FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Sharing some New England Patriots halftime thoughts as they lead the Detroit Lions, 24-6:
Allen's work can't be overlooked. Ryan Allen's 66-yard punt in the first quarter, in which he scooped up a low-rolling snap before blasting a high-arching punt, can't be overlooked in any analysis. That was one of the plays of the first half, coming as the Lions led 3-0 and were set up to have good field position with New England punting from its own 14. Instead, the Lions took over at their own 21, the Patriots' defense delivered a three-and-out, and New England scored on its next drive and never looked back.
Revis making his presence felt. How good is cornerback Darrelle Revis? He's mostly matched up against receiver Golden Tate (this has left Brandon Browner on Calvin Johnson) and there have been times when he's run the route before Tate. He had one notable pass breakup on third down early and also played big on one pass attempt in the end zone when he was matched up on Johnson. That has been a big part of the Patriots' defensive success, but Revis is far from the only player excelling in coverage (safety Patrick Chung, for one, has stood out). Kyle Brasseur of ESPNNBoston.com charted Revis across from Tate on 34 of 41 snaps.
Amendola contributes with kickoff return. With the signing of running back LeGarrette Blount, and the possibility that Blount could take over kick returning duties, Danny Amendola stated his case to keep the job with an 81-yard return in the second quarter. Outside of his 19-yard touchdown catch in the clutch to help beat the Jets on Oct. 19, that was arguably the biggest play Amendola has made for the Patriots this season. It set up a touchdown.
No snaps for Gray. First-year running back Jonas Gray, who was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after his 201-yard, four-touchdown performance last Sunday, hasn't played in the first half. This hasn't been a big power running approach for the Patriots, so Gray wasn't expected to play a lot. But it's still notable when looking at the snap breakdown for running backs: 31 for Shane Vereen six for Blount and zero for Gray.
Wright ringing up touchdowns. With the Patriots favoring a pass-first approach out of their 2-WR, 2-TE, 1-RB grouping -- and using Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright as the tight ends for the most part -- it has led to Wright being on the field for a season-high 27 snaps. He has two touchdown catches, giving him six on the season. That stacks up well on the NFL tight-end touchdown leaderboard: Julius Thomas (12), Gronkowski (9), Antonio Gates (9), Jimmy Graham (7), Dwayne Allen (7), Larry Donnell (6) and Wright (6).
Stealing three points at end of half. The Patriots put on a clinic in situational football at the end of the half, driving for a 35-yard field goal after getting the ball back with 35 seconds left at their own 43-yard line.
Patriots get ball to start second half. The Patriots get the ball to open the second half after deferring the choice when winning the opening toss.