Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Patriots' defensive snaps: Easley eases in

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A look at snaps played by New England Patriots defenders in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Raiders (penalties included):

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Vince Wilfork -- 50 of 60

Chris Jones -- 29 of 60

Dominique Easley -- 16 of 60

Joe Vellano -- 14 of 60

Sealver Siliga -- 11 of 60

Quick-hit thoughts: The Patriots are thin at this spot and vulnerable like 2013 in the event that Wilfork sustains an injury, especially after Siliga left the game in the first quarter (foot injury) after a play in which he was engaged in a one-on-one rush with right guard Austin Howard. That could lead to a waiver claim on rookie Bruce Gaston, who was previously with the club and was let go by Miami. ... Easley, the team's first-round draft choice, played as an interior sub rusher in the dime, and occasionally in the nickel. Still waiting for him to pop in a game from a pass-rush perspective.

DEFENSIVE END

Chandler Jones -- 60 of 60

Rob Ninkovich -- 60 of 60

Quick-hit thoughts: Just like 2013, the starting tandem never left the field despite the fact that top backup Michael Buchanan (ankle) was active for the first time this season.

LINEBACKER

Dont'a Hightower -- 60 of 60

Jerod Mayo -- 60 of 60

Jamie Collins -- 20 of 60

Quick-hit thoughts: Collins returned from a thigh injury and played only in the base defense. At times, Hightower lined up on the edge as he continues to excel in a variety of roles.

CORNERBACK

Darrelle Revis -- 60 of 60

Logan Ryan -- 60 of 60

Kyle Arrington -- 21 of 60

Quick-hit thoughts: Pretty straight up at this spot, with rookie Malcolm Butler dressed for action but playing only on special teams. Arrington came on in the nickel and dime.

SAFETY

Devin McCourty -- 60 of 60

Patrick Chung -- 44 of 60

Tavon Wilson -- 13 of 60

Duron Harmon -- 12 of 60

Nate Ebner -- 10 of 60

Quick-hit thoughts: Chung is the top option in the base defense, but came out in sub defenses so the coaching staff could tap the coverage abilities of others. Ebner's 10 snaps reflect his growth to emerge as part of the dime defense (6 defensive backs).

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