For the New England Patriots, week eight of the 2021 NFL season did not at all times learn like a film script. The Pats Protection took some getting used to after a sluggish begin. Quarterback Mac Jones had what may greatest be described as an “up and down”. As soon as once more, New England’s purple zone recreation calls, pricey penalties and ball safety points had an opportunity to derail the Pats’ supply to revert to .500 for the primary time since Week 2.
Nevertheless, New England was decided to forge its personal Hollywood destiny on Sunday. Jones would throw for 218 yards with no landing go or interception. Damien Harris added 80 yards with 23 carries, with a landing of his personal. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went for 223 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, the costliest of which got here within the fourth quarter. Former Charger Adrian Phillips lastly put the Pats within the lead with a choose from Herbert because the Patriots beat the Chargers and completed New England 4-4 within the 2021 season.
First half highlights
The bolts would strike first in week 8 (pun supposed). Herbert and the Chargers Offensive would cowl 75 yards in eight video games. Chargers recipient Keenan Allen demonstrated why he is thought of among the best distance runners within the league by drawing JC Jackson on an inside route earlier than breaking proper for a 41-yard reception. Regardless of a hip harm, Austin Ekeler confirmed some toughness and physicality, pushing the Patriots defensive position 6 yards for the landing. Though it regarded like Dont’a Hightower prevented progress, Los Angeles would set hearth to the scoreboard at their opening recreation.
Chargers 7, Patriots 0
So as to not be outdone, the Patriots would additionally reveal their capacity to reply their opponents’ scoring drives. Mac Jones and the Patriots would reply the Bolts opening hit with their very own. Jones led the Pats 75 yards out of ten video games, highlighted by a 44 yard deep bond between Jones and Nelson Agholor. The Pats would finish the drive with a one-yard rush from Damien Harris into the tip zone, arrange by a key block from defenseman Jakob Johnson.
Patriots 7, chargers 7
Los Angeles would begin the second quarter with racing. From a missed sort out by linebacker Dont’a Hightower, Chargers’ operating again Justin Jackson become a 75 yard win that was pursued by JC Jackson to avoid wasting the landing. However, the Bolts wouldn’t be denied their journey to the tip zone. Herbert would cap an 86-yard five-game drive and a 5-yard landing go to Keenan Allen.
Chargers 14, Patriots 7
After a failed fourth try (during which Jones tried to search out Jakobi Meyers on a fade route on fourth-and-1), the Pats protection held the Chargers on a three-and-off. Jones would lead the Pats 30 yards in 9 video games. Though they might get away with three factors with a 24-yard discipline aim from Nick People, New England could not take full benefit of their sturdy discipline place.
Chargers 14, Patriots 7
Former Charger Adrian Phillips would give the Pats the chance to place further factors on the scoreboard earlier than half time. Phillips would rating the interception after Herbert’s go sailed out of Disgust’s attain. The Patriots would once more fail to make use of the run in favor of a handful of failed go makes an attempt. Nick People traveled 10 yards in 5 video games and joined with a 48-yard discipline aim to shut the hole to at least one in half.
Finish of the primary half: Chargers 14, Patriots 13
Second half highlights
Though it regarded just like the Pats had taken a 19-14 lead in a 28-yard run into the tip zone from Damien Harris, the rating was recalled on account of a holding penalty dedicated by reserve lineman Justin Herron. Simply two video games later, receiver Kendrick Bourne fumbled the ball after certainly knocking it off from Derwin James. Confidence Nasir Adderly would recapture the ball, cease the Pats’ swing and return the ball to Los Angeles.
Nonetheless, the Pats would rating first within the second half. As soon as once more, Damien Harris broke the road for a 23 yard win, solely to have his run known as again on a maintain name at the beginning of left sort out Isaiah Wynn. People continued to indicate why he was the Patriots’ most dependable level scorer and hit one other 48-yard discipline aim. With that, the Pats took over their first tour of the afternoon.
Patriots 16, chargers 14
Nevertheless, the management of Pats can be short-lived. Herbert and the Bolts would transfer the ball 45 meters in six strikes. The journey was highlighted by a 28 yard run from Ekeler deep into New England Territory. Chargers kicker Justin Hopkins would add a 48-yard discipline aim to his resume, giving the Chargers a one-point lead and entering into the fourth quarter.
Chargers 17, Patriots 16
Former Bolt Adrian Phillips, desperately in want of his personal defensive turnover, made his mark. Phillips learn a quick passport from Herbert that was supposed for Jared Cook dinner ultimately. The 29-year-old grabbed the interception and returned it 26 yards for the landing. After Phillips’ Decide 6, Jones discovered Jakobi Meyers for the two-point conversion. Due to a former bolt, the pendulum swung again to the Patriots’ aspect.
Patriots 24, chargers 17
New England would safe their lead with a bit greater than two minutes within the fourth quarter. On a 55-yard drive with 9 video games, the Pats would lose almost seven minutes. Nick People made the 30-yarder and led the Pats by double digits.
Patriots 27, chargers 17
As Yogi Berra as soon as mentioned, “It isn’t over till it’s over.” That was the case on Sunday because the Bolts would cowl 72 yards in ten video games in 1:39. Herbert discovered receiver Joshua Palmer, who outplayed cornerback Jalen Mills for a 24-yard landing strike. The rating would convey the Chargers inside three.
Nevertheless, it was the guests who wrote the Hollywood ending to this LA story on Sunday. Hopkins’ on-side kick try would find yourself within the arms of former Charger Hunter Henry because the Patriots secured the eighth week win.
Finale: Patriots 27, Chargers 24
Subsequent:
Within the phrases of James Taylor, the Patriots will go to Carolina in week 9. New England will face former Patriot Stephon Gilmore and the Carolina Panthers at 1:00 p.m. ET at Financial institution of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
