Patriots Insulate Chargers On the Road and Move to 10-3

Good morning, Patriots fans! Well there were several reasons to be concerned with the way our New England Patriots played in San Diego against the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. But with some strong defensive plays and late clutch offensive effort, the Pats found a way to beat the Bolts. The plane ride back to Mass will be an enjoyable one for this New England team.

The first half was not a great one for the Patriots. They drove down the field and it looked like we would see 7, but at least Stephen Gostkowski gave them 3. The Chargers did the same thing except they capitalized on their opportunity as Philip Rivers found a diving Malcolm Floyd in the end zone for the touchdown. The misery wasn’t over though because Brandon LaFell fumbled on the next New England possession and the Chargers returned it for a touchdown. Was the Bieber curse actually happening? Sure, Gostkowski added another field goal but we needed touchdowns! Brandon Bolden contributed to the cause by blocking Mike Scifres’ punt (Scifres was hurt real bad and probably broke some bones…hope he recovers as soon as possible) and Tom Brady finally found Rob Gronkowski for a New England touchdown. It seemed like they would score again in the final minute of the half. Sadly, Brady threw a pick right to Manti Te’o and the Patriots would head into halftime down 14-13 to the Chargers (when they really should have been up 16-14 if not 20-14). Unbelievable.

The struggle continued into the second half. There were a lot of 3-and-outs for both teams but at least the Chargers got some first downs. The Patriots couldn’t get even one! Devin McCourty should have had a pick six but that was called back because Brandon Browner was apparently guilty of a helmet-to-helmet hit. The refs could not have got it any more wrong and I’m pretty convinced the league does not want New England to win. But then again, maybe that’s just me. Akeem Ayers stepped up though and picked off Rivers anyway. Unfortunately, the Patriots still couldn’t get a first down. It took them until the end of the 3^rd quarter to get their first, first down. They later converted that drive to another field goal to take the lead. The icing on the cake came on the next Patriots drive when Brady found Julian Edelman, who ran it 70 yards for the touchdown! The defense would hold it from there and that would be your game. Your final score: New England Patriots 23, San Diego Chargers 14!

Well, Patriots fans?! Now we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief. With the win, the Patriots move to 10-3 and back on top of the AFC. Looks like the Bieber curse didn’t cost them the game but there were instances of the possibility of the curse making a difference. Give the game ball to the New England defense. Throughout the night, the Patriots were putting pressure on Rivers and go to him several times. Props to the secondary too for not letting the Chargers’ receivers have big nights (especially Darrelle Revis on Keenan Allen). A special shout out to all the Patriots fans who made it to the game tonight. You guys were very loud and your presence was certainly felt! Next week, our Patriots will take on the Miami Dolphins in Foxboro (very critical matchup because a NE win would mean clinching the AFC East again!). Until then Patriots fans, rest easy. We’re on to Miami! Follow me and the blog on twitter and let’s go Patriots!