FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- At an initial glance, a look at three players whose performance stood out and three who were at the opposite end of the spectrum:
Up
Rob Gronkowski -- Tight end continues to make his case as the NFL's best at the position with his 12th and 13th touchdown catches of the season, tying the single-season record for tight ends. He finishes with 5 catches for 64 yards and adds a 2-yard rushing touchdown on a lateral that he runs into the end zone.
Wes Welker -- Can't do much more than be targeted 11 times and make 11 catches, totaling 114 yards in the process.
Vince Wilfork -- Defensive lineman leads the team with 10 tackles and a sack.
Down
Devin McCourty -- Cornerback can't make the tackle as the edge setter on Donald Brown's 5-yard touchdown run and also is in coverage on a Pierre Garcon touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Sterling Moore -- Rookie is replaced by receiver Matthew Slater in the starting lineup at safety, then comes on late at cornerback and struggles in coverage.
Running game -- Against the NFL's 31st rushing defense, the Patriots gain just 73 yards on 24 attempts (3.0 avg.) as Steven Ridley (8 carries, 33 yards), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (6 carries, 14 yards) and Danny Woodhead (4 carries, 12 yards) are held in check.