6 Reasons why the Patriots won in Week 15

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

6. Balanced play calling

The way the Patriots are going to win games in January is through an even keel approach on offense. It’s not good when Tom Brady throws the ball 57 times in one game, it’s just not. As evidenced by the balanced play calling against the Titans, the Patriots’ offense is pretty close to unstoppable when the ground game has success.

Joey Iosefa was a major story in Week 15, rattling off 51 yards on 14 carries. He’s as close to a LeGarrette Blount type of power back as the Patriots have on their roster, and that much was clear when he lowered the shoulder on Coty Sensabaugh yesterday:

In addition to Iosefa’s surprise performance, the Patriots enjoyed solid running out of Brandon Bolden (10 carries, 36 yards). If the Patriots can continue to have success on the ground between those two guys, they will be just fine. Running backs are as replaceable in the New England offense as light bulbs.

The threat of the run allowed Brady to enjoy space in the pocket when he stepped back to throw. He completed 23 of 35 passes for 267 yards and a pair of touchdowns, thanks in part to the balanced play calling and efficient ball carrying.

Next: 5. LaFell’s hands