Oakland Raiders coaches and players comment about their upcoming game against the New England Patriots in Mexico City.
On playing the Patriots...
"We know what position we're in. We just have to come out and do our job and not try to do too much. Just do the little things right and everything else will take care of itself. We're well aware of what's going on. The playoffs have started for us."
- Raiders Safety Reggie Nelson
"We all put our shoes on the same way. If you put someone on a bigger pedestal than what it may seem, than you're already losing that battle. Of course we respect the Patriots, but they suit up like we suit up."
- Raiders Cornerback TJ Carrie
"We can play with anybody in the league, but we got to play better or you're going to have a rough day against a guy like Tom Brady. So, that's the challenge. We've got to do enough as a football team to win this game."
- Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio
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"It's not a scary thing to play them. They're the next team on the schedule. Let's not make it something it's not, but let's respect that they're very smart. They're very wise in how they game plan things."
- Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr
On Tom Brady...
"I just always appreciate the competitive nature that he brings, the preparation, the way he's taken care of himself. The amazing level of play that he's been able to sustain for such a long time has really been unmatched I think."
- Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio
"Brady is Brady. That's what he's been doing all along. It's amazing he's been doing it at such a high level. It's just greatness. He's the best. He's the best at what he does."
- Raiders Safety Reggie Nelson
"He's done a lot of great things in his career. He's a walking hall of famer. I've got nothing but respect for him. Love his game."
- Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr
On the Patriots defense...
"They're well coached, they've got first round picks all over the field, they have talent, they have veterans to get them lined up, they've got veterans that know that system, been in that system a long time, and so like I said, stats are misleading a lot of the time. They play very efficient, they tackle very well, they're very fundamentally sound, [and] they don't miss a lot of open field tackles."
- Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr
On the strengths of the Patriots...
"They've got an offense that is very explosive. It's at the top of the league in most categories. Special teams was really dominate last week against Denver. Really solid unit that they put a lot of work and effort into being good there. Defensively, they've been playing better lately. They got off to a slow start, much like we have. We don't rank real well defensively, nor do they, but they've been effective in helping them win and that's what it's all about. We're going to have a good week of practice and travel down there to take care of business."
- Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio
