Patriots show Raiders they're still not at the elite level in the AFC

The New England Patriots, led by the usual suspects (Tom Brady and Wes Welker), taught the Oakland Raiders a lesson today: It takes a lot more than a couple wins and some good press to be an elite team in the NFL.

The Patriots seemed to completely forget last week’s debacle against Buffalo and marched into the Oakland Coliseum to dismantle the Raiders, 31-19. Brady was his usual efficient self, performing surgery on the Oakland secondary to the tune of 226 yards, while Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell faltered when it really counted. Although Campbell threw for 344 yards, his two interceptions, including one in the end zone, were momentum killers.

The underlying feeling this loss has generated is simply that the Raiders, while talented, still have a long way to go if they want to compete for the AFC title. Undisciplined play by DE Richard Seymour, possibly a little too excited to be facing the team that he feels gave up on him, short-circuited the Raiders during the first quarter, and Oakland never led after the mid-second quarter.

Today at the coliseum, the Patriots did what winners do: they finished. They were efficient, disciplined and professional. At times, the Raiders looked that way, too. At others, they looked like the Raiders of the early 2000’s.

Here are five observations from today’s loss:

The Raiders Need More Consistency out of QB Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell must be more accurate. His two interceptions killed the Raiders, especially the pick in the end zone. A playoff team doesn’t turn the ball over in the red zone.

TE KEvin Boss:

Kevin Boss has been more than adequate in replacing Zach Miller.

Boss consistently got the call in tough third-down situations and has shown an ability to use his size and good hands to make the crucial catch.

Janikowski and Lechler: The Dynamic Duo

The Raiders special teams, led by Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler, continue to be a strong point. Janikowski’s cannon-like leg, a fixture in Oakland for over 10 years, just seems to get stronger and more accurate every year. Lechler was his usual consistent self, booming a 63-yard punt.

Stupid Penalties Kill

Richard Seymour has to play a more disciplined game. His penalties in the first quarter helped the Pats almost as much as Brady and Welker did. Look for head coach Hue Jackson to address this before next week’s game.

McFadden: He Can't Always Do It All

Darren McFadden can't do it all on his own. Michael Bush, although he did score a touchdown, has to  pick up more than 26 yards on eight carries. McFadden has become an elite back, and the Raiders need to be careful not to overwork him.

Elite teams finish. They put away lesser teams. Today in Oakland, the Patriots showed which team was which.