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5 Takeaways From New England Patriots’ Week 12 Win

5 Takeaways From New England Patriots' Week 12 Win

Tim Wright
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It seems right now there isn’t a team in the NFL the Patriots can’t beat. The Pats put together another perfect (well, close enough) game, beating the Lions 34-9 at home. Here are five major takeaways from yet another Patriots’ dominating win.

5. Penalties Still A Problem

Tom Brady
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5. Penalties Still A Problem

Tom Brady
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While some of the calls this game were absolutely ridiculous (for instance, defensive holding and offensive pass interference called on the same play), the Patriots still need to limit their penalties. They had a few on third down, giving the Lions another set of downs, which will hurt the team against a good offense.

4. Offensive Line No Longer A Problem

Nate Solder
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4. Offensive Line No Longer A Problem

Nate Solder
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The Lions have one of the most powerful and, frankly, terrifying front four in the NFL. But the Patriots' offensive line was able to contain the Lion’s D-line all game long and prevented them from recording a single sack. They also opened up holes against the best run defense in football for Blount’s 12-carry, 78-yard, two-touchdown homecoming.

3. It’s Impossible to Game Plan Against Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick
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3. It’s Impossible to Game Plan Against Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick
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No one plays mind tricks better than Bill Belichick. After running the ball down the throats of the Colts on Sunday Night Football, the Patriots came out this game passing the ball all over the field. With all the emerging weapons surrounding Brady, opposing defenses are going to have a hard time game-planning against this offense.

2. This Secondary Is Terrifyingly Good

Darrelle Revis
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2. This Secondary Is Terrifyingly Good

Darrelle Revis
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Stafford did throw for 200-plus yards, but most of that was garbage time. The important stat: Calvin Johnson with four catches for 58 yards. Brandon Browner was terrific shutting down one of the best receivers in the NFL and the Patriots’ secondary played one of their best games today. Revis was also amazing with plenty of highlight plays and key breakups.

1. Patriots Are Super Bowl Favorites

Tom Brady
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1. Patriots Are Super Bowl Favorites

Tom Brady
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If they weren’t your favorites to win the Super Bowl, the Patriots better be your choice now. This is the fourth division leader the Patriots have beaten in dominant fashion. Tom Brady and the offense is rolling and the addition of LeGarrette Blount will make this offense even more unstoppable. And the Patriots' defense is playing at a whole other level right now. Brady’s getting his fourth this season.

Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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