New England Patriots: 5 Las Vegas Raiders players who are most dangerous

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the end zone after quarterback Derek Carr (2nd L) #4 threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Jones #12 against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the end zone after quarterback Derek Carr (2nd L) #4 threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Jones #12 against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Make sure the good Derek Carr doesn’t show up

Who will show up as the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback in this Week 3 matchup?

Will it be the inconsistent Derek Carr or the Derek Carr who threw four touchdowns in the Raiders upset victory over the New Orleans Saints last Monday night?

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The New England Patriots have to make sure that good Carr doesn’t show up.  To do that, they have to take away his top two targets, which in this game should be tight end Darren Waller and second-year receiver Hunter Renfrow.

If they can do that, stop the run and get some early and consistent pressure on Derek Carr, it will be a long day for the Raiders’ offense.

If Derek Carr is allowed to get comfortable, well, the Patriots will have a game on their hands.  With something to prove, the confidence is mounting for Carr, who is getting an opportunity to shine under Jon Gruden.

"“I have a lot to prove to myself.  I have a lot to prove to my organization,” Carr told reporters after the Monday night win, as transcribed by Bleacher Report.  “I am going to be completely honest with you: I’m tired of being disrespected.”"

A victory over the New England Patriots would earn him some of that respect, especially if he is able to drive his team to a 3-0 start.