After a ground-focused attack led the New England Patriots to a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week, the Pats went to the air Sunday against the Detroit Lions in another decisive win, this time of the 34-9 variety.
Tom Brady threw for 349 yards on 38 completions and added a pair of scores to tight end Tim Wright. Julian Edelman hauled in 11 receptions, and Brandon LaFell led the way in yardage with 98.
New England didn't completely neglect the run game, though it certainly was wary of the NFL's top run defense.
Coming off a 201-yard, four-touchdown performance last Sunday, running back Jonas Gray failed to see the field even once this time around, surrendering his carries to recently re-signed LeGarrette Blount. Blount scored two touchdowns while Gray looked on, presumably benched due to his reporting late to practice this week.
Blount scored from one and three yards out and amassed 78 yards on 12 carries with a long of 33.
Defensively, the Patriots stalled the Lions' offense by shutting down receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate--which isn't an easy task in the least. Detroit was only able to muster three field goals the entire day, and Matthew Stafford finished with a miserable 18-for-46 completion line.
Tate did gain 97 yards receiving, but he and Johnson each caught just four passes. Meanwhile, Stafford and Brady threw an interception apiece.
With the win, New England improved to 9-2, having won its last seven--including three straight wins against divisional leaders.
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Coming off a 201-yard, four-touchdown performance last Sunday, running back Jonas Gray failed to see the field even once this time around, surrendering his carries to recently re-signed LeGarrette Blount. Blount scored two touchdowns while Gray looked on, presumably benched due to his reporting late to practice this week.
Blount scored from one and three yards out and amassed 78 yards on 12 carries with a long of 33.
Defensively, the Patriots stalled the Lions' offense by shutting down receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate--which isn't an easy task in the least. Detroit was only able to muster three field goals the entire day, and Matthew Stafford finished with a miserable 18-for-46 completion line.
Tate did gain 97 yards receiving, but he and Johnson each caught just four passes. Meanwhile, Stafford and Brady threw an interception apiece.
With the win, New England improved to 9-2, having won its last seven--including three straight wins against divisional leaders.
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
