Tom Brady Won’t Have Comparable Defensive Support
This aspect is overlooked and deserves a little more attention. Excluding the 2008 campaign because of a torn ACL and MCL, Brady has played with top-10 scoring defenses in 15 out of 18 seasons in New England. None of those units have ranked lower than 17th:
On the flip side, the Raiders haven’t fielded a scoring defense ranked 17th or higher since 2002.
In New England, Brady has been spoiled with defenses that keep opponents out of the end zone, which takes the pressure of the offense. A solid defense that forces three-and-outs or turns the field over also leads to more offensive possessions.
Brady wouldn’t enjoy the same luxuries in Vegas. The Raiders have struggled to field a decent defense let alone a unit that ranks top 10 in scoring.
Playing in the same division as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brady should want no parts of a scoring shootout with him twice a year at 43 years old. He needs a solid ground attack, which the Raiders have at the moment, and a defense that can come up with crucial stops—something the Silver and Black haven’t done with consistency in nearly two decades.