New England Patriots: Studs and duds from Week 3 vs. Raiders

Stud: Patriots running game

Another stud performance that took place for New England on Sunday afternoon was the Patriots’ ability to run the ball on the ground and take advantage of the Raiders defense through the running game. Overall, New England’s rushing attack was dominant throughout the course of the game, finishing with a total of 250 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries.

Leading the way for that unit was Sony Michel with nine carries for 117 yards, Rex Burkhead with six carries for 49 yards and two touchdowns and J.J. Taylor with a team-high 11 carries for 43 yards.

If New England runs the ball like it did in the win on Sunday, along with having the duel threat of Cam Newton throwing and running the ball under center, the Patriots tend to be a tough team for defenses to stop.

Dud: Lack of a passing attack

For the most part, New England has shown the ability to both air the ball out and run the ball on the ground, but the Patriots didn’t necessarily raise any eyebrows through the air on Sunday in Week 3.

Overall, quarterback Cam Newton finished with a total of 162 yards passing on 17 completions and 28 overall attempts. He did manage to throw for one touchdown and also through one interception through the air.

Granted, when the running game is working like it was for New England on Sunday, the lack of a passing game can be overlooked.