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5 Takeaways From New England Patriots’ Week 6 Win

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By @petahrahgas

5 Takeaways From New England Patriots' Week 6 Win

New England Patriots
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The battle for the AFC East has finished, and the New England Patriots stand the victor. With a 37-22 shellacking of the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots take sole possession of the top spot in the AFC East with a 4-2 record. Tom Brady and the offense returned to its former glory and the defense held up their end. Here are five takeaways from the game.

5. Bryan Stork Is Key To Everything

Bryan Stork
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5. Bryan Stork Is Key To Everything

Bryan Stork
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Stork was declared inactive against the Bills with a concussion and the offensive line suffered because of it. The Patriots returned to the turnstile offensive line, subbing in guards and tackles at random, hoping to find the right five players. Stork is quickly becoming the anchor of this O-line and his presence was missed today.

4. This Secondary Needs Brandon Browner

Alfonzo Dennard
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4. This Secondary Needs Brandon Browner

Alfonzo Dennard
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Darrelle Revis was again Revis Island, shutting down Sammy Watkins for most of the game. However, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard struggled in coverage -- especially Dennard, who gave up a big fourth-and-2 completion. Browner will bring not only another corner to the rotation, but also a big, physical, no nonsense presence that the secondary has been missing so far this season.

3. Injuries Leave Big Questions Heading Forward

Jerod Mayo
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3. Injuries Leave Big Questions Heading Forward

Jerod Mayo
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Jerod Mayo, Dan Connolly and Stevan Ridley all went down with what seemed to be major injuries today. The Patriots don't have a good backup plan for Mayo or Ridley, so it’ll be interesting moving forward to see how the Pats address the situation. Maybe running back will be fine, but Pats will need to find another linebacker whether through trade or free agency.

2. Rob Ninkovich Is Underrated At Being Underrated

Rob Ninkovich
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2. Rob Ninkovich Is Underrated At Being Underrated

Rob Ninkovich
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Chandler Jones has been the focal point of the Patriots’ pass rush this season and rightfully so. He had a key sack fumble on Kyle Orton. But Ninkovich reminded the NFL that he is not only a strong pass rusher, but woefully underrated. He ended the game with three sacks and six total tackles.

1. Tom Brady Finally Has Some Deep Threats

Brian Tyms
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1. Tom Brady Finally Has Some Deep Threats

Brian Tyms
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Finally Brady has targets to throw to not named Julian Edelman, and they were on full display today. Brandon LaFell was easily the standout on the day, racking up 97 yards on four catches and two touchdowns. Brian Tyms also had a miraculous catch for a 43-yard touchdown and then did his best Randy Moss impression -- it looked good. Brady ended with 316 yards and four touchdowns.

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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