Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Crossover Thursday: Patriots, Raiders set for Showdown in Foxboro - 9/24/2020

Episode Date: September 24, 2020

It’s Crossover Thursday! Week Three of the 2020 NFL Season is nearly underway. Join hosts Mike D’Abate of Locked On Patriots and Your Boy Q of Locked On Raiders as they preview this AFC showdown between the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 27th.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get $10 off your first order.MyBookieINVEST IN YOUR INTUITION. USE PROMO CODE LOCKEDON AND DOUBLE YOUR FIRST DEPOSIT. NEW PLAYERS GET UP TO $1,000 IN FREE PLAY - DESIGNED TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT TO THE SPORTS YOU LOVE AND THE GAMES YOU BET. YOUR WINNING SEASON BEGINS TODAY...ONLY AT MYBOOKIE!NFL Game PassThis season, get football on your time with NFL Game Pass. See all the action from every game with full game replays.Go to nfl.com/gamepass to start your free trial today. KeepsIf you’re ready to take action and prevent hair loss, go to Keeps.com/lockedonnfl to receive your first month of treatment for free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. You are now locked into the Lockdown Patriots podcast. Today is Crossover Thursday, September 24th, and we are on to the Raiders here on your daily home for news notes and analysis, infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Locked on Patriots is brought to you today by Visa.

Help support your local businesses, whether they're your corner stores, your coffee spots, or your favorite shops. Local businesses have always been on your team, supporting you and your community. But right now, more than ever, local businesses need our support. So let's be there for them. The next time you go shopping, make the choice to shop at local businesses and look for the contactless symbol and tap to pay with a contactless visa to help support your local community.

Because where and how you shop matters. Visa, everywhere you want to be. Official partner of the NFL. Greetings and salutations, Patriots Nation. Thank you for joining me on yet another Crossover Thursday, week three of the 2020 NFL season. Your New England Patriots playing host to the Las Vegas Raiders. My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast,

which, of course, is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And, folks, because it, your team every day. And, folks, because it's your team every day, that means your questions, comments, and feedback, always welcomed, strongly encouraged. Feel free to share that feedback anytime by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC. And while you're out there doing some Thursday traveling through the Twitterverse,

please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Pats fans, crossover Thursdays are always exciting here on the Locked On Podcast Network. And this week is definitely no exception to that. The 2-0 undefeated Las Vegas Raiders take their talents to Foxborough, Massachusetts. Gillette Stadium, 1 p.m. this Sunday, September 27th, as the Raiders take on the Patriots. And there is some history here between the two franchises, folks. This is the 36th time overall the Patriots and Raiders will meet, 33rd time in the regular season when they play this Sunday.

Of course, those battles were when the Raiders were either the Oakland Raiders or the Los Angeles Raiders. The Pats lead the all-time series with a 19-15-1 advantage, including a 2-1 postseason record. And we all remember what happens when these two teams meet in the playoffs. It's always a happening. Go all the way back to 1976 when the Patriots beat the Raiders in the regular season before losing a playoff game in Oakland 24-21. Back in 1985, Crate Scott! Sorry folks, every time I mention 1985, I think of Doc Brown in Back to the Future.

I think you can indulge me that. But in any case, the Patriots advanced to their first AFC championship game in 1985 after beating the Raiders 27-20 in Los Angeles. And then of course, we remember that snowy night in January of 2002. The Patriots beating the Oakland Raiders 16-13 in overtime in the last game ever played in Foxborough Stadium. That started the route to the Patriots winning their first Super Bowl in team history in a game that will forever be known as the Snow Bowl.

That's right, folks. No tuck rule here. This was all about Tom Brady becoming a folk hero in New England and Adam Vinatieri making the most impressive field goal I've ever seen in football history. But that was then, and this is now. The Raiders are coming in with an undefeated record, 2-0 after a very impressive 34-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Your New England Patriots sit at 1-1 after a pretty impressive victory over the Miami Dolphins to open the season, a tough luck loss against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night football,

but the Patriots definitely took a lot of positives away from Sunday night's contest, and they're certainly hoping that that trip back to New England and some Foxborough home cooking is exactly what the doctor ordered to get the Patriots back on track and back to their winning ways. But make no mistake about it, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to be a formidable opponent. This is a very dangerous team on offense and a young and much improved defense with some veterans capable of making big plays. And because the Patriots don't see the Raiders pop up on their schedule all that often, I

know that a lot of you out there have some questions when it comes to the Silver and Black. The good news, folks, is today is Crossover Thursday. And joining me here today on the hot seat in just a moment is your boy Q, host of the Lockdown Raiders podcast. And we'll discuss the offensive and defensive strategy of both teams, how the Raiders might look to contain Cam Newton, how the Patriots may look to contend prolific tight end Darren Waller.

And might the running game be the key to victory for both teams? Well, these are the questions that your boy Q and I will tackle when we officially kick off this crossover Thursday episode between Locked On Patriots and Locked On Raiders. But first, yesterday being Wednesday, that means that both the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders published their first injury and practice participation report of the week. And a couple of names prominently coming off of that list are good news for Patriots Nation, and that was rookie linebacker Josh Uche and rookie tight end Dalton Keene.

Both had been prominently listed on the Injury Report last week. Both were scratches from the game on Sunday night, but they were full participants in Wednesday's practice and look ready to contribute for Sunday's contest against the Raiders. The Patriots, however, did have two players who did not participate in Wednesday's practice. The first, obviously, running back James White, non-injury related, still dealing with some family issues, and all of us here at Locked On Patriots continue to wish the very best for James and his family as they continue to navigate through a very tragic time. The other member of this Patriots team that did not participate in Wednesday's practice

was center David Andrews, listed with a hand injury, and I'll have more on David's condition in just a moment. Rounding out the Patriots Wednesday injury report were defensive lineman Adam Butler with a shoulder injury, linebacker Brandon Copeland still listed with the knee, and a pair of wide receivers, of course folks, Julian Edelman listed with a knee injury, wide receiver Nikhil Harry listed with an ankle injury. Again, all limited in Wednesday's practice. As for the Raiders, several notable names visible on Wednesday's report, including offensive lineman Trent Brown,

former New England Patriot left tackle, who has been plagued by a calf injury for the better part of this season. Still unclear whether he'll be able to go. Also on the offensive line, Richie Incognito with an Achilles injury. He has officially been placed on injured reserve. He definitely will not be in Sunday's game, and it looks like he will be out for the remainder of the season. There were a couple of other names that might raise an eyebrow on the Raiders injury report on Wednesday, listing as having not participated in Wednesday's practice. Keep in mind, folks, at the time I'm recording this podcast,

Thursday's injury and practice participation report has yet to be published for both the Raiders and the Patriots, so take this for what you will at this point. But Raiders running back Josh Jacobs did not participate Wednesday with a hip injury, linebacker Nick Kwiatkowski with a pectoral injury, and tight end Darren Waller with a knee injury. Again, there doesn't seem to be much indication from Raiders camp that any of these players are in danger of missing Sunday's game, Trent Brown being the exception to that. There is some concern about whether he might be able to go, but the rest of the players are still expected to suit up, at least as for now.

But, this being locked on Patriots, let's talk Patriots, and earlier I mentioned that David Andrews did not participate in Wednesday's practice with a hand injury. He did return to practice early on Thursday, wearing a heavy black wrap over his right thumb and his wrist. According to media reports, he did take part in individual drills, but the amount of participation he had in practice was really unclear. We'll know more when Thursday's injury report is listed in the evening. But it does beg the question, what do the Patriots do if their center,

their team captain on the offensive line, is unable to go in this game? Well, conventional wisdom would say that the Patriots would simply go to their backup well, meaning that Yelda Frohold, or maybe even the recently returned James Ferentz off of the practice squad, might be viable options to plug into the center position. Each guy can play it, and can probably be a stopgap for a week if David Andrews is unable to go on Sunday. There is another option out there, though, and one that I'd be reticent to jump at, but would make some sense, is moving Joe Tooney to the center position.

That would likely mean that either Jermaine Orluminor or Michael Onwainu gets plugged into the left guard position, allowing Joe Tooney to play center. And then, depending on coach's preference, either Orluminor or Michael Onwainu would continue to play right tackle. Each of them have been rotating a little bit throughout the first couple of games of the season. Now, you can make the argument, and I think it's a valid argument, that Joe Tooney is your deepest and most versatile lineman. He can pretty much play all over that line. Keep in mind, though, folks, this is a position he hasn't played in a game since the 2016 preseason. Tooney is a reigning second-team all-pro left guard. Knowing how important it is to have both Isaiah Wynn at left tackle

and Joe Tooney at left guard protecting Cam Newton's strong side, I would say if David Andrews can't go, Yelda Frohold seems to be the most logical choice. I think he'd do a fine job subbing for Andrews for at least a week, and it would keep Tooney, Illuminor, and Onwenu exactly where they need to be. And don't be a bit surprised to see Ferentz elevated to the 53-man roster this week. Even if he's not the starter, the Patriots would need all the depth they can get. Keep in mind, folks, this is only if David Andrews can't go.

He is as tough as they come. And if there's a chance that he can be out there on the field, you can bet David will take it. But that is just one of the many questions that are beginning to arise regarding this week three matchup. So in just a moment, folks, your boy Q of Lockdown Raiders and I will kick off this Crossover Thursday episode as we bring you everything and anything related to the New England Patriots and their hosting of the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday in Foxborough. But first, even though the summer of 2020 is now in the books, fall still offers the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some hoodie weather. And hopefully your hoodies have less holes than the one that Bill Belichick wore yesterday.

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all the parts your car will ever need. rockauto.com Patriots fans, Raiders Nation, it's that time again. Both fan bases remember a snowy 25-degree evening in Foxborough, Massachusetts. January 19, 2002, the 2001 AFC divisional playoff game between the New England Patriots and the then Oakland Raiders, the final game at Foxborough Stadium.

And those cold metal planks in the upper sections that I can tell you from personal experience, folks, cause a freeze deep into your bones. Raiders fans remember it as the tuck rule game Patriots fans remember it as the snowball but it has intertwined the fates of these two franchises ever since but enough about the past it's time to talk future and that future is upon us the Patriots and the Raiders are scheduled to meet this Sunday September September 27th, 1 p.m., Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. So without further ado, let's kick off this Crossover Thursday here on the Locked On Podcast

Network. My name is Mike DeBate, host of the Locked On Patriots Podcast, and joining me today is your boy Q, host of the Locked On Raiders Podcast. Q, it is an honor to join you on the microphone today. Welcome to Crossover Thursday. Yeah, man, it's a lot of fun joining you, talking about Raiders and Patriots as they prepare to play a game this upcoming Sunday

there in New England. But I kind of tuned out while you were reliving the past there because I don't want nothing to do with that tuck rule. So now that we're past all that, let's get ready to rock and roll. Well, the personnel has changed quite a bit on both sides, but the coaches actually remain the same, believe it or not. That is actually one of the few things that hasn't changed in the 20 years,

although there was a little bit of a change in a Raider nation for quite a while. But this matchup between the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders promises to be a good one. Matchups between these two teams are always memorable, and the Raiders are on a short week after having played the Saints on Monday night. Impressive victory for the Raiders over a perennial NFC powerhouse in the New Orleans Saints. Las Vegas is going to have a quick turnaround going up against the Patriots, but I don't think that's going to make them any less of a formidable opponent. The Raiders have averaged 34 points over their first two games. They have plenty of talent on

the offensive side of the ball. The Patriots' main focus, of course, will have to be Darren Waller. He has been amazing through the first two games, but that's not where the Raiders' offense begins and ends. They also have a lot of talent on that side of the ball. Josh Jacobs at running back, Henry Ruggs III at wide receiver, and also, who can forget quarterback Derek Carr. Q, when you look at the strengths of the Raiders' offense and you contrast it with that of the Patriots' defense, especially their prowess in the secondary,

what type of attack might we see from the silver and black? Well, I think it all starts with Josh Jacobs in the backfield. He had 1,150 yards rushing his rookie year in 2019, and I think he's a better running back in 2020 after two games. And I know it's a small sample size, but you combine with what he was able to do his rookie year, and now he's also added the element of the passing game and being involved in the passing game for the Raiders in 2020,

his second year in the league. And I think that's what you really get to see. And through two games, man, he's been really, really good. He's shown he can be the workhorse, carry the rock 25-plus times a game and be in there when it's critical and when it really, really matters. Against the Panthers, he had, you know, three touchdowns in that game. Against the Saints, he didn't have any touchdowns, but he had some very, very important big-time runs towards the end of the game

that really helped kind of seal the deal for the Raiders over the Saints. And so he's what John Gruden wants. John Gruden loves to have weapons. He loves Darren Waller, Ruggs, Hunter Renfroe, everyone that you named and then some. He loves that, but he also loves the fact that Derek Carr can hand it to 28 and he can get it done and pick up some really good yards behind that very strong, even though it is a banged up offensive line, still a very strong offensive line. So as far as I'm concerned, I think Josh Jacobs gets the workload for the Raiders on Sunday against the Patriots and

barely basing it off of what I saw with Seattle and the Patriots. I feel like the run game is an area where the Raiders really could try to exploit the Patriots on defense. Yeah, I think you make a very good point. The Patriots' run defense, especially last week, showed to be pretty porous, allowing 154 yards on the ground to a formidable Seattle running attack. And I notice a lot of similarities in the way that Las Vegas runs the ball. They're a very deliberate running team. And Seattle had a good amount of success because the Patriots were just unable to set the edge and get help in the middle to the latter part of the linebacker position.

I think that's an area that could be exploited. So we definitely have our shot by there. If our Patri you know, Patriots fans are keeping an eye on this matchup. One big personnel question, obviously heading into this week's game for Las Vegas is whether or not former Patriot and current Las Vegas, right?

Tackle Trent Brown is going to be good to go after missing Monday night's game against the saints due to a calf injury. I know that he's a very big part of the strength of that offensive line, and that could definitely mean a little bit of the change in complexity for the running game and even the passing game, which Derek Carr has been excellent. And Darren Waller has obviously been his biggest target, 18 catches for 148 yards so far this season.

He's been targeted 24 times so far by Derek Carr. Q, has he been the biggest surprise on offense for the Las Vegas Raiders this year? Or are we missing something here in New England that Darren Waller has been among the league's best tight ends for quite some time? No, I mean, yeah, you guys are definitely missing something because Darren Waller was the dude last year. You know, he had 90 catches over 1,000 yards receiving, and it's just the fact that the Raiders only won seven games, you know,

and the fact that towards the end of the season, most people nationally kind of wrote off the Raiders and weren't really paying attention to them. But Darrell Waller in a year last year where the Raiders had a lot of guys banged up and really didn't have a lot of weapons, he was the go-to guy for Derek Carr. So everyone amongst Raider Nation knew that that dude could be a big-time player. It's just the fact that he was shown and highlighted and spotlighted on a Monday night

stage against the Patriots in that brand-new stadium, that awesome stadium there in Las Vegas, is the reason why everyone's talking about him right now. But the Raiders knew they had a real-deal player as long as he came to work and decided he wanted to work his tail off. And he's had a very well-documented off-field battle with addiction. And, you know, he's overcame that. He's three years plus sober, which is awesome. You know, that's just off the field, just, you know, just from a respect level. That's awesome that he's able to do that and overcome the issues that he had in Baltimore. But the Raiders knew that he was a real deal guy, man.

They gave him a four-year extension last year for $29 million. And I'll tell you right now, there's only a couple tight ends in the league that I would even say are comparable to Darren Waller. And they're all very high and well-paid guys, a lot more than $29 million that he got on a four-year deal. I mean, you look at Travis Kelsey, he just got $28 million guaranteed from Kansas City. And I would argue that Darren Waller is right up there with the Kelsies, with the Kittles. I mean, he's that thick and good. And I think he's only going to get

better. He doesn't have a whole lot of tread on his tires. So I think he's got a long future in front of him as long as he wants to continue to ball out. Now, I did want to real quick go back to what you mentioned about Trent Brown being out. You know, that guy is funny. I mean, he's a big part of the offensive line and the success of the Raiders. He's only played three snaps in 2020 so far. Three snaps.

That's it. So, I don't know. Maybe it's something Bill Belichick saw. Maybe you have a better idea. I don't know, and this is what the question is around Trent Brown and Raider Nation right now. I don't know what his love for the game is, if he really wants to be out there, or if's a guy who instead of loving the game loves what

the game does for him well he had a pretty prolific year when he was with here with the New England Patriots and definitely did a formidable job of protecting Tom Brady's blind side so I don't know if it was necessary and necessarily a lack of love for the game I don't know if it was necessarily a lack of love for the game. I don't know what his health situation is now that he's in Las Vegas, but he did a fairly formidable job up here in New England. I don't know, maybe it was just right place, right time, right fit. Maybe because it was a contract year, that could be a deciding factor as well. Q, I hate to go to the negative side of things, but sometimes that is a motivational factor for these guys.

But he's definitely a big body. I can can tell you i watched that guy in training camp and got into several media scrums to try to interview him and uh for someone that's built pretty low to the ground uh it was definitely a um uh it was an eye-opening experience for me trying to get a chance to interview trent brown but uh we hope that he's going to be out there because I think when he does, he can change the complexity of that offensive line. And I'm glad that you lent that information to us as well. Based on what you've seen on the defensive side of the ball, Q, Las Vegas has plenty of experience on the defensive side of the ball, and they've got some impressive developmental upside with, obviously, round draft picks cleland ferrell and damon arnett the leader of the unit however is cory littleton uh that's the team's primary off the ball linebacker

for all you patriots fans uh you may recognize him a couple of years ago cory had a pretty large role with the la rams when the patriots went head-on head with them in super bowl 53. The Patriots, on the other hand, have had success moving the football on offense, thanks largely in part to dual threat capabilities of quarterback Cam Newton. Taking Cam out of his rhythm is going to be a key for the Raiders' success on Sunday. That's a given. But exactly how to go about doing that isn't so obvious. Q, do you believe that the Raiders are more apt for success by keeping Cam in the pocket, forcing him to beat you through the air? Or do you think that Las Vegas might go the unconventional route here and try to challenge

the Patriots to run? I mean, me personally, I think the best way to try to defend Cam Newton is to keep him in the pocket and let him beat you with his arm. Now, the flip side of that is he's been doing a really good job this season so far with his arm when he has been throwing the rock. He's also been doing some good things with his legs like he has always done. He looks like he's very healthy. And so I think he's going to be a very big challenge for the Raiders defensively.

I think that they need to try to get as much pressure on him as possible and make him uncomfortable. But at the same time, you have to know how he can butter his bread, and that's by way of the ground. And once he gets rolling, man, it's not easy for a guy to get in front of that train rolling down those tracks, you know. So he's a big dude. He's a big man coming downhill, man, and that's really tough to make that

decision to get in front of him and try to get him to the ground. So me personally, if it was me, if I was calling the plays, I would say, hey, try to keep this dude in the pocket, play some really good tight coverage, and, you know, try to make him beat you with his arm. But, I mean, we all know that the league is one of those where you've got to get as much pressure on the quarterback as possible. But when you do that, sometimes you get out of your lanes. And when you get out of your lanes, if he has a little bit of area,

a little bit of airspace where he can break off down the field, he's going to do that. So, I mean, it's almost a double-edged sword. It's like you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't. But, you know, it's one of those things that the Raiders are going to have to prepare for. They've had weapons that they've played against each and every week so far in the Patriots with Christian McCaffrey. Obviously, the Saints have a bunch of weapons on the field, even though they didn't have Michael Thomas. And now you look at the Patriots and they have, you know, they have

Cam Newton there, Julian Edelman and others that, you know, can get it done as well. So the Raiders defense definitely has their work cut out for them. And they're a very young defense. They have, you know, Corey Littleton, you mentioned Nick Wachowski. He would really help if he's going to be out there, but he's dealing with a pec injury. So I think he's going to miss the game. And then the rest of the team really is young, you know, young DBs, young safeties, just a lot of young, a lot of youth on the defensive line.

Max Crosby's a second year guy trying to come off the edge and get his, his sacks. Ferrell, you mentioned he's a second year guy. And there's a lot of youth on that defensive side. Max Crosby's a second-year guy trying to come off the edge and get his sacks. Farrell, you mentioned, he's a second-year guy. And there's a lot of youth on that defensive side of the ball. So they're going to have their work cut out for them for sure on Sunday. Yeah, very young and a very capable defense coming up and definitely going to face a test in this Patriots offense. But there's no question about it. Las Vegas is up to the challenge. And I believe this is going to come right down to the wire. I think this is going to be a closer game than a lot of people think. And Q, I thank you because you provided a great amount of insight when it comes to this Raiders team and their potential plan to plunder the Patriots this weekend. But this wouldn't exactly be a true

crossover unless we flip the script and you put me on the hot seat. In just a moment, folks, your boy Q will take over the command and seek my wisdom and counsel, and I say that tongue-in-cheek, folks, on all things New England Patriots. We might even work on another tuck jab, tuck rule jab, excuse me, when this Locked On Crossover Thursday continues. Locked On listeners, today's Crossover Thursday episode is brought to you in part by MyBookie.

Invest in your intuition. Use promo code LOCKEDON and double your first deposit. New players get up to $1,000 in free play, designed to add more excitement to the sports you love and the games you bet. Your winning season begins today, only at MyBookie. All right, here we are. Crossover Thursday. Mike DeBate, host of Locked On Patriots, is with me,

talking all things Patriots, talking all things Raiders, as we prepare for this game on Sunday. Mike, the Pats, they're 1-1 on the season. I know how I feel from what I've seen from Cam Newton, the quarterback of the team, who I'll tell you, I didn't have a lot of confidence in going into the season. I didn't know if he was healthy. Like, I think a majority of people weren't too sure. but he's looked pretty good to me so far in two games. What have been

your thoughts on what you've seen from Cam, and do you as well feel like he's been pretty successful? Yeah, I think there's no question about it. He's been a very pleasant surprise here in New England, and I say surprise in no way to diminish what we thought we were getting in Cam. I think everybody realized we were going to get a solid football player, a very savvy football player, one with experience, someone who was exciting that could change the complexity of the way the Patriots played offense. I think a lot of people are surprised by the level of acumen that he's brought to the table, the leadership that he's been able to bring to this team in such a short amount of time,

and the fact, Q, that he looks healthy out there. The shoulder looks good. The feet look good. He's moving around with a lot of ease. He's throwing the ball well. Cam looked as comfortable throwing the ball against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night than I've seen him look in quite some time,

albeit in a losing effort. That loss was definitely not on Cam's shoulders. Threw for 397 yards, a definite dart, 49-yard completion to Julian Edelman, one of the highlights of the game for the New England Patriots. But he's also helping the Pats to win through the ground. He's allowing Josh McDaniels to incorporate those zone reads, those RPOs that the Patriots have never been able to employ under a quarterback like Tom Brady. And I feel like a broken record. I say this all the time. That's no disrespect to Tom, who ran this offense the way it was

constituted as well or better than anyone else could have run it here in New England. But Cam changes the complexity and the way this team is put together, the way they're being molded in his image is really something to watch, and it's something to really marvel at. And also the way his teammates have taken to him in such a short amount of time. He's gaining their respect. He's gaining their like, and these guys really want to play hard for Cam Newton. You're noticing the camaraderie that he's bringing to the table with his wide receivers, with his running backs, with his offensive line.

Guys who have been here for years, like David Andrews, Matthew Slater, Devin McCourty, can't say enough about how acclimated that Cam has become into the Patriot way and how his energy has just become infectious in this locker room. So in a lot of ways, Cam has been the breath of fresh air that everybody had hoped for and more, not just of what he brings on the field, but also what he brings off the field in terms of team building and camaraderie. He's been everything is advertised

and then some for the New England Patriots. If you're a Pats fan or anybody that covers this team, you can't really say anything negative about what Cam's brought to the table so far. Has that camaraderie that you talked about, you know, between Cam and Julian Edelman and the rest of the team, as a matter of fact, because you can see it watching that Seahawks game on Sunday night. You can see all those guys are playing for each other. Is that something that they built just in training camp or was that extracurricular before training camp got started in this weird,

strange COVID-19 offseason? Is that something that they went out and did on their own? I think it's a little bit of both. I think you saw Cam from the moment he signed here trying to endear himself to guys like Nikhil Harry, guys like Julian Edelman, somebody like Gunnar Ryszelski, who hasn't played a snap yet this year. He's been on injured reserve. He's scheduled to come off in a couple of weeks. They started working together.

They really started seeing what these guys could do together. And I think it really built that camaraderie and that trust. During training camp, you saw Cam emerge as that leader. He was taking the snaps. Early on, snaps were equally being doled out between he, Jared Stidham, and also Brian Hoyer. So it really wasn't a situation where the Patriots coaching staff right off the bat handed the keys to the kingdom of Cam Newton and said, this is yours, run with it. We're following you at this point. It was almost like it was a feel out type sort of competition

in training camp, but Cam put an end to that very quickly. He showed the leadership. He showed the acumen on the field. He showed a lot of health. That's the first and most important thing. And I think it quelled a lot of concerns that maybe Patriots fans, even some media, maybe even the coaching staff had had about him coming in. But I think they built this a little bit beforehand. But it really is remarkable to think that without a preseason, without OTAs, mini camps, things of that nature, that they've been able to build this type of camaraderie in just two games really speaks to the level of leadership Cam brings to the table. Talking right now with Mike DeBate, host of Locked On Patriots.

This is Crossover Thursday here on the Locked On NFL Podcast Network. And Mike, continuing on with Nikhil Harry, it's a guy that you just mentioned. He was a first-round pick in 2019, didn't play much of the season because he was injured. So it's almost like they He was a first-round pick in 2019, didn't play much of the season because he was injured. So it's almost like they're getting another first-round pick in 2020. He performed well on Sunday night, in my opinion, against the Seahawks. How have you seen him progress from what you saw in a small sample size in 2019 to what you're seeing so far in 2020?

Well, he looks more comfortable in the offense. First of all, I think he's had more time to be able to learn. Nikhil was injured during training camp last year, missed the first half of the 2019 season. When you're working with a quarterback that is so ingrained in what this offense was last year in Tom Brady, it's so difficult to be able to crack that circle of trust. It's difficult to be able to come in, learn a very complex playbook in a short, compressed amount of time, and expect to be able to make the impact that a first-round pick should be making. So a lot of people started labeling Nikhil Harry as a bust, which I thought was absolutely ridiculous.

But some people were a little bit disappointed in his output. And that I could understand, because he does come with some expectation being a first round pick. But this year, I think he's been able to develop the synergy with Cam Newton. Cam's showing a great deal of trust with him, even though he fumbled out of the end zone in the first game and really, I think, cost the Patriots some points and really could have put that game in jeopardy. Cam didn't let that affect his confidence or his ability to continue to go to him.

In this game against the Seahawks, he kept going to Nikhil. As a matter of fact, two big receptions on the final drive helped to set up the goal line stand that unfortunately for Patriots fans didn't go the way we had hoped, but it still was able to set that up. Nikhil's, one of Nikhil's receptions

got them all the way to the one yard line so I'm seeing a much uh more comfortable Nikhil Harry I'm seeing a much more healthy Nikhil Harry as well he's breaking out of his routes a little bit easier he's using his body to go up make contested catches uh he's not afraid to take a shot I think we all saw that with withre Tiggs the other night. And anybody that questioned whether or not Nikhil Harry was tough or could take a hit, I think that really proved it. He really took a tremendous shot and was able to get back up and continue to stay in the game. That really shows a level of toughness that I think a lot of people were wondering if he had. But ultimately, I think it's the comfort with Cam Newton that really has

made the difference this year. And I look for Nikhil to build on that each and every week. Looking at the Patriots defense now, something that's always been said about Bill Belichick, and he's been doing it so long that everyone knows the truth is he likes to take away what you do best. And so you mentioned earlier in the earlier segment that Darren Waller had a monster game on Monday night for the Saints. And of course course he's a guy that uh you know that John Gruden is going to want to go to I mentioned as well that Josh Jacobs is a guy who's going to do a lot of the heavy lifting for the Raiders on Sunday uh as far as Waller goes do you expect to see uh Bill Belichick and company decide to put Stephon Gilmore to kind of shadow him and make sure that that guy at least doesn't beat you

there has been some speculation and quite honestly, it wouldn't surprise me to see him put Stephon Gilmore on Waller for a few snaps at least, maybe to try to feel things out or maybe to try to confuse Las Vegas or maybe give them a little bit of a different look. But believe it or not, I actually think the majority of the snaps for Waller are going to be taken against guys like the rookie Kyle Duggar and the second year corner who's been playing hybrid safety lately. And that's Juwan Williams. These guys are bigger, a little bit more physical than Stefan.

Stefan is one of the best lockdown corners in the in the game. You can make the argument that he is the best lockdown corner in the game. He'll shadow you. He'll be in coverage. You're not going to bust coverage against Stephon Gilmore. If you do, it's very rare. Save the tape because it doesn't happen often. But at the same time, a guy like Darren Waller, who's been so prolific, probably needs maybe

a little bit more of a physical body to be on him in order to contain him. That being said, it's going to be very difficult for anybody to be able to contain Darren Waller at the level at which he's playing right now. But Duggar has been very good in playing that third safety role, that type of Duran Harmon role that he played last year. Now Duran obviously is with the Detroit Lions, but it's that safety that stays on the field at all times. He'll go about shadowing tight ends. You might see him play the hybrid linebacker position. You may see him play in the box. This is all part of Bill Belichick's schemes that he likes to devise on defense. So it wouldn't surprise me to see Duggar take some serious snaps against him. He showed some pop on Sunday. I think one of the bright spots on defense for the Patriots against the Seahawks. And Juwan Williams is that big type of thumping corner, almost like an a la Brandon Browner when he played here.

Very big, very physical, someone that's not afraid to go and to mix it up a little bit. Wouldn't surprise me to see him cover Waller because he's been covering a lot of tight ends. We've seen him practice and do a lot of that in training camp. And he did a very good job at containing Mike Kosicki in the first game against the Miami Dolphins. Waller is on a different level, much better. But it may look, you may be, you shouldn't be surprised. This is the best way for me to put it, to see Williams get some time on Waller as well.

Also, Mike, we talked about the lack of run defense as far as the Patriots are concerned, and I mentioned Josh Jacobs is going to be the dude. I definitely believe you'll see a heavy dose of him. What do the Patriots try to do to slow down the run game? And if you try to slow down the run game, then maybe a guy like a Henry Ruggs is able to beat you over the top. How do they pick their poison? It's just exactly that. That's a perfect way to Henry Ruggs is able to beat you over the top. How do they pick their poison? It's just exactly that. That's a perfect way to put it. It is pick your poison.

And this Raiders offense is so good to be able to beat you in so many different ways. If the Patriots want to stack the box and they want to prevent the run up the gut, which is really what hurt them against the Seattle Seahawks, they're going to need help setting the edge and they're going to need some help at the middle linebacker position. Juwan Bentley struggled a lot. He's their primary middle linebacker now with Dante Hightower being out. He struggled a lot on Sunday night. Brandon Copeland was a free agent acquisition, came over from the Jets, did a fairly good job of trying to give him some assistance. But Juwan was often found trying to cover wide receivers, trying to get after Russell Wilson. That's not what a middle linebacker is designed to do. And because of that, it left the Patriots very vulnerable to a very formidable run attack.

That's what I think the Las Vegas Raiders are going to do if they try to attack and try to let the Patriots, you know, try to put them on their heels and run the ball up the gut. That's something that Seattle did very effectively. And again, I think the Raiders can do that very effectively as well. But if the Patriots are going to try to do that, they're going to need someone from the linebacking core step up and be able to help them set the edge and provide some protection up the middle. Guys that could do that possibly. Josh Uche has been injured the last couple of weeks.

He's the rookie linebacker from Michigan. He was actually a healthy scratch in week one, was out with an ankle injury in week two. It'll be interesting to see if he bounces back and is able to provide any type of pressure there. Anthony Jennings, the rookie out of Alabama, is a very stout run defender. I look for him to play more snaps than he did on Sunday and maybe try to come up and help compensate with some of the help that Juwan Bentley is going to need. Cash Malawai, who is also a linebacker from Wyoming, sixth round pick from the Patriots this year. He's become a much better run defender in practice in the last couple of weeks, so look for him to play a larger role. But the Patriots are going to need some help in the middle of the field

if they want to be able to control the run. But it's not going to be easy against a guy like Josh Jacobs. Camera crew got back from Anderson, Nevada yet with the film of the Raiders practice. You know you guys are always up on that. Well, if you saw Bill Belichick give his weekly press conference on Wednesday morning, definitely check it out, Raider Nation.

You'll get a chuckle out of it. Bill looks like he was up for a long period of time. A little bit sartorially challenged, I guess is the best way for me to put it. Yeah, that shirt was definitely something interesting. But yeah, I don't think he was watching any film. I think he's doing what he needs to do, I don't think he was watching any film. I think he's, I think he's doing what he needs to do. I don't think the,

the cameras or anything like that are going to be a factor here, but touche. I started off with some of the, the, the, the digs about the, the tuck rule and you got me back with the cameras. So you know what? We're even now, buddy. Yeah, no, we are. We are. I'm just saying, I'm glad you brought up Belichick in that, that look at his pressure. Cause he did look like he had just got off of like Fremont street in Vegas. I mean, he looked like he had just, he had partied it up all weekend

and never made it back to his room. Well, yeah, I think that's it. I mean, that apparently that shirt was all that survived. So I mean, that's it, you know, that's a, that's, that's an interesting look for bill, but yeah, I don't think he'll be wearing that on the sidelines. I don't think that passes COVID protocol. So, I think he's going to need more protection than that. Absolutely. Absolutely. Hey, that's great stuff, man.

That's real good stuff. Excellent. Excellent stuff. Again, Q, it's always a pleasure to join you here on the microphone on the crossovers. We have our fun at our expense with these two fan bases, but I can assure you there's a lot of respect between the Patriots and the Raiders, and a lot of respect between the fan bases as well. I think we can look back on that night in early 2002

and have some laughs about it. And, well, maybe on our side. I don't know. I can't speak for the Raiders fan base. You all might still be pretty upset about it. And well, maybe on our side, I don't know. I can't speak for the Raiders. You all might still be pretty upset about that. But no, there is a lot of respect when it comes to, to the Raiders and, and this fan base, I can tell you that. And a lot of respect for me for you and that fan base on that end. So it's an honor for me to join you, buddy.

Absolutely. The respect is definitely mutual, man. I got, I got it here for you and I would appreciate you joining me on the show Absolutely, take care, thanks and enjoy the game on Sunday everyone And so Patriots fans now that Crossover Thursday is in the books we almost have you ready for game day in Sunday's 1pm kickoff

but we're not quite done yet because tomorrow here on Locked On Patriots we will preview this matchup between the Pats and the Raiders from a purely Patriots perspective. As the Great Don would say, that's an episode you can't refuse. So, to ensure that you do not anger the Godfather or miss a single

second of the action, make sure to download Locked On Patriots wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Spotify. Subscribe to us on Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Locked On Patriots on Apple Podcasts. Whatever you do, make sure that you are staying locked into Locked On Patriots. Once again, I'm Mike DeBate. I humbly thank your boy Q of Locked On Raiders for joining me here today on this Crossover Thursday episode. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for making Locked On Patriots a daily

part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.