New England Patriots team grades vs Oakland Raiders Week 11

Of all the facets of the game against the Raiders, the rushing defense was the only one that was suspect. Like the passing defense, the rushing defense has taken multiple steps forward as the season has progressed. Against the Raiders, they took a little step back.

Marshawn Lynch hasn’t provided the production the Raiders were hoping for. However, he showed he is still capable of producing against the Patriots. Lynch had one of his better rushing games of the season, gaining 67 yards on 11 carries, equaling out to 6.1 yards per carry.

The yards were the third most in a game this season for Lynch while the yards per carry were a season-high for a game. Lynch wasn’t the only Raiders running back to find success.

Jalen Richard was able to gain 19 yards on his four carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Jamize Olawale also received three carries and turned them into 16 yards. Olawale was stuffed, however, on a fourth-and-one in the third quarter that essentially ended whatever chances the Raiders had of a comeback.

In total, the Raiders gained 109 yards on 21 carries. The Patriots are lucky Oakland had to abandon the running game so early on based on the score. Had the game been closer, and Lynch been able to receive more carries, the outcome would more than likely have been less lopsided.