Sports

Brady TD pass, Gostkowski's 3 FGs lead sluggish Patriots to 16-9 victory over winless Raiders

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) tries to take down Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (The Associated Press)

Tom Brady threw a touchdown pass, Stephen Gostkowski kicked three field goals and the sluggish New England Patriots held on to beat the Oakland Raiders 16-9 when defensive tackle Vince Wilfork intercepted a pass near his goal line Sunday.

Darren McFadden's potential tying touchdown run was nullified by a holding penalty. A play later, Wilfork grabbed the ball when Logan Ryan jarred it loose from intended receiver Denarius Moore with 51 seconds left.

The Patriots (2-1) won their 12th home opener in 13 seasons, while the Raiders (0-3) lost their 15th straight game in the Eastern time zone. They were held to three field goals by Sebastian Janikowski.

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