Game Notes: Patriots Shut Down Detroit Lions

Tom Brady threw for 350 yards and LeGarrette Blount had as good of a homecoming as anyone could hope for as the New England Patriots defeated the Detroit Lions 34-9.

The story remained the same for the New England Patriots. As the Patriots continue though the gauntlet of opponents that was suppose to test ability of the team, the strong performances that have become typical over the past few weeks were on display Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.

“ I thought we got off to a good start and then played from ahead. We struggled a little bit there in the third quarter, but rallied there in the fourth. It was a good win. I thought a lot of guys made a lot of great plays. Some penalties really held us back from being a little bit more consistent, but it was a good game. Whatever it takes, we’re going to try to figure out, whatever it takes,” Brady said.

New England improves to 9-2 and remains in the top spot in the AFC.

Tim Wright picked up two touchdowns to top his personal best for a single season. With a tendency to get open in the end zone, Brady found Wright alone in the middle of the end zone with 3:10 left in the first quarter to give the Patriots a 7-3 lead.

With 2:42 to play in the half, Wright took in his second score while wide open on the left, pushing the lead to 21-6.

The touchdowns give Wright six for the season, beating his total of five from his rookie season in 2013.

Blount, who recently resigned with the team, picked up 78 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Blount’s first touchdown came off a three yard run early in the second quarter while his second score was the result of a penalty on a late field goal attempt.

After Detroit was called for running into the place holder, Blount made the most of the automatic first down, picking up his second rushing touchdown of the game.

For Brady, it was another day of accolades and achievements. The quarterback threw for over 300 yards for the 63rd time in his career, tying Dan Marino for third all time.

Only Peyton Manning (90) and Drew Brees (83) have thrown for at least 300 yards more times.

Stephen Gostkowski passed Gino Cappelletti for second on the time’s all-time points list with an extra point in the first quarter. The kicker also went 2-2 in field goal attempts.

No Touchdowns Given Up

The Lions could only produce nine points against the Patriots, all coming from field goals. With Brandon Browner on Calvin Johnston for most of the game, the Lions wide receiver was held to only 58 yards on four receptions and 10 targets.

“I thought Brandon [Browner] had a big matchup on [Calvin] Johnson; [Darrelle] Revis on [Golden] Tate. Those guys really competed well, [Patrick] Chung on the tight ends, [Kyle] Arrington on both the third receivers there – [Corey] Fuller and [Jeremy] Ross. The backs, our linebackers were challenged by obviously [Theo] Riddick is a good back. Yeah, played good across the board. Devin [McCourty] did a real good job in the deep part of the field. I thought those guys played well. Again, any time you can keep a team like Detroit out of the end zone, you have to feel good about that,” Patriot head coach Bill Belichick said.

The biggest threat from the Lions came early in the second quarter when Golden Tate’s 42-yard reception brought Detroit down to the New England 7-yard line. A run by Joique Bell on first down went nowhere, and fade passes to Johnson and Joseph Fauria fell incomplete. The Lions were forced to settle for a field goal to end the drive.

Special Teams Comes up Big

Whether it’s Julian Edelman or Danny Amendola, the Patriots’ special team always seems to find a way to make a major contribution. After Detroit cut the lead to 7-6 early in the second quarter, it was an 81-yard kick return by Amendola down to the Detroit 22 that set up Blount’s first touchdown.

The Patriots receiver and kick returner picked up blocks around the Patriots’ 20 before blasting down the right sideline and following a few more blocks before getting tackled at the opposite 20.

Next Sunday, the Patriots travel to Green Bay.

Below are game notes provided by Patriots Media Relations

PATRIOTS EARN 14th STRAIGHT WINNING RECORD

The Patriots won more than half of their games for the 14th straight year after reaching the nine-win mark with the win vs. Detroit. They are the first team to win more than half of their games in 14 straight seasons since free agency began in 1993. The Patriots are the third team to win more than half of their games in 14 straight seasons since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, joining the 49ers (16 straight from 1983-1998) and the Cowboys (16 straight from 1970-85).

PATRIOTS HAVE THE MOST 9 OR MORE WIN SEASONS SINCE 2001

The Patriots are the only team in the NFL to have recorded nine or more wins in each of the last 14 seasons.

PATRIOTS NEAR THE TOP WITH 29 WINNING SEASONS SINCE THE MERGER

The Patriots now have 29 winning seasons since the 1970 merger. Only Pittsburgh has more with 31.

PATRIOTS WIN 15th STRAIGHT HOME GAME

The Patriots won their 15th consecutive home game, .including a 6-0 record in 2014. The Patriots have not lost a regular-season home game since December 16, 2012, when San Francisco left Foxborough with a 41-34 win. The NFL record for most consecutive home victories is 27, achieved by Miami from 1971-74.

SECOND HALF SURGE

Since 2010, the Patriots are 32-3 in the second half of the regular season, In both 2010 and 2011, the Patriots were 8-0 in the second half of the year. New England was 7-1 in 2012 and 6-2 in 2013. The Patriots are off to a 3-0 start in the second half in 2014. Since Bill Belichick became the Patriots coach in 2000, New England is 92-23 in the second half of the season, and has gone 8-0 in the second half four times (2003, 2007, 2010 and 2011) and 7-1 three times (2001, 2004 and 2012).

Best Record in the NFL in the Second Half since 2010

Patriots 32-3

49ers 23-10-1*

Packers 24-10-1

Saints 23-11*

*-Not including this week’s game

PATRIOTS WIN SEVENTH STRAIGHT GAME

The Patriots won their seventh consecutive game, which is the longest winning streak in the NFL. The Patriots have not lost since a 41-14 defeat at Kansas City on Sept. 29. Over their seven-game winning streak, the Patriots have averaged 39.6 points per game

PATRIOTS CONQUER NFL’S TOP-RANKED DEFENSE

The Patriots scored 34 points against a Lions defense which entered the game allowing an NFL-low 15.6 points per game. Prior to the Patriots-Lions game, the highest point total allowed by the Lions was 24 points to the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 14. Entering the game, Detroit also allowed an NFL-low 290.3 yards per game, and New England totaled 439 yards in today’s victory.

PATRIOTS HOT AT HOME AGAINST TOUGH DEFENSES

Since 2009, The Patriots are 8-1 at home against teams that finished the season in the top-five in points allowed, averaging 31.6 points in those contests. The Patriots have scored 30 or more points in each of their last 5 home games against top-5 defenses. Their only home loss came on Dec. 16, 2012 vs. San Francisco, losing 41-34.

PATRIOTS AT HOME AGAINST TOP-5 DEFENSES SINCE 2009 (8-1)

Date Opponent (NFL Rank) Score

11/23/14 vs. Detroit (1)* W, 34-9

11/02/14 vs. Denver (5)* W, 43-21

10/13/13 vs. New Orleans (4) W, 30-27

10/7/12 vs. Denver (4) W, 31-21

12/16/12 vs. San Francisco (2) L, 34-41

10/17/10 vs. Baltimore (3) W, 23-20 (OT)

12/19/10 vs. Green Bay (2) W, 31-27

10/4/09 vs. Baltimore (3) W, 27-21

11/22/09 vs. New York Jets (1) W, 31-14

*-Entering Week 12 of 2014 Season

PATRIOTS KEEP LIONS OUT OF END ZONE

The Patriots held Detroit without a touchdown, marking the second time this season that the Patriots have kept an opponent out of the end zone at Gillette Stadium. New England also held Oakland without a touchdown in a 16-9 win on Sept. 21. Today’s game marked the 20th time in the 102-game history of Gillette Stadium that the Patriots have not allowed a touchdown.

PATRIOTS WIN BY 21+ POINTS FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT GAME

The Patriots beat the Lions by 25 points, marking New England’s fourth straight win by 21 points or more, matching a team record set in 2007.

PATS WIN BIG AGAINST A DIVISION LEADER FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WEEK

The Patriots beat a division leader for the third straight week after the 34-9 win vs. Detroit followed a 43-21 win vs. Denver on Nov. 2 and a 42-20 win at Indianapolis on Nov. 16.

PATRIOTS OFFENSE ON PACE TO FINISH WITH 500 POINTS

The Patriots 34 points in the win vs. Detroit improved the team to 357 points (32.5 points per game), and is on pace to finish the season with 519 points. It would be the fifth season in team history with more than 500 points. The Patriots are the only team in NFL history to score 500 or more points in four seasons (2007-589, 2010-518, 2011-513 and 2012-557).

MOST 500-POINT SEASONS

New England 4

St. Louis 3

Denver 2

New Orleans 2

INTRA-CONFERENCE RECORD; PATS HAVE NFC SUCCESS

Since realignment in 2002, the Patriots have are now 42-9 against NFC clubs following today’s win, the best inter-conference record in the NFL during that time.

BEST INTRA-CONFERENCE RECORD SINCE 2002 REALIGNMENT

Team Record

New England 42-9

Pittsburgh 34-15-1

Indianapolis 33-17

Baltimore 32-19

PATRIOTS CONTINUE WINNING STREAK AGAINST THE NFC NORTH

The Patriots extended their winning streak to 14 straight wins against NFC North teams with the win over Detroit. The Patriots are now 3-0 against the NFC North in 2014 after wins earlier in the season over Minnesota and Chicago. Since realignment in 2002, their only loss against the current NFC North was on Oct. 13, 2002 when the Patriots dropped a 28-10 decision at home against the Green Bay Packers in their very first game against the reconfigured division. The Patriots streak is the longest current streak a NFL team has against another division.

PATS HAVE WON 73 STRAIGHT HOME GAMES WHEN LEADING AT THE HALF

The Patriots have now won 73 straight home games when leading at halftime, adding to their NFL record. The last time the Patriots lost at home after leading at halftime was on Dec. 24, 2000 (vs. Miami) when they Patriots lost 27-24 after leading 21-17 at halftime. Today, the Patriots were leading 24-6 at halftime and won the game 34-9.

PATRIOTS HAVE TOP NOVEMBER RECORD SINCE 2001

NFL’s Top November Records Since 2001

Team W L T PCT.

New England 40 14 0 .741

Indianapolis 39 19 0 .672

Baltimore* 37 22 0 .627

Dallas* 35 21 0 .625

Pittsburgh* 35 21 0 .625

*-Not Including this week’s game

PATRIOTS NOW HAVE NFL-BEST 4 PLAYERS WHO HAVE RECORDED MULTIPLE RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS

With Tim Wright catching two touchdown passes against Detroit, the Patriots now have an NFL-best four players who have record multiple receiving touchdowns in a game in 2014.

2 - WR Brandon LaFell at Buffalo on Oct. 12

2 – Shane Vereen vs. NY Jets on Oct. 16

3 - TE Rob Gronkowski vs. Chicago on Oct. 26

2 - TE Tim Wright vs. Detroit on Nov. 23

HALFTIME HELP

The Patriots have been very successful in the final two minutes of the first half in 2014. In nine of the first 11 games this season, New England has scored in the final two minutes of the first half, including four field goals as time has expired. Against Detroit, the Patriots got the ball back with 35 seconds remaining and moved into position for a 35-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. The Patriots have scored 59 points in the final two minutes of the first half in 2014, the most in the NFL.

2014 PATRIOTS SCORING PLAYS IN THE FINAL TWO MINUTES OF THE FIRST HALF

Date Opponent Time Remaining Scoring Play

09/07 at Miami :06 S. Gostkowski 45-yd FG

09/14 at Minnesota :09 Cha. Jones 58-yd return of blocked FG

09/21 Oakland :00 S. Gostkowski 21-yd FG

10/05 Cincinnati 1:12 S. Gostkowski 48-yd FG

10/05 Cincinnati :09 S. Gostkowski 19-yd FG

10/12 at Buffalo 1:43 S. Gostkowski 42-yd FG

10/12 at Buffalo :00 S. Gostkowski 53-yd FG

10/16 N.Y. Jets :00 S. Gostkowski 39-yd FG

10/26 Chicago 1:52 R.Gronkowski 2-yard touchdown pass

10/26 Chicago 1:07 B.LaFell 4-yard touchdown pass

10/26 Chicago :55 R.Ninkovich 15 yd fumble return

11/02 Denver :08 S.Vereen 5-yard touchdown pass

11/23 Detroit :00 S.Gostkowski 35-yd FG

PATRIOTS START 9-2 OR BETTER FOR THE FIFTH TIME IN TEAM HISTORY

The Patriots have started the season with at least nine wins in their first 11 games for the fifth time in franchise history. New England also was 9-2 or better in 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2010. New England has started 9-2 or better five times in the last 12 years after not achieving the feat in any of its first 43 seasons.

PATRIOTS SEASONS STARTING 9-2 OR BETTER

Year Through 11 Gm. Season Record

2003 9-2 14-2

2004 10-1 14-2

2007 11-0 16-0

2010 9-2 14-2

2014 9-2 ??

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

BRADY STARTS AGAINST DETROIT 14 YEARS TO THE DAY THAT HE PLAYED IN HIS FIRST NFL GAME AGAINST DETROIT ON THANKSGIVING DAY

Today marked 14 years ago to the day that Tom Brady made his NFL debut against Detroit in a Thanksgiving Day game. In that game, Detroit won 34-9, while today, the Patriots won 34-9. Those two games are two of only six games in NFL history that have ended in a 34-9 score. On November 23, 2000, Brady made his NFL debut when he came in the game late in the 4th quarter in relief of Drew Bledsoe with the Patriots down 34-9 to the Lions. Brady was 1-for-3, completing a 6-yard pass to Rod Rutledge.

BELICHICK EXTENDS STREAK TO 14TH STRAIGHT WINNING RECORD

Bill Belichick has now led the Patriots to 14 straight winning seasons (2001-14). The only other NFL coach to have at least 10 consecutive winning seasons with one team since the 1970 merger was Tom Landry, who led the Dallas Cowboys to 16 consecutive winning seasons (1970-85). Belichick’s 14 straight winning seasons are tied with Curly Lambeau for second in NFL history, behind 20 by Landry (1966-85)

MOST CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH A WINNING RECORD

Coach Team Years

Tom Landry Dallas 20 – 1966-1985

Bill Belichick Patriots 14- - 2001-2014

Curly Lambeau Green Bay 14 – 1934-1947

Curly Lambeau Green Bay 12 – 1921-1932

George Halas Chicago 10 – 1933-1942

John Madden Oakland 10 – 1969-1978

GRONKOWSKI EXTENDS HIS STREAK TO 61 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A RECEPTION

Rob Gronkowski caught a 15-yard pass in the second quarter and has caught at least one pass in all 61 regular season games that he has played.

BRADY IMPROVES ON STELLAR NOVEMBER RECORD

Quarterbacks with the best records in November in Super Bowl era (min. 20 starts)

Player Record in November Win PCT.

Tony Romo 25-5 .833

Daryle Lamonica 19-4-2 .826

Jim McMahon 18-5 .783

Tom Brady 38-11 .776

Joe Flacco 21-8 .724

ALLEN HAS BIG PUNT

Ryan Allen had a 66-yard punt in the first quarter. It was his second longest punt of the season (trailing only his career-long 67 yarder vs. Denver) and his third punt of 60 or more yards in 2014. Allen now has seven punts of 60 yards or longer since entering the NFL in 2013. Allen’s punt against Detroit came at a key time in the game, with the Patriots trailing 3-0 and backed up to their own 14-yard line. Allen’s punt flipped the field and gave the ball to the Lions at their own 21-yard line. After a three-and-out by the Patriots defense, New England drove for its first touchdown of the game and a 7-3 lead.

GOSTKOWSKI SHARP AT THE RAZOR

Gostkowski had two field goals against Detroit and has made 36 consecutive field goals at Gillette Stadium. His last miss was a 43-yard field goal that sailed wide left vs. the New York Jets on Sept. 12, 2013.

GOSTKOWSKI ON A GOOD PACE IN 2014

Stephen Gostkowski has 26 field goals so far in 2014, putting him on pace to finish with 38 field goals, which would tie his career high and rank high on the NFL’s all-time list.

Most Field Goals Made in a Season/NFL

Player Field Goals Year

David Akers (San Francisco) 44 2011

Neil Rackers (Arizona) 40 2005

Olindo Mare (Miami) 39 1999

Jeff Wilkins (St. Louis) 39 2003

Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots) 38 2013

Justin Tucker (Baltimore) 38 2013

GOSTKOWSKI IS OFF TO A 26-for-27 START IN 2014

Stephen Gostkowski was a perfect 2-for-2 against the Lions, and has made 26 of 27 field goals (96.3 percent) this season. He has made 13 consecutive field goals.

PATRIOTS BEST FIELD GOAL PCT./SEASON

Player Year FGM FGA PCT.

Adam Vinatieri 2004 31 33 .939

Stephen Gostkowski 2013 38 41 .927

Stephen Gostkowski 2008 36 40 .900

Adam Vinatieri 2002 27 30 .900

EDELMAN HAS FIFTH REGULAR SEASON GAME WITH 10 CATCHES

Julian Edelman had his fifth regular season game with 10 or more catches and the second game of 2014 with 10 or more catches. He finished the game with 11 receptions for 89 yards. Edelman caught 10 passes for 84 yards vs. Oakland (9/21). He had 13 receptions at Miami (12/15/13) and vs. New York Jets (9/12/13) and 10 receptions at Houston (1/3/10). He also had 10 receptions in the AFC Championship game at Denver (1/19/14).

AYERS TALLIES THIRD SACK IN FOUR GAMES

Akeem Ayers sacked Matthew Stafford for an 11-yard loss on third down in the first quarter, completing a three-and-out for the Patriots defense. The sack was Ayers’s third sack in four games as a Patriot.

NINKOVICH TALLIES SIXTH SACK

Rob Ninkovich sacked Matthew Stafford for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter. The sack gave Ninkovich a team-high six sacks on the season.

Photo Credit: New England Patriots