Five Takeaways: New England Patriots Defense Keys Victory Over Chargers

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback

Darrelle Revis

(24) gestures after the Patriots beat the San Diego Chargers 23-14 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t one of the New England Patriots most glorious of wins, but they made plays in the most crucial moments to hold off the San Diego Chargers, 23-14 on Sunday night. In victory, the Patriots secured their 10th win of the season to remain the AFC’s top ranked team. They classified their Week 14 game as a “business trip” and walked away successful.

The defense played with tenacity, physicality and determination. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was under duress all evening. Their top targets, Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates, were locked down and rendered a non-factor. Ryan Mathews and the rushing attack was held in check as New England’s interior defensive front clogged the running holes. Then the special teams came through as well with a key punt block.

San Diego’s defense for the most part stifled the Patriots offense. Through three quarters, the Patriots were held to just 13 points. They even forced Tom Brady and company to four straight three-and-outs to begin the second half. But theY kept their noses to the grindstone and ultimately broke things open late in the fourth, hitting on a home run to Julian Edelman that sealed the deal.

The Patriots did a lot of things well in bouncing back against the Chargers. Here are my five takeaways from Week 14’s win…

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1. Linebackers wreaked havoc without Hightower

New England’s defense has been stout all season, but Sunday they raised their game to another level with Dont’a Hightower and Chandler Jones both sidelined with injuries. Jonathan Casillas filled in at middle linebacker and they didn’t miss a beat. Jamie Collins tallied two sacks and eight tackles. Collins absolutely manhandled the Chargers interior offensive line. Casillas chipped in with four stops. Fellow linebacker, Akeem Ayers, picked up a key second-half interception.

2. Defensive line was active and disruptive

The defensive line benefited from the return of Sealver Siliga. He and Vince Wilfork teamed up to play a major role in limiting the Chargers to 53 yards rushing. Rob Ninkovich recorded a sack and often pressured Rivers. Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker was just to slow to thwart Ninkovich at times. Chris Jones saw some time in the middle as well and was in on a sack with Siliga.

3. Secondary was smothering

Darrelle Revis held Keenan Allen to just two catches worth a measly three yards. Brandon Browner kept Malcolm Floyd in check with the exception of one touchdown toss. He set the tone with a big hit on Ladarius Green, which resulted in a pick six, but the play was flagged as a personal foul. Antonio Gates was limited to 34 receiving yards.

4. Special teams contributes in a big way

Trailing 14-6 in the second, Brandon Bolden barreled in and blocked Mike Scifres punt, giving the Patriots prime field position. Brady would then find Rob Gronkowski for a big touchdown just three plays later. The play give the Patriots a boost and it certainly deflated the momentum San Diego had in their favor prior to the half.

After missing a rare field goal at Lambeau last week, Stephen Gostkowski bounced back. He drilled all three of his attempts in accounting for nine of New England’s 23 points.

5.Offense came through in the clutch

Brady was far from perfect. He and his receivers weren’t on the same page at times. He even floated a duck to Manti Te’o that killed a scoring drive. They posted three-and-outs far more often than they normally do, but when the game was hanging in the balance, Brady ripped it away from the Chargers. His 69-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Julian Edelman was as big and as clutch of a play the team has had all year.

Edelman finished with eight grabs for 141 yards and one score. Gronkowski finished with eight grabs for 87 yards and one score. Brady ultimately finished with 317 yards and two scores. Blount added 66 yards on the ground, including a thunderous run of 23 yards.