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Defense leads the way again as Patriots hold off Raiders in home opener

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Although the Oakland Raiders would keep the game much closer than expected, the New England Patriots were able to come up with the necessary plays when they needed them most to earn a 16-9 win in their home opener.

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Here's what you need to know . . .

  • It was the Patriots' defense that led the way for the second straight week, holding the Raiders to just 241 yards of total offense and managing to get off the field in eight of 13 third-down opportunities.
     
  • A Darren McFadden touchdown run with 1:02 left in the fourth quarter seemed to have tied the game for the Raiders, but the play was called back due to a holding penalty.
     
  • The game would be sealed on the very next play, when Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork came down with an interception of a pass deflected off the hands of Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore.
     
  • Unable to get in a consistent rhythm with his receivers, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finished with just 234 yards and one touchdown. Despite another win, that lack of production is concerning for the passing attack as a whole.
     
  • The Raiders' defense improved upon its performances of weeks past, managing to pressure the pocket with more consistency, but struggles to capitalize on third-down situations continue to plague the unit.
     
  • Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater and safety Tyvon Branch both left the game with foot injuries and did not return.

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