Pats vs Raiders Week 4

The Patriots went down to Oakland and took down the Raiders 31-19. But what did we really learn? It was reinforced again that Brady to Welker is unstoppable and that our defense continues to struggle. Well get to the defense later but for now lets talk about the positive. Tom Brady knows that he can throw to Wes Welker anytime he wants and that Welker will make the play. This is Welker's 5th year and he still amazes me every game. The guy is 5'8 185 and he's the toughest player on the field. Every week he goes over the middle and takes shot after shot and he keeps getting up, getting open, and making plays. That double move back shoulder throw where he somehow got both feet in bounds was ridiculous. Shame on the Raiders for letting him free and do what he wants. Then again what do I care. Another thing about Welker is that he'll always be looked at as a slot receiver and wont get the same hype that guys like Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald get. Welker's leading the league in catches and yards by wide margins but you probably wont hear his name when the "best receiver in the league" discussion comes up.

Now on to the defense. Yesterday was pretty much the same thing we watched last year. Sit back in zones, get no pass rush, and get hopefully get a key turnover at a crucial point. The defense gave up over 500 yards to a team quarterbacked by Jason Campbell. They did do a good job on Darren McFadden, holding him to only 75 yards, but he did gash the D a few times. The defense has to get better. It cant be the same as last year. We all know how last year ended up. We need Albert Haynesworth to get healthy cause he was the center piece to the attacking 4-3 that Bill Belichick wanted to run this year. Getting to the quarterback is a necessity now. Sitting back and hoping they make a mistake doesn't cut it in the NFL these days. We can't count on Vince Wilfork to keep making interceptions week after week. Only 34 away from the franchise record, Vince Also, reports are that Mayo isn't out for the year which is good news but that he will miss the next 6 weeks. Hes one of the best linebackers in the league and our defensive leader so we have to hope Brandon Spikes and Gary Guyton step up.

To end this on a positive note it was great to see some offensive balance yesterday. Its good to see that Tom Brady doesn't have to throw for 400 yards for the Patriots to put up 30+ points and win. The running game, which has been little used up until yesterday, really came alive against a pretty good front four. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Stevan Ridley combined for 172 yards. Ridley showed great burst on his touchdown run and If Danny Woodhead is out for a extended period of time, Ridley seems to be a good fit for that change of pace back to split carries with BenJarvus.

All in all a solid road win in a tough place to play. Now on the Fat Man and the New York Jets. Let the talking begin.

Until next time...