INSTANT REPLAY: Patriots Grind Out Win Over Chargers

FOXBOROUGH, MA — For a team coming into Gillette Stadium riding a three-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t play like a team on the rise for most of Sunday afternoon.

In a game that was messy and saw plenty of opportunities left on the field by both teams, the Patriots beat the Chargers 21-13 and will enter the bye with a 6-2 record.

In case you haven’t seen the game or want to rewatch the most notable moments, here’s the good, bad, and ugly from Sundays game.

The Good

An Open Gronk

It was first and goal at the two-yard line and no one thought to cover Rob Gronkowski, who was wide open on this play-action.

The Bad

Los Angeles’ Flash Of Talent

For a moment, it appeared that the Chargers were going to put up a stronger fight. Cassius Marsh wasn’t able to get to the right edge fast enough and combined with good blocks from the Charters, Melvin Gordon was able to rush up the right sideline for an 87-yard touchdown with 6:30 left in the first quarter

That Time The Chargers Almost Made It A Game

Down 18-7 in the fourth quarter, Philip Rivers found Travis Benjamin in the end zone. The two-point conversion, however was no good.

The Ugly

Dumbest Play Of 2017?

Returning a punt deep on your side of the field? Here’s a great example of what not to do and a friendly reminder of the importance of situational awareness. What we’re trying to say is, its not a good idea for your team to get an negative eight-yard punt return that results in a safety.

Lost Opportunities

The Patriots made six trips to the red zone Sunday, coming away with only one touchdown and three field goals. Struggling to end drives, the team had to call out the special teams unit five times beyond the Chargers' 20-yard line. Stephen Gostowski, battling the wind, went 4/6 on field goal attempts as the team' red zone woes continued.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer