What the Raiders are saying about Pats ahead of season opener

For the primary time in almost a quarter-century, the Raiders will go to the Patriots in Foxborough with out Bill Belichick prowling the sidelines.

From Tom Brady’s triumph within the Tuck Rule game to Jakobi Meyers’s ill-fated lateral in Las Vegas, memorable moments are inclined to occur when the Patriots and Raiders get collectively.

Now, each Meyers and Brady have switched sides. Meyers will go well with up sporting silver and black on Sunday, and Brady has since turn into a minority proprietor of the Las Vegas franchise.

The Mike Vrabel period begins Sunday for the Patriots, and the previous New England linebacker received’t be the one acquainted face among the many teaching ranks.

Former Patriots coach Pete Carroll took over as Las Vegas’s head coach in the course of the offseason. New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had a quick stint as head coach of the Raiders.

Right here’s what Carroll and some notable Raiders gamers needed to say about Sunday’s matchup.

HC Pete Carroll

On what stands out concerning the Patriots: “Josh [McDaniels] has run the ball loads in his historical past and Mike Vrabel desires to run the soccer too. They’re very physcial about it, the working backs run actually laborious, and Josh has historically had a very downhill assault. It’s fairly basic, and it’s actually good.”

On Drake Maye’s working potential: “It’s completely in the midst of the preparation as a result of he nearly ran for 500 yards final yr. I feel our numbers had been that he’s the second-most scrambling man of the final yr. We all know that he can take off and run and make issues occur. He did it in preseason and made it look straightforward. That’s an enormous issue of their favor.”

On whether or not enjoying the Patriots nonetheless means one thing to him: “Yeah, it does.”

On what stands out about New England’s entrance seven: “Each the within guys are actually good. Milton [Williams] had a terrific season final yr and has had quite a lot of good years to construct it up. They’re legit, so we’ve got points with these guys proper off the bat.”

WR Jakobi Meyers

On whether or not he’s pumped to play the Patriots: “Yeah, as a result of I performed right here. Clearly I’m human. I’m excited to get again to a well-known spot. However, so far as the on the sector, I’m going to be excited to be on the sector regardless irrespective of if it was there, right here, wherever for actual. I’m going to go on the market and revel in it.”

On separating his feelings from on-field enterprise: “That’s in all probability the toughest half. I’ve received to offer a shoutout to my teammates as a result of if it wasn’t for them, I’d in all probability do the identical factor all people else does. You’ve received to discover a option to separate your self, actually from the B.S. and all of the enterprise. My teammates have my again, I’ve received their again and I’m going to rock out with them.

On whether or not he expects his commerce request to be honored: “Actually, I don’t even know to be trustworthy. We’re going to see. We’re all going to search out out collectively. No matter they wish to do, they’re going to do. However, in the event that they don’t I’m going to be good regardless, so we’re chilling.”

RB Ashton Jeanty

On the Patriots’ defensive position: “They’re an incredible group. A few of the guys are extra bodily, particularly the defensive ends setting that edge utilizing velocity and nice strikes. Milton, [Barmore], being bodily guys, disrupting the run and stuff like that.”

OC Chip Kelly

On what stands proud concerning the entrance seven: “Actually formidable. There could also be 9 new starters on that protection. [Christian] Barmore was there earlier than. Milton Williams, he’s coming off a Tremendous Bowl. Harold Landry is a participant that everyone on this league is aware of about. I feel the power of their protection goes to be their entrance seven, and that’s what you must be ready for.”

DC Patrick Graham

On Josh McDaniels: “He’s top-of-the-line rivals I’ve been round. One of many smartest coaches I’ve ever been round, understands all three aspects of the sport. I’m appreciative of him bringing me out right here when he introduced me out right here and the issues I realized from him.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports activities Reporter

Khari Thompson covers skilled sports activities for Boston.com. Earlier than becoming a member of the crew in 2022, Khari coated faculty soccer for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.