Meanwhile, security blanket Wes Welker bolted to Denver as a free agent, running back Danny Woodhead picked San Diego as his new home, receiver Brandon Lloyd remains unemployed, and AllPro tight end Rob Gronkowski remains on the shelf as he continues to recover from offseason forearm and back surgeries.Despite all that New England persevered in Buffalo last weekend thanks in large part to the gritty play of Welker's replacement, Danny Amendola. The receiver aggravated a groin injury late in the second quarter but returned to play a key role in the Pats' seasonopening 2321 comefrombehind win over the Bills.Trailing by a point, the New England defense forced a threeandout against the aggressive playcalling of rookie Bills coach Doug Marrone. Instead of relying on the running game to eat up more of the clock, Buffalo opted to pass and rookie EJ Manuel, the first quarterback chosen in April's draft at No.3. SACK OF SACKS: The Raiders faced big questions in the preseason about how they