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New England Patriots: 5 observations from electric win over Chargers

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Wide receiver Gunner Olszewski #80 of the New England Patriots returns a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Wide receiver Gunner Olszewski #80 of the New England Patriots returns a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots Cam Newton. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

The New England Patriots dominated from start to finish in a 45-0 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The New England Patriots played their most complete game of the season in a 45-0 beatdown of the Los Angeles Rams Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.

With some unexpected performances and execution in all three phrases of the game, the Patriots kept their playoff hopes alive by improving their record to 6-6.  Most importantly, the team got solid play from their veterans as well as their younger players.

It was good to see players like Gunner Olszewski, Josh Uche, Sony Michel, N’Keal Harry, Chase Winovich, Kyle Dugger and even Jarrett Stidham all out there making plays.  Furthermore, the team jumped out ahead and took care of business with just 65 yards passing from Cam Newton.

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But, behind the power running game of Damien Harris, the New England Patriots didn’t need much through the air.  Scores by the special team’s unit and solid defense was more than enough to put a smile on the face of Bill Belichick following the dominant performance.

Here is what the coach had to say after the game, via Patriots.com:

"“We got a lot of great leadership from, as always, our captains, but from many of our veteran players.  Some of our younger players have really stepped up their preparation levels, as well.  It was nice to see it all come together today.  I thought we had a game where all three units contributed.  It was a complimentary game.  We had plays on offense, defense, and special teams.  We played at a good level for 60 minutes and had more consistency than we probably had in most other games.  Really proud of the way the team competed.”"

Here are five observations from the lit up victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.

New England Patriots opening drive set the tone

It was rare to see the New England Patriots score a touchdown on the first drive of a game, but Sunday was different.

Led by a nice mix of run plays and short passing plays, Cam Newton and the Patriots drove down the field for an open drive touchdown that really defined the identity of the team.

Damien Harris ran hard, and Newton picked his spots running the ball as he cemented the drive with his 10th rushing touchdown of the season.  Chalk it up as the perfect script of play calling by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and offensive execution.

"“Oh man, it was the right way we wanted to start the game,” Newton said following the game, via Patriots.com.  “We had that as a key to victory this week and I think we hit pretty much most of them, not only scoring on our first possession in the first half but also in the second half as well.  Major kudos to the offense on that, but more or less, it was set up by a great defensive performance, having great field position all game and we just wanted to maximize it through that whole game.”"

The New England Patriots were helped out by a missed field goal on the other end by the Los Angeles Chargers that really added to the momentum of the entire day.

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