By Tim Thibeault

The New England Patriots have put the devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills behind them as they defeated the Oakland Raiders 31-19 Sunday afternoon.

With all of the attention on Tom Brady for throwing four interceptions in week three against the Bills, he desperately needed to rebound. He did just that and in the process passed the great Joe Montana on the all-time passing touchdown list. Although he did not record eye-popping numbers, he did throw two touchdown passes with 226 yards.  Of his 16 completed passes, Wes Welker hauled in nine of them for 156 yards.

The Patriots, who are not known for their rushing attack, piled up 183 rushing yards which played a large role in the victory of the Raiders. Rookie running-back, Stevan Ridley, carried the ball 10 times for 97 yards. He dealt a crushing blow to Oakland just four minutes into the 3rd quarter with a 33 yard touchdown run to put the Pats’ up 24-10.

New England led 24-13 entering the fourth quarter which did not end up faring well with the Raiders, as 325-pound defensive tackle, Vince Wilfork, intercepted his second pass of the season.

The Patriots have scored 30 points in their last 12 consecutive games. They have the top quarterback and receiver through the first four weeks of the season.

Brady leads the league with 1,553 total passing yards along with his favorite target Wes Welker, who has accumulated 616 receiving yards. Brady could break yet another record next week if he can throw for 2 or more touchdown passes. He tied Peyton Manning with 13 straight games with at least two passing touchdowns.

New England looks to improve to 4-1 and defeat “big mouth” Rex Ryan and division rival, New York Jets, next Sunday at 4:15 in Foxboro.