Defense
Credit: NFL Game Rewind
Oakland’s defense did better against the run this week, particularly outside the tackles. On this late first quarter play, CB Carlos Rogers expertly reads the screen and stuffs it before it can go anywhere. New England lines up in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) with a bunch formation to the weak side against Oakland’s nickel package (3 DLs, 3 LBs, 5 DBs) with CB Tarell Brown lined up along with Rogers and CB T.J. Carrie in a pattern match style coverage (Brown takes first inside breaking route, Carrie takes deep route, Rogers takes flats or second inside breaking route). New England motions Edelman away from the play to bring Tarell Brown out of the play. Carrie runs deep to stay on top of the clear out route and Rogers shows great discipline and stays home when New England WR Danny Amendola runs into the backfield for the fake handoff. Rogers sees the play unfold and drives down hard on RB Shane Vereen to drill him before the New England linemen can get out to him to make their blocks.