Patriots handle Redskins easily but lose key players to injury

The New England Patriots took on the Washington Redskins today and handled them quite handily.

While it wasn't pretty, the team put together a four quarter performance. Scoring 27 while holding the Redskins to only a field goal until a late garbage time touchdown with 25 seconds left. The sloppiness for the Patriots was mostly on the offensive side. Tom Brady threw his first true interception of the year and it happened in the Red Zone, costing the team points. The interception was the first time of the year that the Patriots had entered the Red Zone and failed to score points. There was also a fumble lost that was after the Patriots fooled everyone and came up with a surprise onside kick.

The Patriots were heavily favored to win, so them coming away with the win isn't the story. The story from this one is the injuries that happened during the game. Sebastian Vollmer left with a head injury and didn't return. Meaning he will probably be in the concussion protocol this week. His absence forced the already thin offensive line to get creative. With Michael William and last years center Bryan Stork taking turns at right guard. Duron Harmon also was injured late in the game making a tackle. He appeared to hurt his shoulder and will be worth monitoring.

But the big one came in the third quarter and sucked the life out of Gillette Stadium. Dynamic running back Dion Lewis went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. He walked off under his own power but was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game. If he is indeed out for the year, he will leave a huge hole that will need to be filled by Brandon Bolden or James White. After Lewis's injury Bolden did some good work with a long run and a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

With the win, the Patriots roll to 8-0 and have a comfortable lead in the division.

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