 2027 season. The Raiders' coaching staff will need to address the team's struggles in the trenches and running game to improve their performance in the upcoming weeks.