Five Takeaways: New England Patriots Throttle Detroit Lions

By Frank OLaughlin | Nov 23, 2014

Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates running back LeGarrette Blount (29) on his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Lions 34-9. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Final. 34. 47. 9. 50

The New England Patriots earned their seventh consecutive win on Sunday, defeating the Detroit Lions by a score of 34-9. In victory, Tom Brady once again moved the football with great precision and efficiency through the air. New England’s defense kept Matthew Stafford and the Lions out of the end zone, helping the team improve to an AFC best 9-2 on the season.

Brady and the offense took to the air, compiling 349 yards and two touchdown tosses. They avoided the run for the most part, but LeGarrette Blount did rack up 78 yards and two scores on the afternoon. Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell led way, combining for 20 catches and 187 yards.

Darrelle Revis, who was matched up on Calvin Johnson for the majority of the game, limited Detroit’s top target to just 58 yards on 4 catches. Rob Ninkovich, Robert Ayers and company generated steady pressure on Stafford. Vince Wilfork led a ferocious front in limiting the Lions top back Joique Bell to 48 yards.

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Here are five major takeaways from the win:

1. New England’s offensive line stifled the much-hyped Detroit defensive front

Coming into the game many questioned whether Ndamukong Suh could be stopped. When it all was said and done, Suh was rendered a non-factor. He failed to register a sack as the line provided Brady with an ample amount of time to operate and it paid positive dividends. To say the least, Brady made minced meat out of the NFL’s top ranked defense.

2. Darrelle Revis again proves to be an invaluable member of the defense.

New England’s defensive unit was superb as a whole, but it was Revis who played the most key of roles in slowing Matt Stafford’s go-to target, Calvin Johnson. Revis’ physicality was too much for Johnson to overcome. Revis shadowed him all over the field and his teammates limited Detroit’s secondary options. All the Lions could muster was three field goals.

3. The offensive depth continues to amaze.

Tim Wright snagged two touchdown balls. His ability to step in and perform with a high rate of success has been remarkable. His playing time fluctuates on a weekly basis, yet he continues to be a reliable target in all situations. Brandon LaFell was targeted 12 times and came away with nine catches. Julian Edelman turned in an 11 catch day and Rob Gronkowski hauled in five passes. Brady has an endless number of options and that presents a nightmare for the rest of the NFL.

4. LeGarrette Blount returns with a bang.

While Blount wasn’t featured in the game, he made the most of his chances, proving his integral role in the offense. Blount ran with authority, showing flashes of the brilliance he had shown with the team down the stretch last year. Just three days after being cut by Pittsburgh, the veteran scored twice. The decision to re-sign him was certainly a terrific one.

5. Team confidence is at an all-time high.

They’ve now dismantled three straight division-leading teams. They’re firing on all cylinders and not a single team has shown a glimpse of being able to slow them down. In their last four games, the Patriots have outscored the opposition 170-73.

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