While it wasn't a perfect game by any stretch, lots of things went right for the Patriots during their 34-9 victory over the Lions.
Before getting to all of the good stuff, I'll start off by pointing out the trouble spots. While they didn't end up biting us in the behind today, the three and outs have got to go. Starting off the game with two in a row is out of control and may send me to an early grave.
While Tom Brady's interception also needs to go into the bad category, it didn't even come close to comparing to last week's picks. While Brady definitely forced it in to Rob Gronkowski when he didn't need to, the Patriots could easily been on the goal line with a pass interference call. Since Brady doesn't typically make the same mistake twice in a season, maybe it's good that he got that out of his system today.
While Tom Brady's interception also needs to go into the bad category, it didn't even come close to comparing to last week's picks. While Brady definitely forced it in to Rob Gronkowski when he didn't need to, the Patriots could easily been on the goal line with a pass interference call. Since Brady doesn't typically make the same mistake twice in a season, maybe it's good that he got that out of his system today.
Now, what I believe to be the game-changing play of the game started off real bad and couldn't have ended much nicer. Clearly, I'm talking about Ryan Allen's 66 yard punt off of a bounced snap. One of the other awesome plays of the game would also come from special teams when Danny Amendola took a kickoff 81 yards down field to set up one of LeGarrette Blount's touchdown runs. Blount finished the day with 78 yards on 12 carries. In total the Patriots earned 90 yards on the ground averaging 4.5 yards per carry. That was pretty good considering Detroit has held their opponents to an average of 3 yards per carry and today's game plan revolved around throwing the ball.
Although the offense wasn't really flashy today, it did allow Brady to use a variety of his offensive weapons. Yes, that is weapons with an "s" at the end. Unlike what some talking heads frequently complain about, Brady has weapons. Now that Josh McDaniels is hopefully done bringing knives to gun fights, thereby using guys in positions where they will be successful, the offense is rolling.
Gronk had a quiet 78 yards on 5 catches. Brandon LaFell was just under the century mark with 98 yards. Tim Wright had 5 catches, 2 of which were in the endzone. Although he was stuffed in the backfield a number of times today, Shane Vereen still managed to finish the game with 60 yards. Julian Edelman was also used heavily as he had 11 catches for 89 yards. In my opinion, Edelman got robbed on having his punt return taken back. That was a weak call.
Last, but not least, the offensive line did a fine job protecting Brady today. While he did end up on his back a time or two, they didn't give up any sacks to defense who gets their fair share.
Although the offense wasn't really flashy today, it did allow Brady to use a variety of his offensive weapons. Yes, that is weapons with an "s" at the end. Unlike what some talking heads frequently complain about, Brady has weapons. Now that Josh McDaniels is hopefully done bringing knives to gun fights, thereby using guys in positions where they will be successful, the offense is rolling.
Gronk had a quiet 78 yards on 5 catches. Brandon LaFell was just under the century mark with 98 yards. Tim Wright had 5 catches, 2 of which were in the endzone. Although he was stuffed in the backfield a number of times today, Shane Vereen still managed to finish the game with 60 yards. Julian Edelman was also used heavily as he had 11 catches for 89 yards. In my opinion, Edelman got robbed on having his punt return taken back. That was a weak call.
Last, but not least, the offensive line did a fine job protecting Brady today. While he did end up on his back a time or two, they didn't give up any sacks to defense who gets their fair share.
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