FOXBORO, Mass. — Check out the New England Patriots’ standout performers, both good and bad, from their 16-9 win over the Oakland Raiders:
Julian Edelman
The Patriots’ receiver did all he could to carry the team on his back, catching 10 passes for 84 yards on 12 targets. It’s going to be a long season for Edelman as Brady’s favorite receiver. He’s going to continue to get beat up with catches over the middle.
Brady spread the ball around better in this game, targeting Brandon LaFell eight times, Shane Vereen and Rob Gronkowski on six passes and Tim Wright, Danny Amendola, Kenbrell Thompkins and Stevan Ridley once each.
Dont’a Hightower
The third-year Patriots’ linebacker was all over the field once again, making seven tackles with a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. Hightower has been much better in coverage this year, and excels at stopping the player he’s covering for a short gain with a big hit.
Hightower has to play many roles in the Patriots’ defense, and he bounces between them seamlessly.
Darrelle Revis
Revis was targeted six times by Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr. He allowed five receptions for 56 yards. It wasn’t Revis’ greatest game, and he looked a little slowed down on Sunday.
The Patriots’ pass defense allowed just 174 yards to Carr, so it wasn’t all bad.
Offensive Line
Brady was sacked twice by the Raiders and had to get rid of the ball quickly on most of his 37 drop backs. The Raiders hit Brady six times.
The Patriots took out right guard Jordan Devey in the fourth quarter and replaced him with Bryan Stork. Left tackle Nate Solder is supposed to be the Patriots’ franchise offensive lineman, but he had a tough day at the office against rookie linebacker Khalil Mack.
