Already missing Gronkowski this week, the team lost Michel on the 1st play of the 2nd quarter. White picked up the slack and was his normal productive self

But regardless of whether Mack plays or not, LaAdrian Waddle will have a very important role in the Patriots game plan this week.

It is the interior guys like Hicks that disrupt things. If Brady can’t step up or slide in the pocket, then edge guys like Mack can be productive.

Matt Patricia’s defense continues to improve. In the past four games, their opponents are averaging just 217.7 yards per game passing and 11 points scoring

Brady started off laser hot, hitting his first 12 passes and he finished 30-37 for 339 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Look for the Patriots and Tom Brady to air it out this week. Oakland’s secondary has yet to record an interception this season

That is why this upcoming game for them is a must-win. And they’re going to need their defense to play much better than it has so far.