Sunday night the Patriots got back to their winning ways when they overtook the Chargers in San Diego by a score of 23-14. With the win the Patriots maintained the top spot in the AFC with three games left to play in the regular season. While this win wouldn't win any beauty pageants, you'd introduce it to your friends and bring it home to meet your mom and dad.
Once again the downside to the Patriots game was the play calling of Josh McDaniels. I really hope a college or NFL team will wait for him after a deep run in the playoffs. Actually, I take that back. They can take him before the post season for all I care. As usual, McDaniels was quick to give up on the run and he had Tom Brady hanging out in the shotgun way too much. After running the ball 9 times for a total of 48 yards in the opening drive, the team got pass happy. Following two futile passing plays from the one yard line, the drive ended with a Stephen Gostkowski chip shot instead of an assumed 7 points. Considering that after their initial possession the Patriots only ran the ball 19 additional more times, I'd say we gave up on the run. If we take away the two kneel downs Brady took at the end of the game, that drops the subsequent running attempts down to 17. For those who are concerned about the offensive line not protecting Brady very well and not giving him enough time in the pocket, I encourage you to start paying attention to the play calling and see if you see a connection.
In addition to some questionable play calling of which Brady had a hand in, he also didn't play that great. His most obvious bad play of the day came right before halftime when he threw an ill-advised pass in the direction of Rob Gronkowski. While it looked like the Patriots had a guaranteed 3 points in their back pocket and one more attempt at 7 coming up, Manti Te'o kept the Chargers' lead intact with a timely interception.
Another reason why this victory will not win a beauty pageant would have to be Brandon "JoJo" LaFell's first fumble of the season. While turnovers never feel good, those which lead directly to 7 points sting even worse.
In addition to some questionable play calling of which Brady had a hand in, he also didn't play that great. His most obvious bad play of the day came right before halftime when he threw an ill-advised pass in the direction of Rob Gronkowski. While it looked like the Patriots had a guaranteed 3 points in their back pocket and one more attempt at 7 coming up, Manti Te'o kept the Chargers' lead intact with a timely interception.
Another reason why this victory will not win a beauty pageant would have to be Brandon "JoJo" LaFell's first fumble of the season. While turnovers never feel good, those which lead directly to 7 points sting even worse.
Now that I'm done pointing out the obvious flaws from the game, I'll point out what made the game a keeper.
In addition to blocking the second punt of the game to give the Patriots possession on the Chargers' 25 yard line, special teams was terrific all day long. Not including the blocked punt, New England's average field position after punts and kickoffs was the 29 and 23 yard line respectively. Conversely, the Chargers' offense started inside their twenty for both kickoffs (18.6 yard line) and punts (17.2 yard line). Not considering Brian Tyms personal foul penalty, Ryan Allen pinned them inside the 20 on 4 of 5 kicks.
Offensively, the standouts were Julian Edelman (8 catches for 141 yards and 1 touchdown, 1 rush for 4 yards, 3 punt returns for 20 yards), Rob Gronkowski (8 catches for 87 yards and 1 yard) LeGarrette Blount (22 touches for 77 yards).
Defensively, Matt Patricia and the entire line get a gold star for holding the Chargers to 216 total yards, 130 yards less than normal. The group also held the third most efficient team to 4 for 13 on third downs. Individuals who get a special call out are Jamie Collins (2 sacks, 9 tackles), Rob Ninkovich (1 sack, 5 tackles) and Darrelle Revis (3 tackles and island ownership).
In addition to blocking the second punt of the game to give the Patriots possession on the Chargers' 25 yard line, special teams was terrific all day long. Not including the blocked punt, New England's average field position after punts and kickoffs was the 29 and 23 yard line respectively. Conversely, the Chargers' offense started inside their twenty for both kickoffs (18.6 yard line) and punts (17.2 yard line). Not considering Brian Tyms personal foul penalty, Ryan Allen pinned them inside the 20 on 4 of 5 kicks.
Offensively, the standouts were Julian Edelman (8 catches for 141 yards and 1 touchdown, 1 rush for 4 yards, 3 punt returns for 20 yards), Rob Gronkowski (8 catches for 87 yards and 1 yard) LeGarrette Blount (22 touches for 77 yards).
Defensively, Matt Patricia and the entire line get a gold star for holding the Chargers to 216 total yards, 130 yards less than normal. The group also held the third most efficient team to 4 for 13 on third downs. Individuals who get a special call out are Jamie Collins (2 sacks, 9 tackles), Rob Ninkovich (1 sack, 5 tackles) and Darrelle Revis (3 tackles and island ownership).
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