Gostkowski Kicks 3 Second Half Field Goals As Pats Roll Past Titans

The New England Patriots scored just nine second half points on three Stephen Gostkowski field goals, but still rolled past the Tennessee Titans, winning 33-16 on Sunday afternoon. 

Here are some thoughts from the day's action:

MORE Injuries- Of course, the Patriots suffered more injuries in the game. First, Danny Amendola left the game towards the end of the first half with a knee injury. He had suffered a sprained knee a few weeks back and had missed one game due to the initial injury. He didn't return to action, which isn't a great sign. The Patriots also lost top linebacker Dont'a Hightower to a knee injury, during the game. It was Hightower's first game back since missing two games with a sprained MCL. His importance to the defense, especially the run defense, makes him a player that really is important to the team's success. The team also lost safety Patrick Chung to a hip injury late in the game. The thing is, none of these guys were really needed, especially in the second half, to beat this lowly Tennessee team.  Hopefully none of them will be out for extended time, but only time wil tell. Again, it's always tough to lose guys to injury, but it hurts a bit more when guys get banged up in meaningless games or late in games when they shouldn't even be on the field anymore. It was surprising a guy like Hightower, coming off of injury, was even playing in the game today. I'd say you've got to rest a guy this important until you play in important playoff games.

Solid Game From Brady- Tom Brady put together another solid game, although the offense had a quiet second half. On the day, Brady went 23 of 35 for 267 yards and two scores.

Welcome To The League- Running back/Fullback Joey Iosefa had a nice first professional game, as the big back carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards. The undrafted rookie, who was signed off the team's practice squad yesterday, played well filling in for injured running back LeGarrette Blount.

Sack Party- The Patriots defense game up two second half touchdowns, but played well overall on the day. The team sacked the two Tennessee quarterbacks five times over the game, including two sacks by defensive end Chandler Jones who is near the top of the league in that stat.

Malcolm GO!- Second year cornerback Malcolm Butler snagged his second interception of the season, late in the game. He also played good in coverage giving up just a couple of completions for 12 yards on the day. Linebacker Jamie Collins also joined Butler in the INT Club, as he had a pick late to help seal the victory.

All in all, the game went pretty much as expected. The Pats jumped out to a 21-point lead at the half, and played well enough in the second half to keep a sizable until the final whistle blew. The injuries are still a problem, but hopefully they are not major and Hightower, Chung and Amendola will be back on the field and healthy for the post season. If the Steelers knock off the Broncos today, the Pats will also lock up a first round bye and take a closer step to home field advantage in the conference.

Here are the games full stats.