The New England Patriots played very good complimentary football against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday and were able to defeat their opponent 33-8. And as is tradition after every victory, the team handed out practice players of the week honors today, to acknowledged those who helped the team prepare.
This week, the following five players were named:
RB Brandon Bolden
OL James Ferentz
DL Geneo Grissom
WR Riley McCarron
DB David Jones
Of the five players listed above only one saw actual playing time in the game: Brandon Bolden, who played 15 special teams snaps. The veteran might have helped the Patriots prepare for running back Marshawn Lynch, who, like Bolden, is a bigger back. It would not be a surprise if James Ferentz played the roles of Oakland's talented interior offensive linemen during practice, while Geneo Grissom likely gave his best Khalil Mack impression.
Riley McCarron, on the other hand, might have played the roles of wideout Amari Cooper and returnman DeAndre Washington. Fellow rookie David Jones looks like a candidate to play Obi Melifonwu in practice to help New England's tight ends prepare for the talented defensive back.
Grissom earned the honor for a team-leading fifth time this season while Jones and McCarron have been named practice players of the week one time before each. Neither Ferentz nor Bolden were acknowledged for their practice accomplishments before.
Week 2: DB Nate Ebner, DL Geneo Grissom, TE Jacob Hollister
Week 3: DL Adam Butler, DL Geneo Grissom, WR Cody Hollister, DB Damarius Travis
Week 5: Unknown
Week 6: DL Angelo Blackson, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, DB David Jones, OL Ted Karras, DB Damarius Travis
Week 7: RB Rex Burkhead, LB Marquis Flowers, DL Geneo Grissom, WR Cody Hollister, LB Trevor Reilly, CB Jomal Wiltz
Week 8: TE Dwayne Allen, OL Cole Croston, WR Cody Hollister, TE Jacob Hollister, CB Ryan Lewis, DB Jomal Wiltz
Week 10: DL Geneo Grissom, DL Mike Purcell, DB Damarius Travis, WR Riley McCarron & OL Cameron Fleming