The New England Patriots made the most of their red zone chances & the Oakland Raiders did not as the Pats win 31-19 on a day where both the Pats' division rivals Buffalo Bills & NY Jets lose their games. Pats & Bills are tied at the top now with 3-1 records.
I'm not a football insider, but a couple of things seemed odd to me. Why is Tom Brady still in the game in the 4th quarter with the game in hand? Why is the Pats offense not running the ball on every play to eat up the clock instead of going for more points? I don't get that aspect of running up the score.
Wes Welker had another big day with several receptions for 150+ yards. Deion Branch catches a TD pass. Stephen Ridley scampers for a nice 30+ yard TD, his first as a pro. And big Vince gets another pick with a rumblin', stumblin' return.
Each team amassed about the same yardage. Oakland had to settle for a field goal on their 1st possession. Then penalties & picks at crucial times sealed their fate. The Pats defense did give up a TD towards the end of the game due to poor effort & poor tackling.
Also, it was a costly win as the Pats lose Jerod Mayo for 5 to 6 weeks with an MCL injury. Mayo's loss comes at a time where the defense is bending & sometimes breaking. Mayo will probably miss big games against the Jets (twice), Giants, Cowboys & Steelers.
Onto the Jets next week at home.
1 comment:
one reason Brady stays in is that NO lead is safe with their secondary.
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