Patriots Pick Up Where They Left Off
Friday September 9, 2005
The regular-season debut of Randy Moss in Oakland Raiders' silver and black got off to a great start with a 73-yard touchdown reception on just his second catch, but the New England Patriots turned things around after a shaky start to win the 2005 season opener 30-20.
The key play for New England came in the third quarter with the Patriots up just 17-14 when nose tackle Vince Wilfork pulled in an interception at the Raiders' 20-yard line after Kerry Collins arm was hit just before he delivered the ball. A 12-yard pass by Patriots' QB Tom Brady to reigning Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch set up an 8-yard touchdown run by Corey Dillon, which opened up a two-score lead that New England never relinquished.
Brady enjoyed a 24-for-38 performance, racking up 306 yards passing while rarely receiving pressure from a questionable Raiders' defense. In fact, Brady was so comfortable in the first half, the team nearly abandoned the running game completely, although credit has to be given to the Raiders for shutting Dillon down on the few attempts he received in the first half. He did, however, manage to punch the ball into the end zone twice in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Looking ahead, the Patriots face a difficult challenge before their bye in week seven. New England hits the road against the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers before returning home to face the San Diego Chargers. They then must head back out on the road again to meet the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos before finally getting a break.
The Raiders will head back home where their defense will be tested again next week by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The key play for New England came in the third quarter with the Patriots up just 17-14 when nose tackle Vince Wilfork pulled in an interception at the Raiders' 20-yard line after Kerry Collins arm was hit just before he delivered the ball. A 12-yard pass by Patriots' QB Tom Brady to reigning Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch set up an 8-yard touchdown run by Corey Dillon, which opened up a two-score lead that New England never relinquished.
Brady enjoyed a 24-for-38 performance, racking up 306 yards passing while rarely receiving pressure from a questionable Raiders' defense. In fact, Brady was so comfortable in the first half, the team nearly abandoned the running game completely, although credit has to be given to the Raiders for shutting Dillon down on the few attempts he received in the first half. He did, however, manage to punch the ball into the end zone twice in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Looking ahead, the Patriots face a difficult challenge before their bye in week seven. New England hits the road against the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers before returning home to face the San Diego Chargers. They then must head back out on the road again to meet the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos before finally getting a break.
The Raiders will head back home where their defense will be tested again next week by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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