Capsule summary of Saturday's AFC playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.
Teams -- Oakland (11-6), New England (11-5).
Site -- Foxboro Stadium.
Kickoff --- 8 p.m. EST.
Last Playoff Meeting -- Safety Jim Bowman returned a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter as the Patriots posted a 27-20 victory over the Raiders on Jan. 5, 1986 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Patriots' defense forced six turnovers, scoring 20 of its 27 points off Oakland miscues. Tony Eason had touchdown pass and Craig James ran for a score in the first half.
Last Regular Season Meeting -- Cornerback Terry McDaniel had three interceptions, including one that he returned 14 yards for a touchdown as the Raiders posted a a 21-17 victory on Oct. 9, 1994 at Foxboro Stadium.
Coaches Playoff Records -- Jon Gruden, Oakland, 2-1; Belichick, New England, 1-1.
Oakland offense vs. New England defense -- Rich Gannon was masterful in last week's wild card round victory over the New York Jets, especially utilizing 39-year-old wide receiver Jerry Rice, who had nine catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Tim Brown had just three catches for 13 yards and a TD, but likely will be more involved in the passing game against the Patriots. Charlie Garner continues to be the focal point of the Raiders' run game, despite playing with a foot injury. Tyrone Wheatley, who had 11 carries last week -- his most since Week Four against Indianapolis -- also has re-emerged in the Oakland running game.
New England offense vs. Oakland defense -- Antowain Smith, who has gotten better as the season has gone on, should pound the Oakland front that has struggled against the run. Troy Brown set a club record for catches in a season, but will be matched against Charles Woodson, the Raiders' best cover corner. Brown also has the ability to make plays on special teams as he averaged an AFC-leading 14.2 yards per return on punts to go along with two touchdowns. If Woodson locks up Brown, wide receiver David Patten will have to find a way to produce against veteran Eric Allen. Brady, the youngest quarterback in the postseason at 24, has played within himself all season and will need to do so again in this contest as Woodson and Allen are both a pair of playmakers at the corner position.
