New England Patriots: 5 observations from electric win over Chargers

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 special teams (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots special teams really came through

Speaking of special teams, where the Los Angeles Chargers failed, the New England Patriots thrived.

Fueled by a punt return by Gunner Olszewski and a blocked field goal that led to an end of the half touchdown, the Patriots really showed Sunday why Bill Belichick puts so much emphasis on special teams.

From veteran gunner Matthew Slater to Cody Davis who blocked the field goal to outstanding punter Jake Bailey, the special teams unit was actually as dominant in this game as the offense was.

This angle of the FG block TD is 💯@CodyDavis | @McCourtyTwins pic.twitter.com/Zs2FellaoT
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 7, 2020

Delivering 14 of the 45 points and setting up another score on another Olszewski return that led to a field goal by Nick Folk, Bill Belichick gave all the praise to his special teams coaches.

"“I’ll start with [Special Teams Coordinator] Cam [Achord] and [Special Teams Assistant] Joe Houston,” Belichick said. “Those guys work really hard. Obviously, with Joe Judge and Scott O’Brien, we’ve been very fortunate to have great coaching here in the kicking game.”"

It also helps to have players like Slater, Davis and Justin Bethel leading the way and making plays and setting the team up in good position to score.

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