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New England Patriots: A West Coast Trip is more treat than trick

By Sravan Gannavarapu

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Adrian Phillips #21 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball after intercepting a pass by Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Adrian Phillips #21 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball after intercepting a pass by Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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After brushing aside the New York Jets, the New England Patriots traveled west and utilized mental will to secure a victory over the Chargers.

If they haven’t done so already, would someone on the New England Patriots make sure Adrian Phillips has two large bags of candy on his plane seat? He’s earned it, especially given how he performed against his former team.

Two picks, including a pick-six at the top of the 4th quarter, proved to be the difference as New England escapes the City of Angels with a 27-24 victory to get to 4-4 on the year. Just last week, this team had what looked to be their easiest win of the year so far against the New York Jets while executing on both sides of the ball flawlessly.

Now, against a team that has some name recognition and is pegged by several people to make the playoffs, New England looked like they were tired of hearing about just how their Jets victory was merely due to how Gang Green has often performed against Belichick’s boys for most of this century.

Mac Jones continued to do his part, and at this point, he just might be the best quarterback from this rookie class. 18/35 for 218 yards and no touchdowns isn’t appealing by any means. That said, poise is what counts, and when the chips, or rather, candies, were down, he made the right plays to win.

Damien Harris had the only touchdown for the Pats, a one-yard score, part of his 80 yard rushing day. Not pretty, again, but worthy of an extra treat in the bag. Nelson Agholor led the team in receiving with 60 yards.

Justin Herbert wasn’t glamorous either, tossing for two touchdowns, two picks, and 223 yards. Not glamorous, but the result wasn’t what he wanted. Justin Jackson, outside of a 75-yard scamper, was porous. Three carries for 79 yards when the longest was 75 yards just won’t cut it. Keenan Allen did his part with a touchdown catch and finished the night with 77 yards receiving.

The New England Patriots earned a sweet victory, but it will take more than beating the LA Chargers to spook the AFC.

Early on, it looked as if the ghosts of defense were told to take a backseat with both teams getting a touchdown. Then both punted. Was the costume for both teams supposed to be a copycat? Nope. By halftime, New England was down by one point.

Leading 17-16 in the fourth quarter, Justin Herbert threw a pick to Phillps, his second of the day and the first that resulted in his appearance in the endzone. After taking a 27-17 on a Nick Folk field goal, New England recovered a late onside kick from the Chargers after LA hit a late touchdown on a Herbert pass to Josh Palmer.

New England can fly back in style and feast on Snickers and Skittles. But if they really want the big treat, they will have to continue their winning ways instead of being a 0.500 team. That said, it’s nice to win, but it’s better to win against a team that has been playing so well and, in doing so, show that you aren’t a pushover.

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