Patriots beat San Diego 35-21, improve to 2-0

The New England Patriots defeated the San Diego Chargers 35-21 behind a defense that gave up yards but caused 4 turnovers. The defense seems very similar to the squad at the end of last year that followed a "bend but not break" philosophy. They simply aren't going to give up a big play and hopefully force a turnover or mistake by the time the offense reaches the redzone. The Pats had two picks courtesy of Sergio Brown and 330lb Vince Wilfork who showed some athleticism picking off a screen pass. Mark Anderson and Jerod Mayo also caused fumbles and Tom Brady continue to use his second year tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez as they combined for three scores and Deion Branch is quickly becoming a favorite of Brady to go with Wes Welker. The Patriots continue the schedule next weekend with a 1 p.m. game at the surprising 2-0 Buffalo Bills.

Here are the winners and losers from this afternoon's game

Winners

Tom Brady- I would say 423 yds and 3 TD's is a pretty good day against one of the premier defenses in the AFC

Rob Gronkowski- Gronk had 2 more TD passes and 86 yards receiving

Deion Branch- The veteran wideout had 8 catches for 129 yards and seems to be Brady's go-to guy.

Mark Anderson- Anderson is quickly becoming a go-to pass rusher for this defense that so badly needs him to become one for them to be effective

Losers-

Devin McCourty- Vincent Jackson went for 172 yards and two scores, most of which was on McCourty which just was another tough day to start the season for the second year corner out of Rutgers

Kyle Arrington- the other corner who got toasted by Jackson throughout the game today

Pats win opener 38-24, Brady breaks Pats and MNF records

The Dolphins got out to an early 7-0 lead and acted like that won them the Superbowl. They were sadly mistaken as 517 passing yards later by Tom Brady the Patriots trounced Miami 38-24 in the season opener in South Florida last night. Brady went 32/48 4 TD's and an bad luck INT that bounced off a wide receiver. The Patriots offense took over and controlled the game in the second half after the game was tied 14- 14 early in the third after the pick. Danny Woodhead and Ben Jarvus Green Ellis combined for over 100 yards and Wes Welker had 2 TD's and over 160 yards receiving including a 99 yd TD pass from Brady in the 3rd. The Patriots defense certainly was not great as Chad Henne also had a big night passing but they did enough to win the game in a tough place to play in September. The Patriots had one large injury as starting center Dan Koppen went down with an ankle injury. Dan Connolly filled in perfectly but look for a more long term solution in the coming days as the game with San Diego, an elite AFC foe approaches. Here are some winners and losers from last night's game.

Winners

Tom Brady- Read above

Wes Welker- Read above

Rob Gronkowski- Gronk had a great opener hauling in a TD pass on his way to 86 yards receiving

Aaron Hernandez- the other second year TE wins the battle with Gronk on the stat sheet as he finishes with 7 catches for 106 yards and a TD

Losers

Dan Koppen-A broken ankle means it looks like he will be out for two months recovering and he still went to BC so just an overall bad night for the center.

Stephen Gostskowski- The kicker missed a 48 yarder badly to the right at the end of the first half. That is a kick he will have to make in the future.