Adrian Phillips — the former Charger — had a pair of interceptions Sunday to help the Patriots beat the Chargers in Week 8, and move to .500 on the year as New England grabbed a 27-17 win over Los Angeles.
L.A., who started out with the ball, opened the game with a touchdown but the Pats answered with one of their own in the following drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown from the feet of Damien Harris.
Early in the second quarter, on a drive that was highlighted by a 75-yard run from Justin Jackson, the Chargers were able to get into the end-zone and take the 14-7 lead.
New England grabbed a 24-yard field goal off the boot of Nick Folk, and they grabbed another, this time a 48-yarder after Phillips’ first interception late in the first half. L.A. lead at the half, 14-13.
The Pats opened the second half with the ball but were unable to convert the opportunity into points. It looked like the Pats took the lead after Damien Harris’ 28-yard touchdown run, but a Justin Herron holding call called the touchdown back. And, Kendrick Bourne fumbled on the Chargers’ 30-yard line — squandering their chance to grab the lead.
A pair of field goals, including another 48-yard kick from Folk, highlighted the final minutes of the third quarter, making it 17-16 Chargers.
With the Chargers having the chance to make it a two-score game — with a field goal and two-point conversion — Phillips picked off Justin Herbert and took it back for a game-changing pick-six. Mac Jones was able to connect with Jakobi Meyers in the end-zone for the two-point conversion, as New England went up 24-17.
The Patriots defense then held Herbert and L.A. to a three-and-out, and a 30-yard field goal from Folk with just over two minutes left practically secured the Patriots’ win. The Chargers notched a touchdown, but it was mooted by the Pats grabbing the onside kick and kneeling to let the clock run out.
Patriots notes and stats
- Jones went 18-for-35 through the air, notching 218 yards
- Harris had 23 rushes for 80 yards, as well as a touchdown
- Rhamondre Stevenson struggled, carrying the rock eight times for only 25 yards
- Brandon Bolden had four rushes for 26 yards
- Nelson Agholor salvaged three catches for 60 yards
- Bourne had 38 yards on four catches but his day was highlighted by his fumble
- Kyle Dugger led the team in tackles with six, tied with Matt Judon and J.C. Jackson for the lead in solo tackles with four
- Lawrence Guy tallied a sack, along with Judon who had 1.5, and Christian Barmore who contributed to Judon’s half-sack
The Patriots will take on the Panthers next Sunday, in Carolina.
(Photo of Adrian Phillips and Patriots/Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)