Patriots vs. Raiders takeaways: New England steamrolls Las Vegas as Drake Maye tallies 5 TDs

The New England Patriots are above .500 for the first time this season, moving to 3-2 on the year thanks to a 45-17 win over the Raiders. With the loss, Las Vegas drops to 3-2, losing its second-straight game after beginning the year 3-0.

Drake Maye carried the momentum from a standout performance last week against Buffalo and looked much closer to the MVP runner-up we saw last year in this Week 5 matchup. In all, the Patriots quarterback completed 26-of-34 for 374 yards and four passing touchdowns. Maye also rushed for 25 yards and another touchdown. That offense came out of the gate firing, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions to jump out to a 14-7 first-quarter lead.

Maye's rekindled ability to hit the deep ball was apparent on the opening touchdown drive, connecting with DeMario Douglas for a 35-yard score, the first of two on the day for the wideout. After the Raiders matched that initial touchdown, New England orchestrated an 84-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown by Rhamondre Stevenson. From there, the Patriots never looked back, outscoring the Raiders 24-10 over the course of the second half.

The key swings in this matchup happened…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/