The New England Patriots grinded out a 23-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers to maintain control of the number one seed in the AFC.
The Patriots started the game on the front foot as they ran the ball well with LeGarrette Blount to move to the goal line, but the Chargers were able to hold them to a field goal from Stephen Gostkowski.
San Diego were spurred on by the stand, and they took the lead in the match when Philip Rivers moved his side to the red zone and found Malcom Floyd for a 15-yard touchdown at the back of the endzone.
Mike McCoy's men extended their advantage when Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell fumbled the ball, allowing Darrell Stuckey to gather it cleanly and run it back for a 53-yard score.
However, New England fought back towards the end of the half as Gostkowski added another field goal from close range after a second drive stalled on the goal line.
The visitors did get into the endzone minutes later following a blocked punt from Brandon Bolden, as Tom Brady fired to Rob Gronkowski for a 14-yard touchdown. The score saw the 25-year-old become the first tight end in NFL history to record four seasons with 10 or more touchdown receptions.
New England had the chance to take the lead just before the break, but Brady threw a late interception in the red zone as he looked for Gronkowski again, Manti Te'o making the pick to keep his side ahead.
In the second half, the Patriots continued to struggled on offense as the Chargers defense held them to a three-and-out immediately after the restart, but Rivers couldn't take advantage as his drive also stalled.
The visitors thought they had scored a touchdown on defense when Devin McCourty picked off Rivers's pass after Ladarius Green had been hit by Brandon Browner, but the play was called back for a personal foul penalty.
However, they did get their interception when Akeem Ayers made the pick over the middle of the field on a pass intended for Antonio Gates.
New England moved ahead at the start of the fourth quarter when Brady found his rhythm to guide his side to the red zone, but they were held to a field goal which was converted by Gostkowski.
Bill Belichick's side made the play that won the game when Brady faked the handoff to Blount and drilled a pass over the middle for Julian Edelman. The receiver broke two tackles and sprinted into the endzone for a 69-yard touchdown.
Rivers was unable to match the score late in the game as the Patriots held out for their 10th win of the season.
Simon Sinclair
