After an explosive start, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense petered off, but it was the defense that picked up the slack to remain undefeated with a 27-10 win over the Redskins.
New England wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on its opening drive. Coach Bill Belichick showed no mercy with a surprise onside kick after the team's opening touchdown that was executed perfectly by Stephen Gostkowski. The Patriots then drove down the field after the recovery to add another touchdown courtesy of running back LeGarrette Blount, the team's leading rusher with 129 yards on 29 carries, to give New England a 14-0 lead before the Redskins even touched the ball.
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Despite an interception by Brady and a lost fumble by wide receiver Julian Edelman, the Redskins' offense only managed a field goal with 13 seconds remaining in the first half. The Redskins’ 89 total yards were their fewest in a first half since Week 17 of the 2013 season in which they tallied 66 total yards against the Giants. Of those 89 yards, 75 came on Washington's final drive of the first half.
The Patriots' unusual offensive mistakes allowed the Redskins to keep what looked like a possible blowout closer than anticipated. Still, quarterback Kirk Cousins finished 22 for 40 for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Matt Jones lead the team in rushing with 27 yards on 11 carries.
The 8-0 Patriots will next visit the Giants as the Redskins head home to host the Saints.