It is almost unheard of that drama on the sidelines during a Patriots game (by them) overshadows the actual play on the field but as far as I'm concerned, seeing Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien yell at each other and have to be separated was much more interesting than New England's (10-3) 34-27 win over the Washington Redskins (4-9) this afternoon at FedEx Field.
New England kept pace with the Steelers, Ravens and Texans, who all won this weekend and remain tied atop the AFC at 10-3. The Pats could have clinched the AFC East today with a Jets loss but Rex Ryan's guys smoked the Chiefs to keep their playoff hopes alive and well.
It sounds insane that I never thought this one was in doubt, especially since Washington was driving for the tying score at the end, but did you really believe Rex Grossman (19 of 32, 252 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) would beat the Patriots?
For their fifth straight win, New England benefited on a huge break (or bounce as it were) when Grossman's pass went off Santana Moss' (3 catches, 81 yards, TD) hands and was picked off on an outstanding diving play by Jerod Mayo (his second INT in the last two games).
Brady (22 of 37, 357 yards, 3 TDs, INT) got into it following the previous drive as the Patriots could have iced it with another score but his pass into the end zone-intended for Tiquan Underwood (1 catch, 7 yards)-was picked off by Josh Wilson.
TB12 is prone to emotional outbursts when he walks to the sideline and being a prick when he's on the bench. In this case, I think they both had their faults. 1) It wasn't a good pass by Brady so I have no problem with O'Brien calling him on it. 2) That was the best option, really? Forcing it in to the fifth receiver? So I can also understand Brady's frustration. This moment will be the talking point for the next week and I don't blame anyone since it was way more memorable than this completely forgettable game (at least as far as the Pats defense was concerned).
Rob Gronkowski (6 catches, 160 yards, 2 TDs) broke the NFL touchdown record for tight ends (13, held by Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis). Honestly, I think he could put up 20+ now that he has 15 with three games remaining.
Wes Welker (7 catches, 86 yards) and Aaron Hernandez (5 catches, 84 yards) both had solid performances in supporting roles to Gronk. Truthfully, Brady didn't have a great game even though his numbers look good. He missed way more passes than he normally does but what can you do? As usual, O'Brien had no commitment to any semblance of a running game, putting way too much pressure on Brady to carry not only the defense but also a one-dimensional offensive gameplan.
Two ex-Patriots: Jabar Gaffney (6 catches, 92 yards, TD) and Donte' Stallworth (4 catches, 96 yards) torched their former team which dare I say, had its most pathetic defensive performance of the season so far, all things considered. Andre Carter (5 tackles, 2 solo, sack, 3 quarterback hits) had a good game against his former team the Redskins.
Vince Wilfork recovered a Grossman fumble (caused by Carter) in the end zone for a touchdown (the first of his career) and an early 7-0 lead for the Pats, 2:54 into the game. However, other than that, Mayo's interception (the last play) and a couple pass breakups by Devin McCourty, New England's defense was beaten all over the field by Redskins rookie running back Ray Helu (27 carries, 126 yards) and an otherwise awful offensive unit.
Washington went down the field on its next drive but were forced to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Graham Gano.
Gronkowski's first touchdown-from 11 yards out-was trumped by the catch and run he made on the previous play. He went 49 yards, dragging and/or running over multiple Redskins while staying inbounds on the sideline. At 14-3 a little more than midway through the first quarter, New England looked like they might blow out Washington.
Turns out that Gaffney and Co. responded right away. He had a 9-yard touchdown grab (burning McCourty) that cut it to 14-10. I'm not going to pretend he's a great wide receiver but don't you wish the Pats had him over the likes of Underwood and Chad Johnson (1 catch, 15 yards)? Gaffney's a pro; a good route runner that makes plays.
The second quarter started with a play that might only work in Pop Warner, probably not even in Madden. Yet there was returner Brandon Banks taking an end-around and throwing a terrible spiral to Moss (uncovered) for a 49-yard touchdown. Washington led 17-14.
New England's red zone offense stalled and Stephen Gostkowski was forced to kick a 23-yard field goal to tie it at 17. Ditto for the Redskins as Gano hit a 25-yard field goal before the two-minute warning. Gostkowski's 24-yard field goal at the end of the first half knotted it at 20.
The back and forth scoring extended to the third quarter as Gronkowski caught a 37-yard touchdown on New England's first drive of the half. David Anderson tied it with a 6-yard touchdown catch from Grossman before Welker broke loose for a 24-yard TD after Brady bought some time in the pocket.
It was shocking that nobody scored in the fourth quarter, not to mention the fact that the Patriots defense forced two punts and the interception.
I have been waiting for next Sunday's game in Denver basically since the Jets game way back on November 13. The Pats have played one joke team (Kansas City, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Washington) after the next during this winning streak so it's time to see them face the Broncos (8-5), who lead the AFC West and are riding a six-game winning streak and 7-1 run under the incomparable Tim Tebow.
The only disappointing part is that it won't be on Sunday Night Football so that it truly gets the hype it deserves but I can't argue against Brady vs. Tebow at any time. Denver is likely going to win their division and make the playoffs; they have a nice defense and it is always tough to win in the high altitude of Denver (snow would be cool too).
I speak for all Patriots fans when I say, it's about time they faced someone they could potentially see in the playoffs. Enough with these garbage opponents in games that are almost predetermined before kickoff.
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