The New England Patriots played a near-flawless game in week 11 versus the Oakland Raiders and left Mexico City with a 33-8 victory under their belts. The Patriots, who improved their record to 8-2 and further solidified their lead in the AFC East, were productive in all three phases of the game with the following 10 players in particular standing out – for better or for worse.
Winner: CB Jonathan Jones
With Eric Rowe out another week, Jonathan Jones saw yet another prominent role – and he played arguably his best game of the year. The second-year man, who is a core special teamer, played a career-high 64 defensive snaps and gave up only 37 passing yards. Furthermore, he was a part of both Patriots takeaways: On Duron Harmon's interception, Jones was in tight coverage while his wrap-up of Seth Roberts helped Marquis Flowers force a momentum-changing second-quarter fumble.
Winner: QB Tom Brady
From start to finish and despite two backups playing in front of him, Tom Brady had a simply 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 was in control throughout the contest and at one point threw 12 straight completions. Yet another masterful performance.
Winner: OC Ted Karras
In just his third career start, Ted Karras did not stand out – and that is a very good thing. The second-year offensive lineman, who originally started the season on New England's practice squad, filled in admirably for starter David Andrews and gave up only one pressure on 39 pass blocking snaps while also providing a considerable push in the running game. Karras also appeared to do well with snaps and as a communicator up front.
Loser: WR Phillip Dorsett
With Chris Hogan out again due to injury, the rest of the Patriots' wide receivers were needed to step up against the Raiders' questionable pass defense. But while Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks did, Phillip Dorsett had a quiet day: The first-year Patriot was targeted only once – on a play that was ultimately reversed due to a defensive penalty – and failed to make the potential touchdown catch. As things stand right now, Dorstett looks to be the last layer of depth at the position.
Winner: Moses Cabrera
Playing at an elevation of 7,200 feet, New England started the game with an up-tempo no-huddle attack – an early testament for the team's physical abilities. Working on those abilities is the task of strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera, who is one of the Patriots' unsung heroes. Despite the high altitude, the team looked sharp in all three phases, which speaks as much for its preparation as it does for Cabrera's work.
Winner: K Stephen Gostkowski
Playing at the above-mentioned 7,200 feet above sea level, Stephen Gostkowski played an impressive game and finished a perfect four of four on field goals and three of three on extra point attempts. Two of his 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.
Loser: DE Cassius Marsh
In his first game back from a shoulder injury, Cassius Marsh played a mere two defensive snaps – by far his fewest of the season. Of course, some of this may have to do with the injury but considering that a) the Patriots defense did not skip a beat and b) Marsh's at times uneven play in the past, his low snap is not a good look for the 25-year old from afar.
Winner: WR Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola continues to show why he is the Patriots' Mr. Reliable particularly with Julian Edelman out. The veteran was targeted nine times against the Raiders and caught a team-high eight passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. What stands out about Amendola's stat-line is that four of his catches helped convert third down attempts as Tom Brady shows time and again how much he trusts him in high-pressure situations.
Winner: WR Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks was spectacular versus the Raiders and delivered his best statistical performance 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 his 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.
Winner: LB Marquis Flowers
With the Patriots decimated at the linebacker position – both Dont'a Hightower and Shea McClellin will finish the year on injured reserve –, the Patriots' depth players are needed to step up. Marquis Flowers did just that on Sunday and played a season-high 26 snaps on defense. Flowers looked good in coverage and against the run and had one of the game's biggest plays: With the Raiders driving to cut the deficit to seven just before half, the first-year Patriot forced a fumble that was recovered by New England and set up Stephen Gostkowski's 62-yard field goal to close out the quarter.