The New England Patriots needed a win against the New Orleans Saints and earn one in decisive fashion. Tom Brady looked excellent, Rob Gronkowski was productive, and James White and Chris Hogan combined to replace Julian Edelman in the offense.
The defense also played fine. Drew Brees and the Saints moved the ball up and down the field and a decision to go for it on fourth down and a missed field goal took six points off the board and allowed the Patriots to add a field goal before the half.