Due to two joint practices, the New England Patriots are in Las Vegas this week ahead of Friday night's matchup with the Raiders.

It's the first time the Raiders are playing the Patriots at home since the 2011 season when the franchise was still in Oakland. Both franchises hold a storied history in the AFC. And between both franchises, there are nine Super Bowl wins and 15 AFC championships.

The lore of the Raiders franchise, and the history it presents, caused Bill Belichick, New England's head coach, to offer well-deserved praise of the Raiders on Monday.

"When you walk in the building you see the three Super Bowl trophies, the 'Just win, baby' sign and a lot of the Al Davis hallmarks," Belichick said. "I mean it should be. This franchise has great tradition. It's no different than some of the other teams, like the Colts. They moved from Baltimore or whatever and they established their tradition in Indianapolis and those guys are doing it here. But yeah, you certainly think about it, it's still silver and black."

Why Belichick respects the Raiders 

Part of Belichick's reverence of the Raiders franchise is because of the late Al Davis, who died in 2011. Belichick spent time with Davis in 1998, when he interviewed in Oakland. They were also contributors to multiple trades, which helped both teams throughout the years.

"Ton of respect for Mr. Davis, everything he's meant to the National Football League and the AFL," Belichick said. "He's one of the founders and what he's done for professional football. What he's done to bring equality and opportunity to so many.

"His championship level of performance and the standard that he set for himself, and his teams, and the organization are historical. It's tremendous. Tremendous man and was a huge influence on professional football. I'm sure the game would be a lot different if it wasn't for him. I think we're all indebted to what he's done to help this game and certainly as a coach and as a professional in the game, to me, he's one of the Mount Rushmore guys."

When Belichick offers praise of a team, they are doing something right. And though the Raiders haven't won a championship since the 20th century, this year may be the current team's best shot.

Outside of a preseason bout, the Raiders play the Patriots in Week 15.

Related Las Vegas Raiders reading 

"NFL legend has nothing but praise for the Raiders." 

"AFC West rival says Raiders' fan favorite on the same level as NFL superstar." 

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.