New England Patriots: 5 observations from electric win over Chargers

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.

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.

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.

Gunner Olszewski had himself a game

You really can’t talk about the performance of the special teams unit without mentioning Gunner Olszewski.

Not only did he have an exciting punt return in the first half of the game, he also put the team in good position to score with another punt return.  With a receiving touchdown to go along with the outstanding afternoon in the return game, Olszewski had himself a game he nor fans will forget for a long time.

Of course, Cam Newton had some interesting things to say about his wide receiver.

"“I mean, my man, he may get not only the offensive player of the week but the [touchdown], special teams player of the week as well,” Newton said when asked about Olszewski.  “Just for him, I think this game was important because just to see the maturation of him over the weeks.  Last week, he got kind of slighted with the touchdown being called back and for him to show up again.”"

In a game that was over rather quickly, it was great entertainment to see Gunner Olszewski makes some plays in the game.  We are not quite ready to call him a Julian Edelman replacement quite yet, but he showed glimpses of a young Edelman on Sunday.

Let’s see if he keeps it up on Thursday night in the same stadium, at least on punt returns.  But, his touchdown score in the passing game may get him a few balls thrown his way as well.

The New England Patriots defense is showing progression

This shutout victory can only add to the confidence of the New England Patriots defensive unit.

Not only did Stephon Gilmore and veterans like Lawrence Guy and John Simon come through, Bill Belichick saw production out of his younger players.  Linebacker Terez Hall and safety Kyle Dugger were everywhere, and the team actually applied some pressure on rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.

While the Los Angeles Chargers did a lot to shoot themselves in the foot, they do have a pretty talent offense, so the Patriots defense does deserve credit in yielding a shutout.  As Belichick noted, the entire defensive unit is getting better by the week.

"“There is still plenty of room for improvement,” Belichick said.  ‘I’m not saying we are there yet or anything by any means, but we just do things better.  Our anticipation is better.  Our reactions are quicker and better.  That’s true in all phases of the game.  Definitely true on defense.”"

And speaking of reactions, it was good to see Chase Winovich snag his first career interception with a great reaction to a throw by Hebert at the start of the third quarter.  It was also good to see players like Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise and Adam Butler getting after and to the quarterback.

An overall great performance let’s see if the defensive unit as a hole can build on the confidence because they will need it with the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams next on the schedule.

All is not lost with recent high draft picks

There has been a lot of chatter about Bill Belichick’s drafting over the last couple seasons.

While the 2020 draft class is actually turning out to be a good one despite lack of production from the two rookie tight ends, some of the players in the prior drafts are showing signs that they may not be the busts they are being made out to be.

All it takes is patience with some players.  Not that Sony Michel or N’Keal Harry did anything mind-blowing in Sunday’s 45-0 win, but they did contribute and make plays to help the team win.

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Michel had a couple nice runs and a pass reception that proves he can be a dual threat running back and Harry had a touchdown reception proving that he is capable of being a big target in the red zone.

Perhaps, that is all both players need to be to succeed in the Patriots’ offense.  Not featured roles, but complimentary roles.

Speaking of high draft picks, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham came in the game slinging despite the team being up 38-0 when he took over for Cam Newton.  With a touchdown pass to Gunner Olszewski, the young quarterback showed he may not be out of the conversation for competing for the job in 2021.

To be honest, he looked better throwing the ball than Newton and perhaps the New England Patriots may think about inserting him in on a few drives going forward, especially if the team falls out of playoff contention.

In all, it was a great complete effort by the Patriots as they enter an important two-game stretch against the Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins that could make or break the season.