"It wasn't complicated, clever or pretty. The Patriots run game didn't trick the Oakland Raiders or even keep them guessing.

When the Pats lined up BenJarvus Green-Ellis or Stevan Ridley behind quarterback Tom Brady in one-back looks Sunday, they often ran the ball. And in their 29 called running plays, the Patriots sent those runners behind bruising tight end Rob Gronkowski 22 times.

No frills, basic — extremely efficient. That's how you make a statement that the Pats aren't just a passing team.

In their 31-19 victory against the Raiders, the Pats bruised and battered the home team, which also happens to have the best rushing attack in the NFL."