FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A few thoughts on the Oakland Raiders' 16-9 loss to New England at Gillette Stadium:
What it means: The Raiders were gutsy, but the reality is they fell to 0-3. The Oakland defense was better and it kept the Raiders in the game. Yet the Raiders' offense couldn’t come through when needed. Receiver Denarius Moore let a ball bounce out of his hands in the red zone, and it was intercepted by Vince Wilfork in the final seconds to seal the loss for Oakland. Again, the Raiders were better but still lost. The misery continues.
Stock watch: The Raiders' run defense improved. It allowed 76 yards on 32 carries. New England had success on the ground, but Oakland was not eaten alive in the run game like it was in the first two weeks. The Raiders allowed exactly 400 yards on the ground in the first two games. Yes, it was a league high.
Eastern time zone blues continue: The Raiders lost their 15th consecutive game in the Eastern time zone dating back to 2009. It was their second such defeat of this season. They lost at the New York Jets in Week 1. Oakland plays in the Eastern time zone once more: Oct. 26 in Cleveland.
Game ball: It goes to rookie linebacker Khalil Mack. The No. 5 overall draft pick had his best game of the season. He ate up New England left tackle Nate Solder and had a big hit on Tom Brady late in the third quarter. Mack is quickly coming into his own.
What's next: The Raiders are leaving New England and heading to old England. The Raiders fly to London on Sunday night to prepare for a "home" game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in Oakland’s last game before the bye.
