LANDOVER, Md. _ Coming off a sluggish offensive performance in Buffalo, Tom Brady's life didn't get easier on Sunday.
The quarterback was sacked more times (four) in this game against the Washington Redskins than he was the previous four games combined (three). The constant pressure left for a less than desirable offensive performance in the first half where Brady & Co. squandered two defensive turnovers that gave them outstanding field position in the red zone.
As the Patriots left for the locker room, it was clear a change was needed for the second half.
That adjustment came from the Patriots running backs. As the team's defense put up another elite performance, players like Sony Michel, Brandon Bolden and James White helped open up the offense. The result was a dominant 33-7 win as the Patriots improve to 5-0.
Brady finished 28 of 42 for 348 yards and three touchdowns to go with an interception. He went 10 of 13 for 107 yards and a touchdown when throwing to his backs.
Julian Edelman was outstanding, catching 8 of 9 passes for 110 yards and a score. Michel had his best game of the season, rushing for a season-high 91 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a career-high three passes for 32 yards. That helped the Pats ran for a season-high 130 yards.
The Patriots got off to a poor start before the clock started running. At 15:00 of the first quarter, Bill Belichick was forced to burn his first timeout due to the Patriots having too many men on the field for the first play. At 9:26 of the first quarter, it only got worse for the defense as the Redskins jumped out to a 7-0 lead.
Washington receiver Steven Sims Jr. took an end-around 65 yards for a touchdown. The Patriots defensive players (Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty) missed multiple tackles on the long touchdown run.
