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Coming off a 41-16 blowout victory at the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots also won their second straight road game in high altitude in impressive fashion. The defending world champions blew out the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City 33-8 and improved their record to 8-2. New England had some very good performances in all three phases of the game, with the following three players in particular standing out.
Candidate: QB Tom Brady
From start to finish, Tom Brady played a dominant game against the Raiders. The NFL's best quarterback carved up Oakland's defense for 339 yards and three touchdowns while completing 30 of 37 pass attempts. Brady, who spread the wealth around evenly and targeted eight different receivers, was in control throughout the contest and at one point threw 12 straight completions. Yet another masterful performance.
Candidate: WR Brandin Cooks
Statistically speaking, Brandin Cooks' game versus the Raiders was his best of the season. The first-year Patriot caught six of Brady's pass attempts for 149 yards – both season-highs for Cooks – and a touchdown. Of Cooks' catches, two went for 50+ yards; the second of which a 64-yard touchdown on the first series of the second half that officially blew the doors open in the game.
Candidate: K Stephen Gostkowski
Yes, New England's kicker played in a favorable environment – at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Nevertheless, he still played an impressive game and finished with four field goals and three successful extra point attempts. Two of Stephen Gostkowski's kicks came from more than 50 yards out which makes him the first player in Patriots history to accomplish such a feat. And if that's not enough, the veteran also set a new team record with a 62-yarder to close out the first half.
With all that in mind, who is your choice for this week's game ball?
Poll
Who gets this week's Patriots game ball?
This poll is closed
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50%
QB Tom Brady
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30%
WR Brandin Cooks
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18%
K Stephen Gostkowski