Pats Win Home Opener... Barely

9/22/2014

John Ahern, Host of Psycho Sports

In an uncanny twist in the title, the heavily favored Patriots pulled a page out of the book of the silver and black mission statements and "just won, baby", besting Oakland in an ugly 16-9 victory in their home opener. Outside of Julian Edelman (10 rec, 84 yds) and Rob Gronkowski (3 rec, 44 yds, 1 TD ), Tom Brady has clearly lost the trust of his receivers, led by Danny Amendola, who had just one look on Sunday. Brady, who went 24/37 for 234 yards and a touchdown, was under siege in the pocket all day long.

Having to more than occasionally throw off his back foot, he missed badly on his incompletions. His offensive line was continually pushed back into his face and the passing game never really established any rhythm. On the ground the Pats were able to muster a mere 76 yards. on a Raider defense giving up a whopping 200 yards per contest.

Steven Ridley led the Pats ground game with 54 yards on 19 carries as the once again tried to balance their run versus pass percentage.The defense made some key plays at certain times but never was able to rattle Raider rookie QB Derick Carr, who looked very poised and was not sacked once. The first-rounder out of Fresno St. made some big throws on third down in only his third regular season game.

With a franchise that has entertained 18 QB's in the past 12 seasons, Carr may provide some well needed tenure to the once proud franchise.

Jerrod Mayo led all New England defenders with 11 tackles, but the play of the game was made by veteran lineman Vince Wilfork.

With 51 seconds remaining and Oakland driving for a game tying touchdown, Wilfork snared a deflected pass off of teammate Logan Ryan and the Patriots ran out the clock to preserve the victory.

Game Notes:

The Raiders have lost 15 consecutive games in the eastern time zone.
The Patriots won their home opener for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons.
Tom Brady was 10/11 for 84 yds in targeting Edelman, his third straight game with at least six catches.
On 27 drives since halftime of a week 1 loss at Miami, the Pats offense has scored only 2 touchdowns.
Oakland wide receiver Rod Streater and safety Tyvon Branch each left the game with a broken foot.

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